Corrosion corner FL and similar please

[The AvgasDinosaur]

Learned contributors,
There are a wide selection of military nostalgia threads, based on air arms, aircraft types or geographical locations, within these fora however there is a distinct lack of similar ‘good old days’ type reminiscing of the civil days of 115/145 and similar. Any one care to share, please ?
Thanks in (eager) anticipation
David
Please don’t take the title to be exclusive or restrictive

[treadigraph]

NW corner of MIA in February 1984, multiple DC-4, DC-6, DC-7, DC-8, Electra, C-46, 707, Beech 18, Convairliner, Martinliner, etc, etc. Only one Connie, Clipper Dick in the fire compound, first of the very few I've seen. No Aeromar KC-97s,they came later. KOPF, KFLL, and others had their share of piston gems. Whetr was my camera? DId get a pic of an ex Kenyan Chippie I'd flown in at Nairobi Wilson...

[Quemerford]

I had an invite to view the C-97s of Agro Air (I still have their letter) but though I got to Miami to view Corrosion Corner (Cockroach Corner to many), I didn't get over to the C-97s - much to my eternal regret. I did however get up-close with a lot of C-54s, DC-6s and DC-7/7Cs as well as a few Convairs and C-46s. Also saw the legendary Clipper Dick before it went.

[The AvgasDinosaur]

I was quietly 🤞 hoping some of the participants might venture forth.

David

[tonytales]

While working for Eastern Air Lines in Miami I did get the opportunity to go down to Cockaroach Corner a few times. The Agro Air C-97 were very interesting. I asked how they managed to keep them flying with their R-4360 corncobs. Easy they said and then showed me a hangar filled with complrtr built-up QEC's If the engine gets troublesome, just change it.

Understand too that there were some CL=44's there too. The scrap rweckers cut the wing off the wrong one. Can't vouch for the veracity of that one.

I did do a repo on a DC10-40 operated by Jet 24. The aircraft had a failed engine and was grounded. They were on lease from Boeing who had accepted them from Northwest Airlines as trade-in for some Boeing product. Towed it down to my Contract Maintenence Service hangar near Le Juene Road. I posted a 24-hour guard as Boeing, who paid us for doing the repo and short time storage was afraid that the people behind Jet 24 might try aa midnight 2-engine ferry out. Such were the people and carriers operating from Southern Florida.

[treadigraph]

There was an Ecuadorian CL-44 there in '84 I think. Also a Hellcat which was a project for someone on the airfield - believe Kermit has it in his restoration queue now. Quite a few Electras also.

I was waiting for a Virgin flight one evening, in the early 90s I think, with a nice view over the airfield to the NE. To my great delight, one of the KC-97s taxied out and began to take off from 8L, the only time I've ever see one do so. (saw a couple of ANG examples overfly here in the mid-70s, magic!). Sadly the excellent glazing precluded hearing those magnificent R-4360s at full chat and in any case both outboard engines emitted huge gouts of white smoke not long after brakes off, the take off was abandoned and it taxied back to the ramp... Just remembered Agro Air had a nasty crash with one of them...

I've only ever seen two propliners arrive with a prop feathered - DC-7 and an Electra at Miami on the same day. The DC-7 did a sort of overhead join as I recall.

[Quemerford]

The CL-44 was HC-BHS of AECA Carga. Wish I'd had a digital camera!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x768/miami_canadair_cl_44d4_hc_bhs_14_aeca_carga_2__130c00dc3b04f c5533643268b66ceed20b4b46ad.jpg

[treadigraph]

I think it was in better nick than that when I was there in '84.

I see it had pranged there with a gear-collapse in early '82.

[SpringHeeledJack]

I spent a good bit of time in Miami during the early 90's and would regularly go by the Prop chop shop(s), but didn't have the foresight to have a camera with me. There were always interesting things to see, several times a day DC-6 and-7's heading in over Miami Beach, plus the ubiquitous Chalks seaplanes all the time plying their trade between Miami and the Bahamas. Opa Locka was also pretty interesting for those of a propellor bent. I recall the C-97's, but the rest of the C-54's DC-3's, 6's, 7's and various 'old' jets are just a blur.I f anyone has some more photos of Corrosion Corner please post them.

[JW411]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/792x523/hk1300r_dab6c0eed1e3fc5dc0aac1f2301765794fb01555.jpg
1981: DC-7B (front end only), C-46 & B-26.

[JW411]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/779x499/n1007c_95827dd69de1aaa280676a2c287b03ace4354921.jpg
Grumman Hellcat and L-1049 N1007C.

[JW411]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/784x523/b_25_108c5c19d8b6385c97a60804d9c6bbe2029e5944.jpg
L-1049, B-25 and DC-4.

[barry lloyd]

A few of mine from those days. They would make us park our immaculate 125 next to that junk - and I was absolutely delighted! :-)

https://i.postimg.cc/VsCSKDdM/Scan10053.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Wtsb3mmb)
https://i.postimg.cc/63GQ1p5w/Scan10055.jpg (https://postimg.cc/DJnFSFXY)
https://i.postimg.cc/VN01zHyW/Scan10114.jpg (https://postimg.cc/TyxB903K)
https://i.postimg.cc/4NvYgyvx/Scan10107.jpg (https://postimg.cc/4mdfvJFD)
https://i.postimg.cc/rpssx9BD/Scan10108.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3yM3H2Jh)

The next one is from Bogota - drug runners all of 'em - apparently!
https://i.postimg.cc/qqsv4D35/Scan10078.jpg (https://postimg.cc/K3Y25NQP)

[JW411]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/790x499/6dc6s_3109a0324f74d35bd574953b01d72d4fee106261.jpg
Half a dozen DC-6s.

[capngrog]

I think it was in better nick than that when I was there in '84.

I see it had pranged there with a gear-collapse in early '82.

As I recall, that was one of the CL-44s with the swing tail modification. Both mains either collapsed or never extended ... I don't remember which, but the nose landing gear remained extended for the roll (slide) out. I do, however, remember looking at the damage to the lower portion of the aft fuselage where the "mating rings" of the swing tail were located. The aircraft slid quite a distance on this area, and the "mating rings" were almost worn completely through. I guess the expense of that repair resulted in the scrapping of the aircraft.

I always liked the CL-44 and thought it was the best looking turboprop transport aircraft.

Cheers,
Grog

[Lordflasheart]

... and similar please ....

Is there anything worthwhile remaining at Greybull, Wyoming ?

Gurgle Erf is seriously out of date (2014 for me) for that NotW.

...

[treadigraph]

For looking at aerial views of Miami, Greybull or anywhere else in the US at various dates during the last 70 years, this site is excellent:

https://www.historicaerials.com/viewer

[The AvgasDinosaur]

Is there anything worthwhile remaining at Greybull, Wyoming ?

Gurgle Erf is seriously out of date (2014 for me) for that NotW.

...
I believe that since it’s establishment as Native American sacred ground everything has been moved out. BUT not all has been scrapped. Anyone able to confirm or deny my beliefs
David

[JW411]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/792x514/n40419_1965f8c3a55713d200fec17ae73560ae376833ee.jpg
Here are a few taken at Fort Lauderdale around 1981. Martin 4-0-4 N40419.

[JW411]

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/784x500/n90816_04020fd92164a8caa8a52b2594d1c1814cc8b9e8.jpg
L-049 N90816.

[JW411]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/797x542/n40436_c1377f8c1961b98ef8310321f61679a550ba66a6.jpg
Martin 4-0-4 N40436.

[JW411]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/796x517/n974r_32f0738467e408b9b9eb2446cd7fd2433e62db2e.jpg
L1649 N974R. (Now at Polk City).

[treadigraph]

Remember the two Connies and the A-26 being at FLL in '84, the 404 probably was too - must have seen about half the surviving Martinliners on that trip ! :}

[possel]

As I recall, that was one of the CL-44s with the swing tail modification.
The majority of CL-44s were CL-44D4s which built (not modified) with the swing tail. The only ones built without it were the 12 CC-106 Yukons for the RCAF. The all passenger CL-44Js for Loftleidir were converted CL-44D4s but I'm not sure on those if the mechanism was disabled, or whether the swing tail was removed entirely when they were stretched (which is I think more likely).

[DaveReidUK]

The all passenger CL-44Js for Loftleidir were converted CL-44D4s but I'm not sure on those if the mechanism was disabled, or whether the swing tail was removed entirely when they were stretched (which is I think more likely).

The CL-44J retained the tail hinge mechanism, allowing at least one of them to be reconfigured as a swing-tail freighter after it left the Loftleidir fleet.

[bafanguy]

I can remember seeing several CL44s over the years on the freight ramp in KGSO. If memory serves, they were with Bluebell Jeans Co. (or maybe a separate company) and flew fabric to Central America for jeans manufacture and product back to the US. Not sure what became of them but I THINK L-1011s appeared in KGSO when the CL44s disappeared ?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steelhead2010/6757072417




https://www.airliners.net/photo/Wrangler-Blue-Bell-Aviation/Canadair-CL-44D4-6/2235187

[Spooky 2]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/797x542/n40436_c1377f8c1961b98ef8310321f61679a550ba66a6.jpg
Martin 4-0-4 N40436.

Check out the On Mark A26 in the background. Awsome airplane for it's time.

[treadigraph]

I think Bluebell acquired several of the ex Tradewinds/Transmerridian CL-44s to supplement their original aircraft. Remember seeing it enroute to Europe many many years ago...

[JW411]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/787x503/n74303a_e2410b07cdfd963a81a32d1ee979323da5741bf1.jpg
And here are a couple of shots of DC-7Cs seen in the MIA Corner. This one was N74303.

[JW411]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/794x484/n16465a_a4b9a7df295b47056d0f690e128664bed1bf546e.jpg
This one is DC-7CF N16465. Three C-46s in the background.

[JW411]

I used to share the ramp with the Bluebell CL-44s at Borinquen (Puerto Rico) from time to time. They used to fly the various parts of jeans in from Greensboro N.C. which were then stitched together locally. The CL-44 needed a jet start unit and they had a wonderful contraption at Borinquen consisting of an old jet engine and various pipes and valves mounted on the back of a pick-up truck. I needed to use it one day to get my aircraft started (a DC-10) and I seriously doubted that it would work. It was magnificent!

[The AvgasDinosaur]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/794x484/n16465a_a4b9a7df295b47056d0f690e128664bed1bf546e.jpg
This one is DC-7CF N16465. Three C-46s in the background.
I think N16465 is a former BOAC aircraft.
David

[barry lloyd]

I believe you're right - ex G-AOIJ

[The AvgasDinosaur]

I think most of the BOAC ones went to Saturn as N9080x.
G-AOIE was the exception going to Schreiner in Holland and finished up in Ireland I believe at Wexford.
David

[treadigraph]

I recall there was an ex BOAC DC-7 at Miami in '84, wasn't that one though.

Great pics chaps, keep 'em coming. See if any of my few are around somewhere...

[DaveReidUK]

I think most of the BOAC ones went to Saturn as N9080x.
G-AOIE was the exception going to Schreiner in Holland and finished up in Ireland I believe at Wexford.

BOAC's final two DC-7Cs, G-AOII/J, went to SAS and Airlift International, respectively.

[Wunwing]

The late Stephen Piercy's book, Sky Truck has a photo of a Seagreen Air Transport DC7 at Miami which he said was ex BOAC..

The book was published in 1985.

Wunwing

[JW411]

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/790x522/n910va_1d0f7a8552af7af5ed974ff885fb55fdfadfa28b.jpg
Opa Locka was always worth a visit. This particular day they seemed to be having a Lockheed Twinfest.

[JW411]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x526/n88esa_7468aff3d92eae3b44a45daae8b352ce89ca9c9a.jpg

[JW411]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/781x552/n6711a_2be0c0d08bd2c62bc504fc205c71427874103ade.jpg

[treadigraph]

I certainly recall that amazing Howard 250 - apparently at Vacaville (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vacaville,+CA,+USA/@38.3762867,-121.9581982,62a,35y,324.42h,18.29t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x808517cf9f7df407:0xe4aac8df639b631 c!8m2!3d38.3565773!4d-121.9877444) now. I saw quite few Lockheed twins on that trip as I recall.

[tonytales]

Those old Bluebell//Wrangler and then Tradewind CL-44 were retired and returned to lessor when Tradewinds acquired the one-off L-1011-1 N311EA. With no takers they languished at GSO for some years unattended. When snbowstorms hit (rarely) the snow on the tail would cause them to tilt back on their tails.
Finally, a South African gentleman (I believe) appeared having acquired them. I was Direcor of Quality Control at Tradewinds then and he rented our hangar and some of our mechanics moolinghted for him. He was going to fly thise CL-44 away.
I positively informed our FAA FSDO that Tradewinds had no connection, part or any interest in the restoration of two of the aircraft aside from the hangar lease. I also, being on good terms with the Feds asked them if they had any interest in this restoration process.
They had none since the the gentleman in question (GIQ) was the authorized airworthiness poobah of some Central African country and had an ornate, well sealed paper to prove it. He had a colorful history of flying merceneraries around in Africa and I smelled some CIA influence in the whole matter although that may have been my imagiation.
Two CL-44's were cobbled together using years old spares that had been stored in the aircraft and picking the bones on a third. The first took off on a test hop and landed in Bermuda. Not bad for the first flight after some years of sitting. Second leg was across the pond. Second plane left later and also made it.
One of the mechanics had accompanied one of the flights and kept in touch with the GIQ. He received a message about the fate of one of the aircraft. Apparently the GIQ was flying it sans copilot with a number of gentlemen in back (it was a freighter remember), their armament status not indicated. An engine caught fire (Tradewinds had sufferred a Tyne fire some years before). He lost control but, after some violent maneuvers he regained it just in time to plough into a clearing. All escaped. Not many aircraft have suchj an interesting career.

[Jhieminga]

A small corrosion corner at Sebastian, FL in 2002:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50312266233_125387de96_c.jpg
IM001593_resize by Jelle Hieminga (https://www.flickr.com/photos/102686263@N02/), on Flickr
Marked as N136L.

[JW411]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/795x518/chalks_terminal_1b806c784ad270a925c31d579a8311a3bd1344cb.jpg
Watson Island was the home of Chalks and always worth a visit on a MIA stop-over.

[JW411]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/796x532/chalks_arrival_f425fee58f504fc5b3c4ab40d542098df5331336.jpg

[JW411]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/799x533/n2974_36a4aa638b79ccb1c1d584cdabba9719b24d771f.jpg

[JW411]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/799x525/chalks_yard_801cae9fb28553b2d752d21f06b45d50eb8574b6.jpg
They even had their own Corrosion Corner.

[JW411]

I've found a few more from MIA.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/806x537/challenge_2_0e7e180ec1c4501af674f139c61728488812fae2.jpg
Challenge Air Cargo ramp with two DC-6s, two Convairs and one of Jean Rich's C-46s flying past on take-off.

[JW411]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/801x513/challenge_dc_6_665da52abe91c2f7823f985475b39637c407229d.jpg

[JW411]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/778x514/gt_baker_school_0291d6c7afd59f4de157420f761bc3b2eab421d4.jpg
George T Baker aviation school.

[JW411]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/769x514/gtb_2_b_57_6ea19039af87e16bac4d4c7f13a080438ce850c3.jpg
Early model Martin B-57.

[treadigraph]

If I recall alright, the B-57 had been used by NOAA or whoever it was that had a couple of civvy weather research P-3s at Miami. There was also a civvy A-4 at George T Baker in '84.
Great pics! I'll have to clear my loft out soon (new roof :{) so will go through pics stored up there and see if I have anything...

[The AvgasDinosaur]

If I recall alright, the B-57 had been used by NOAA or whoever it was that had a couple of civvy weather research P-3s at Miami. There was also a civvy A-4 at George T Baker in '84.
Great pics! I'll have to clear my loft out soon (new roof :{) so will go through pics stored up there and see if I have anything...
my breath suitably bated and fingers tightly crossed, Sir

[treadigraph]

Found my log books... cough! Bloody dust...

[safetypee]

Bone yard; How many different types?
Copy and paste all of the following line, then search G__gle Maps in sat view:-
9QX8+89 Hangtianzhen, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu, China

Also look here;-
8MGXCR83+4H
But not due for the scrap heap just yet ?

[JW411]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/782x504/belize_harpoon_fc44fc444b2214d4250013a148fd014181ba05e8.jpg
Found another one. Lockheed Harpoon N6647D taken at Belize in 1975 when I was on the Belfast. It was originally a drug-runner which later got seriously modified by a hurricane. We were on our way to inspect it when we were told it was full of snakes!

[WHBM]

I first did a serious trip around Florida in 1991. Miami still had the C-97s though I didn't see them move, and every few hours there would be at least a DC-6 or piston Convair movement. Opa Locka had an immaculate DC-7, along with substantial numbers of 727s from bankrupted carriers. Kermit weeks museum was still down at Homestead, there was a nicely restored and immaculate C-46 there, which only some months later was reduced to beer cans when Hurricane Andrew came through - Weeks' museum moved to central Florida after that. It was all at the end of some fascinating final operations, some were apparently professional, others run by real cowboys.

A Boeing C-97, registered in Dominican Republic but operated out of Miami, crashed in 1987 on a cargo flight departing Mexico for the US, with serious loss of life on the ground. A Boeing spokesman said they had "no idea such antiquated aircraft were still operating". This seemed extraordinary for their actual manufacturer, when they regularly appeared in various magazines, and enthusiasts from Europe and elsewhere were to be seen at Miami every day, a major airport in their country of manufacture, specifically photographing them.

Those old Bluebell//Wrangler and then Tradewinds CL-44 ... One of the mechanics had accompanied one of the flights and kept in touch with the GIQ. He received a message about the fate of one of the aircraft. There's quite a bit about these aircraft's subsequent exploits in Africa here http://www.ruudleeuw.com/search127.htm . They apparently got around a bit, were seen in Johannesburg, Lisbon and Sharjah, among others. One was still derelict at Brazzaville only some 10 years ago, but isn't on Google Earth now.

Slightly confusing is there were two Tradewinds operators of the big Canadair, yours in the USA and a completely different (unless you say otherwise) substantial all-cargo operator from London Gatwick to Africa and Asia all through the 1970s.

[Quemerford]

A few more from 1987:

C-46 HI-171: later unintentionally dropped during a heli lift.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x579/miami_c_46_hi_171_1__b0d8edf22b35f675613bcb861708d13fe1eb588 d.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x489/miami_c_118a_hi_292_44594_dominicana_3__e4bccba08ca39d607594 ed8d2b5f54f9ee3736f3.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x549/miami_dc_6a_n870ta_45518_trans_air_link_6352af88d80bbfd27be2 1c1102dc5d9924798588.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x596/z1_5944bd81574e107d91ca7ddfef13f430fad5c2e7.jpg

[bafanguy]

I guess this is a bit of a corrosion corner story but maybe it'll have a successful conclusion:

https://leehamnews.com/2020/09/21/pontifications-last-production-dc-6-destined-to-usa/

[T J Johansen]

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/792x523/hk1300r_dab6c0eed1e3fc5dc0aac1f2301765794fb01555.jpg
1981: DC-7B (front end only), C-46 & B-26.

Would this have been from Conner's yard?

T J

[JW411]

Sorry, I can't remember. The DC-7 was registered HK-1300 if that is of any help.

[T J Johansen]

It most certainly is. HK-1300 was stored in "Gus" Conner's junk yard. The A-26 is very likely the former N9424Z which is said to have been stored at MIA for several years. Does anyone know when these planes were scrapped?

The unpainted B-25 is N87Z which was destroyed during a drug run around 1982/ 83. It had previously been flying in a discreet olive drab color scheme with the only identifying mark being a minute N# painted on the tail bumper.

The On-Mark Marketeer was N4050A, most famous for its role in the movie Badlands, which also featured Martin Sheen. It spent some time with Hill Air Co. at FLL before being taken to California where it was combined with another wreck for static display on a USAF base.

T J

[treadigraph]

I don't recall either HK-1300 or an Invader at Miami in February '84.

[barry lloyd]

https://aviation-safety.net/photo/1645/Douglas-DC-7BF-HK-1300

[WHBM]

It most certainly is. HK-1300 was stored in "Gus" Conner's junk yard. The A-26 is very likely the former N9424Z which is said to have been stored at MIA for several years. Does anyone know when these planes were scrapped?
HK-1300, onetime DC-7B N335AA with American, worked down through US supplemental operators, spent some time on the Biafra run with a Swedish humanitarian organisation, at Miami from 1970 with a range of Bermudan, US and Colombian registrations, had a ground fire in 1973 and started to be broken up but seems to have taken years to do so, big pieces still around Miami by the late 1970s. Possibly by the clean cuts seen in the photo sections were grafted onto other aircraft.

N9424Z not to be confused with fellow A-26 N9425Z, which starred in the Spielberg movie "Always".

[T J Johansen]

I've just been googling for any report/ log of the various companies operating out of MIA, and am now a little confused. This 1980 report by Graham Robson argues that the Conner compound was west of the railroad tracks and 68th St., meaning it was outside the airport perimeter. See report 3/4 down the page:
THE FIRST TIME - 40 YEARS AGO (http://www.proplinerinfoexchange.com/the_first_time-40yrs_ago_part2.htm)

When I go to historicaerials.com and look at their 1980 aerial of MIA I can't find a single airframe west of 67th St. So does anyone know exactly where the Conner compound was located? Another report claims it was next to Southern Air Transport on the inside of the airport. See report 3/4 down the page:
Maimi's Corrosion Corner (http://www.michaelprophet.com/MiamiCC.html)

T J

[treadigraph]

If you look at the 1980 Historic Aerials view of Miami around where the junction of NW22nd St and NW68th Ave is now (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@25.7935531,-80.3075577,339m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en) - where there is now what appears to be a ramp up onto a roof top car park for the western most cargo sheds - you can see what I think is the compound with 5 C-46s aligned E/W and the DC-7 aligned N/S between them. Can't link to the map and screenshotting invokes a copyright warning....

I'm sure all that area had been/was being redeveloped by the time I visited in early '84 and the threshold of 09R extended westwards to where it is now. The friend I was travelling with mentioned the compound which he recalled on a previous visit around 1979. I think we did look for it but he was pretty sure it had been flattened.

Ah, the Miami Airways Hotel - remember staying there on a later visit!

[WHBM]

The area which became the cargo terminal area, west of the diagonal runway, used to be before the 1960s-70s warehousing for the Florida fruit industry. The branch railway line which passes to the west of the airport seems to have had multiple reroutings as time has passed and it has been pushed further away from the airport, but it used to have sidings curving right into this area between the warehouses that the fruit trains shunted into. The writer could have been referring to any of these. When I went in 1991 a cargo train actually came along and made the huge bend around the end of 09R that was installed when the runway was extended.

There used to be a pilots' shop in the corner of a large office block just south of the 09R threshhold, on the stub of 72St. I went there in I think 1996 and still have a range of books from there. Nonchalently went back 10 years later and it was just grass, all buildings completely cleared away, like a moment from a Hollywood B movie. Having made a notable diversion in our journey specifically to go there and waxed eloquently about how good it was and worth the trip, Mrs WHBM :) (not on the horizon in 1996) was not too impressed.

[JW411]

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/767x504/aeronorte_ee50b60f902341a9a57712740b337b7ffd2ee919.jpg
Here is another view.