Let's turn a C97 into a B377 Stratocuiser

[b377]

I am rethreading this topic as its probably as much a Tech theme as it is Nostalgia.

Since no one was kind enough to think of future generations not a single civilian b377 was preserved. This is crime to history in my books.

Has the idea of converting a C97 to passenger spec occured to anyone before? Are there intrinsic differences that would make it difficult to convert a C97?

Seats, cabin and bar the lot, in one of its operating schemes, Pan AM , NW, United or BOAC. Nice if it would fly too.

Lets do it !

[DC-ATE]

Good idea. Except.....$$$

While not a C-97, here's an idea.:8

Meet the "Cosmic Muffin" (http://www.planeboats.com/)

[Spooky 2]

It would be a fun project. Just a few of the obvious issues regarding complete accuracy.

The C97 had a lower lobe door on the fwd left side where as the B377 had a smaller lower lobe door on the right fwd side. The there are those pesky cargo doors at the aft lower sataion and the again at the fwd left side. The cockpit layout on the C97 was significantly different than the civil B377.

Just for starters.:}

[b377]

Good idea. Except.....$$$



Let's get Boeing to help fund it - would be a feather in their cap wouldn't it?

Any rich sponsors out there?

Any spare C97s going?

I see there would be quite a few windows to fit in this one ..

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/9/7/1485794.jpg

[yowieII]

Didnt I see somewhere very recently some guy with a house boat resembling a 37?:confused:

[DC-ATE]

Check my Post #2 above.

[b377]

Meet the "Cosmic Muffin" (http://www.planeboats.com/)

DC-ocho

that link takes me to planeboats but no muffins anywhere... sublink missing?

[DC-ATE]

Hmmmm.....I just clicked on the link in your post and it took me right there. It's a video.

Try this if you can't get that to work.

About the "Cosmic Muffin" (http://www.planeboats.com/Other%20Pages/Plane%20Boat%20Information/meet.html)

[b377]

Thanks DC-ATE that one worked . I'll watch it at home tonight.:ok:

[wileydog3]

More years than I wish to think about but there used to be two C-97s in MIA. Both with dark blue tails. The owner tried to get them listed as Stratocruisers but the FAA said the airplanes differed from the certified pax birds and there was essentially no way in hell they were going to sign them off to fly pax.

I heard that later on, the birds were registered in Central America and were used to haul freight. The story was that coming out of Mexico City with a bunch of horses in the back, one or two engines failed. They were near gross so it was evident they were not going to remain flying machines. The old -97 went in with most of the horses and one or two of the crew not making it.

But the FAA seems to be a bit funny about old warbirds carrying pax.. even if it is a good old machine like the -97.

[b377]

Wonder what the Israeles did with the large fleet of ex-airline Strats they got on the cheep?

Is an unairworthy, museum grade exhibit all that can be done?

Even that would be better than nothing ...

BTW , are the C97 engines used to this day true Wasp Mayors as used in the B377? The props on C97s in desert cemeteries look different though.

[SNS3Guppy]

We had 10 C-97's, one of which we operated and the others were for spares. It was retired five years ago.

As wonderful an old airplane as it was, the R4360's were forever troublesome, it was slow, and as older airplanes go, the C97 was very complex. It was complex both from a maintenance standpoint, and from an operators standpoint...and most definitely from a flight engineer's standpoint.

We picked up a C97 at Moses Lake for the Berlin Airlift Foundation, and restored it to flying condition. It's presently being operated as a flying cold war exhibit.

I'd much rather see a C97 restored to be a C97, than something it wasn't.

[b377]

SNS3GuppyWe had 10 C-97's, one of which we operated and the others were for spares

With a name like guppy you are brave to appear in this thread for danger of getting well and truely lynched by 377 lovers ! .. ;)

However it would be a double blow if a C97 isn't preserved even as a C97.


Looks like E Gann was right,

" ... the passing aviation world was much too busy with jets and a multitude of new electronic devices to care about those fallen queens, who in their heyday had never enjoyed quite the total trust of airmen. It was as if man predictions had come true and harlots were never destined to become grand ladies no matter in what guise they first appeared at the ball ... "

From Lady with a Past

[shazzmo]

Regarding the troublesome engines:

An Israeli pilot who used to fly Stratocruisers once commented to me that it was the best 3 engine airplane ever built. :-)

[barit1]

I recall reading a contemporary article at the time both 377's and C-97's (B367) were produced - Boeing was irritated that USAF and the airlines couldn't agree on a more common spec to reduce costs and production time.