DC-6 in the weeds facts

nighthawkair · **Posted:** Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:59 am

So also,

I believe N578AS was the last Navy bird to do the North Atlantic Crossings form the US to bases in Spain 1985. When I acquired it in 1994, it still had all of the seats in it, and a full Galley, I am not talking about a regular airline galley, as it had a full kitchen, with a regular 4 burner electric stove and oven. I guess the troops ate well on those 14 hour flights, and the cook, stewards, and Stewardesses, had the last experience of an era. I still find it hard to believe that the Navy was still using them into the mid 80's, but I remeber when I ws in the USMC, seeing them at NAS Norfolk as late as 1984 recieving heavy checks. At the time I thought the seen to be amazing, and little did I know, that ten years later I would own that exact bird.

Jim

P.S.

Also when I figure out how to do it I will post the video of the landin in the

wheat field, then taxiing onto the Zuehl Airfield.

maxum96 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:11 pm

nighthawkair wrote:

P.S.

Also when I figure out how to do it I will post the video of the landin in the

wheat field, then taxiing onto the Zuehl Airfield.

Youtube.com

Then just post the link here.

Shay · **Posted:** Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:20 pm

Jim

No I don't have pictures, but I'll be sure to keep my easy pealed. I'm sure someone out there has pictures of her from that time period.

Speaking of NAS Norfolk.

When I saw the Tail-Code of "JT", the 1st thing I thought was I had seen that tail code when I was stationed at Norfolk in the late 90's. But after looking it up is turns out the squadron at Chambers Field is the VR-56 Globemasters with the tail code of "JU"

As you said 533279 was last at NAS Willow Grove with the VR-52 Taskmasters "JT" Which recieved the "Battle E" award in 1976.

Alot of times, when working swings or 3rds on warm summer nights, I used to sit outside of LP-1 (Control Tower building), smoke a cigarette and wondered about all the old aircraft that must have graced the ramp and hangars.

Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis

C118FE · **Posted:** Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:20 am

Shay wrote:

This looks more like it...same bird?

1983

http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=2756
This a/c came to Wilgro around 11 Aug 76 just before or after I retired from the Navy and VR 52.(I was on 90 days "open gangway"at the time) I understood there was something new in the wind on keeping an AF serial number or part of it when coming over from them in a transfer.I also believe this a/c was transferred to VR 52 Unit 2 at NAF Detroit because by '79 Wilgro had all C-9's and Detroit flew C118's into the '80's.
What is the construction number? 43681? If.so it is Buno 131578.
Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

Rogue · **Posted:** Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:41 am

nighthawkair wrote:

P.S.

Also when I figure out how to do it I will post the video of the landin in the

wheat field, then taxiing onto the Zuehl Airfield.

I'd also like to see this! :twisted:

Canso42 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:27 pm

Cool pix and an interesting history guys. Sorry I didn't get a photo of it from directly overhead when I saw it last Nov. and started asking about it.
Hang in there Nighthawkair. I don't like neighborhood assoc.s either ever since a friend had to lose his Beemer bike since the local goons thought it uncouth.

Canso42

C118FE · **Posted:** Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:13 am

nighthawkair wrote:

So,

Trying to keep up with the questions, as this is the first time I ever responded to a thread, that is new terminology for me, thanks skippy cage, for your remark, I would have continued with DC-6 in the weeds had I known better.

DB2, of couse it will fly again, after sitting for six years, and having on flown only 4 times in 18 years, the first test flight was a success with only a rigging problem, and the second test flight, the plane flew like it came from the factory, the next morning, it was fueled up, and went nonstop to Texas, without one gig.

shays picts, It was givin to the USN in 1976, the USN used it until 1984, with an overhaul in 1982 at NAS Alemeda. I am partial to USN auircraft, as I was an airwinger in the USMC, so all of my aircraft are USN, except a couple, and all of them were built in 1954, 2 T-28B's, 1 T-28C, 1 S2F-2, 1 JRB, 1 Super Cub(1954 Dutch AF, PH KNU) 1943 L-4, I have pans to make a USN/USMC flying airmuseum/ club, however due to the fact that the DC-6/C-118 first Duty was at Randolph in 1954, it is back home, as Zuehl used to be Randolph aux feild. The DC-6/C-118 was used by the USAF from 1954-1966, then it was used by????, until 1976, then it was used by the USN until 1984. The last base was NAS Willow Grove, PA. 1984

I really am open as to what scheme to put on it, I was really thinking of a clasic civilian scheme frommthe past, as there are plenty of stars and bars out there, so.... whatever.

Jim

After opening mouth and inserting foot,I stand corrected! I spoke to a Flite Engineer that was still flying in '84 and he said his log book shows he flew in it 12/28/84.The last C118 flight he took and then transitioned to C-9's.Now I can go back in the corner and stay there.

nighthawkair · **Posted:** Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:32 am

Shay,

It is factory S/N 44650, so the actual A.F. and USN Number is 53 3279, registration number N578AS

Jim

groundloopguru · **Joined:** Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:48 am **Posts:** 1

I live in the area.....(Seguin) any chance fo meeting and taking some photos of the ship?

nighthawkair · **Posted:** Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:18 pm

Certainly,

Except I am out of town for some time, as the idiots put a fence around my place, and until that is resolved, I will stay away,
however you have my permission to enter my property, and take photos, hopefully we will have a court ordered arbitration, soon, to settle the dispute once and for all.

So you live in Seguin? Do you have an aircraft, what is your connection to aviation, do want to get involved with the heavy metal?

Jim

jwc50 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:25 pm

I wish you the best with this beauty. If it can be restored for the air show circuit, my recommendation would be classic USAF late 50s/early 60s Military Air Transport Service (MATS) Markings with Aluminum finish, white top and orange day-glo.

That would a real standout and realistic for a USAF C-118A of that era.

bluehawk15 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:20 pm

Just wondering, what's the hourly operating cost of a DC-6/C-118? Not just the fuel burn per hour (which I'd be interested in knowing as well), but the total cost to include oil usage and engine replacement hourly rate.

nighthawkair · **Posted:** Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:38 pm

So,

Fuel is about 1200dollars an hour, oil burn is about 6 gallons an hour

Engine lay up, at ~~ dollars per engine to include some component cost, approx 1200 dollars an hour, plus insurance,

@ about 20,000 per month if you are operating, so it is expensive. Then you have crew, and maintenance expenses, and as well other unforeseen expenses, such as the frivolous lawsuits that are ever present in Texas.

No matter how you slice it. Insurance has killed just about all of the WW2 type operations, unless you have have some sort of waiver, and operate continuously,

So figure it out, approx 40 seats, can it be done?

JIM

ZRX61 · **Joined:** Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:16 am **Posts:** 2308

well it can be done... but making any money is another matter entirely

What are the guys with the Eastern Airlines DC doing with theirs?

C118FE · **Posted:** Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:02 pm

jwc50 wrote:

I wish you the best with this beauty. If it can be restored for the air show circuit, my recommendation would be classic USAF late 50s/early 60s Military Air Transport Service (MATS) Markings with Aluminum finish, white top and orange day-glo.

That would a real standout and realistic for a USAF C-118A of that era.

Never saw a C118 in dayglo.Seen a few C54's with it.

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