Warmtoast,
I think it is more likely that the mechanic is checking the oil level in the # 1 engine. To refuel, the caps would normally be in the highest point of each tank in the top surface of the wing. If you were doing this in very hot weather you felt like a burger as the wings top surface would be very hot in the sun. If it was raining your biggest worry was slipping on the wet top surface of the wing as it was a long way to the ground especially on the wings outer tanks. Under wing refuelling was much more safer
Now the C-124 might have been the first to have a turbine APU butthe Super Connie also had a turbine APU whereas the ordinary [749] Connie had a piston engine APU, which could though supply aircraft electrics and engine start at same time, but it is true that aircraft electric demand was a lot less then, than on modern aircraft.
What is really attractive about modern APU,s is the amount of air they can produce for both engine starts [some aircraft] and airconditioning
Last edited by Brit312; 31st May 2012 at 12:07.