Guv, Boingboy,
The 757 is doing great work for many freight carriers that can afford them, and are built very well. To answer the original post, I've heard that the DC-10 is almost "the perfect freighter" because the third engine allows it the power to max out the cargo load and still carry all the gas it needs. Also with the third engine ETOPS routings and restrictions are moot. I was told as a pax airliner you could load it up with full tanks and full pax, and it would still have excess weight carrying capability, by flying it as a pure freighter you can load it up to max take-off weight and optimize the economics. The 727 is bullet-proof rock solid...the ones that I fly never break!!!period, pretty impressive, I have had only one mechanical in 7 years, and I have regularly flown to rescue Brand New A-300's!!Twice last week. Any DC-10 pilots care to comment on my explanation?