Customer Reviews

Douglas DC-6 and DC-7 - Airliner Tech Vol. 4

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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Harry Gann, who recently died, left the aviation community with a solid body of work. This book, in typical Gann fashion, punches through the veneer of the Tech series of books.

On the surface, the series as a whole, promises much. In reality, they are at best inconsistant in presentation and information.

In this book, Gann's genius is visible beneath the framework.

Of the 8 books of this series which I own, this is the most comprehensive and direct presentation of the subject aircraft. Unlike others of the series, this book focuses on the topic at hand. The diversions into the minutia and one-offs are focussed and appropriate. If you want to know the history of the DC6 and DC7, you can't find a better starting point than this book.

The point of this particular volumn is that it is hard to hold a good writer down. The documentation of aviation history suffered a great loss with Gann's passing.

Presented in a single volume are the histories and technical specifications of the DC-6 and DC-7. Starting with an overview of earlier Douglas transports, Mr. Gann describes the design and the various DC-6 variants, including air freighters and military transports (C-118). The author then covers the various versions of the DC-7. Finally, Mr. Gann describes unusual uses of these aircraft (e.g., fire-fighting and pylon racing) and covers the accidents the types experienced. There is also a short chapter on the influences brought about by Douglas's competition with Lockheed (with its Constellation series). A detailed reference section covers production and delivery data, selling prices, records, and construction diagrams.

The section on the DC-6 includes a shot of flight deck and several interior pictures, but these are lacking in the chapter on the DC-7. In this respect, this book is less detailed than the volume on the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser in the same series.

Harry Gann, a noted aviation authority, presents a highly readable and enjoyable text. If, like me, you like classic propliners, this book is bound to please.

What a great history of the historic Douglas DC-6 and DC-7 series with many details
and great photos including a surprising one of one of America's most famous movie star.
A treasure chest for aviation enthusiasts.

Very well done. Great photo selection and reproduction. Clear consise text. Excellent coverage from inception to later life. This would be a 5 star if printed on coated paper and if it had some color.