Travel Air Type R 'Mystery Ship' by debbielove
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Description
Hi,
So, why 'Mystery Ship'? Built at Wichita, Kansas in total secrecy, no-one saw it until it was unveiled. Thus the name.
Much to shock and worry of both Navy and Army chiefs it soundly beat their fasted aircraft by flying at 194mph!!
It won the 50 Thomson Cup Pylon Race.
1929 Cleveland National at Ohio. (beating all military aircraft in the event).
It was at the time, the most advanced aircraft out.
Sadly only one is at present left (in Chicago Science Museum). One is being restored here in the U.K. Ans this is a replica, but has some original parts.
It has NO flaps and apparently needs allot of runway and 100mph approach!
Bill, looks the one in Chicago museum doesn't it?
Rob
Comments (8)
Awesome shot! You should do an Aviation photo book. Interesting story too, thanks for the info. It's definitely more fun, to watch those airplanes in their context. :-)
A beauty, and it does look like the original at the Museum of Science and Industry. Great shot, Rob
These throw me a bit. In my mind the "mystery ship" was a biplane drawn in chalk on a hangar floor. These air racers were all little plastic models in boxes about the size of a post card and about 1/2 inch thick. No pins on seams and care was required to make a wing top and bottom joint. Geared or direct prop drive? Moving on from V-12's even as the float planes kept them.
Shades of the Gee Bee models back in the pylon days, or even the Boeing Peashooter.
What a beauty mate. I like those colours too.
wonderful
she's a beauty for sure. Great find and history
Beautiful Shot,