Douglas DC-3: The Survivors [Paperback]

Kengo Yamamoto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 21, 2000

This colorful illustrated guide highlights the many remaining Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Aircraft are identified and wherever possible a history of the aircraft is supplied. Brief details of museums, facilities, model factory codes, and historical importance are given for each airplane. Photographed in a variety of museums, airfields and during the restoration process.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Crowood/Airlife Publishing Ltd (July 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840371528
• ISBN-13: 978-1840371529
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,880,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Tribute to the Immortal DC-3, September 21, 2008

By 

Daniel L. Berek (Flanders, NJ, United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Douglas DC-3: The Survivors (Paperback)

Before I saw what it was, I heard the distinctive rumble of a pair of Wright Cyclone R-1820 radials. Sure enough, they belonged to a 60-year-old DC-3, soaring majestically over its earthbound admirer. OK, I admit I have a special place in my heart for the DC-3, which has always held a place of honor among my pantheon of favorite aircraft. So I may be biased, holding anything to do with this wonderful plane. In fact, that same bias makes me ever discriminating about what is worthy of representing this aviation classic.

I purchased this book sight unseen, not sure what to expect. After all, unlike Arthur Pearcey (author of the important two-volume work of the same name), I had never heard of Kengo Yamamato; I could not even find another English-language title by the author. From the moment I opened the book, any doubts were put to rest. The photographs are breathtaking - all beautifully composed and of very high quality. Let it be known, moreover, that this is no mere coffee-table book. Each picture is accompanied by a description of the aircraft itself, whenever possible with its history. The photographs show the plane on the ground, in the air, and taxiing, along with depictions of examples under restoration and aircraft that look like utter basket cases but may well fly again.

The book begins with examples of the DC-3's progenitor, the DC-2. (The one and only DC-1 crashed early in its career.) This section is followed by the next chapter, "Old Airliners," active and static restorations in original airline schemes. The DC-3 earned further fame during World War II as the Gooney, Dakota, and Skytrain, and a wealth of museum pieces and warbirds on the airshow circuit are represented in the third chapter. As more modern aircraft took over the DC-3's role on main passenger routes, the aircraft continued to earn its keep as a cargo carrier all over the world, as depicted in the fourth chapter. Included here are examples of the DC-3S (Super DC-3, or C-117) and the Basler BT-67 turboprop conversion. Chapter 5, "Special Operations," portrays the DC-3 ably performing tasks never imagined by its designers in 1935. "Display" shows even more unusual roles awarded to the DC-3, ranging from a restaurant in London to a children's playground in Taupo, New Zealand, not to mention a recreation vehicle in the USA. No, the last one is not a misprint.

Does this book portray every survivor? No - in fact, I know of several examples in the eastern US that are not mentioned. As for cargo operations, the book could have been stronger in portraying planes plying their trade in South America, particularly Colombia. Then, again, I have pictures of these aircraft in other fine books; on the other hand, this book offers examples with which I am unfamiliar. This book has exceeded my expectations, and I am happy to recommend it highly.