NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/10
Page Numbers: 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 122, 123, 124
NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/10
Page Numbers: 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 122, 123, 124
NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/10
Page Numbers: 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 122, 123, 124
NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/10
Page Numbers: 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 122, 123, 124
NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/10
Page Numbers: 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 122, 123, 124
NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/10
Page Numbers: 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 122, 123, 124
NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/10
Page Numbers: 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 122, 123, 124
NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/10
Page Numbers: 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 122, 123, 124
NO OCR TEXT Cal Charles Lindbergh climbs cockpit NC ilY flight Baltimore 1933 time Lindy serving technical advisor TWA THE galaxy Smithsonian Institutions National Air Space Museum contains con stellation has designated Gallery Air Transportation suspended midflight brightest stars NASMs collection Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A Resplendently displayed original Transcontinental Western Air Inc color scheme 1932-35 era Alpha brainchild John K Northrop aero nautical designs very advanced period aviation During 1918 Northrop associated Loughead Aircraft Co Santa Barbara CA one-of-a-kind Loughead Model 5-1 sport-biplane constructed Jack Northrops innovations applied S-l due poor business situation Loughead closed company doors 1921 1923 Jack Northrop found himself Douglas Aircraft Co assisting design famous World Cruiser aircraft 1926 professed self-made engineer would return newly-formed Lockheed Aircraft Co revolutionized industry design ing highly successful all-wood-constructed Vega series aircraft Still wishing experiment new multi-cellular structure theory all-metal aircraft plus interest flying wing concept Northrop would leave Lockheed 1928 form own Avion Corp During 1929 William E Boeing founder known United Aircraft Transportation Boeing Company serving Chairman Corp UA&T Corp controlled United Air Lines Board large aviation congiomerate Hamilton-Standard Propellers Pratt& Whitney Engines plus Boeing Hamilton Sikorsky Stear man Vought Aircraft Companies 1934 federal governments trust-busting suit would end monopoly Although Avion Corp solvent finances Northrops creativeness lacking times Boeing being directly interested Northrops aeronautical capabilities Avion Corp absorbed UA&T Corp Northrop Aircraft Corp emerged Division UA&T United Airport Burbank CA during fall 1929 aviation industry great need light commercial type transport John K Northrop met challenge Alpha throttle Pratt & Whitney 420-hp Wasp R-1 340-C engine firewalled prototype Alpha Model 2 bearing registration Number X 2W would free itself United Airports earthly confines May 1930 After exhaustive testing Alpha would receive its Approved Type Certificate Number 381 November 22 1930 X-2W perhaps conventional aerodynamic standpoint structurally proved Northrop genius applying new principles construction airplane buildin& modern concepts endowed Alpha such first application ALCOA AlcIad aluminum provided corrosion protection stressed skin construction method fabrication wing tail surfaces cellular box spars provided unusual torsional stiffness metal monocoque fuselage comprised ALCOA Alciad skin integrally formed longitudinal stiffeners ring-shaped bulkheads channel cross section production getting under way Burbank early 1931 Alpha carried fly-away factory price $21500 offered airline industry two different models Model 2 would seat six passengers Model 3 designed provide mail cargo area plus seating three passengers Recognizing Alphas economy mainte October 1980 57 Alpha Models 2 3 powered de NASMs Alpha 4A started career 1930 Alpha Model 2 shown delivered Col pendable Prattand Whitney42o-hpWaspengines Clarence Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics Story charts owners top firewall 13-gal oil tank THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR iHE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE RENDERED ON THE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A PROJECT ALCOA CATHY SNOUGRASS PUBLIC RELATIONS DUANE WYKOFF PABLIC RELATIONS AVIATION ARCHIVES OF ARTHUR HALL THOMAS J HAUTE NATIONAL AIR B SPACE MUSEUM - WALTER J BOYNEEGECUTIVE OFFICER B CURATOR OF AERONAUTI CS - DON LOPEZASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AERONAUTICS JAY P SPENDERRESEARCHER EJ THOMASSENIOR MUDDUM TECHNICIAN TRANS WORLD AIRLINES JWCOSLEYDIRECTOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DAN W McGRODANALPHA PROJECT TECHNICAL COORDINATOR L GREERJ N AV ID ATIO N LIGHT B SD I/O 0 g PHOTO CREDITS ALUMUNUM COMPANY OF AMERICA JOE ALBANESE - ARTHUR HALL MITCH MAYBORN ROT RUSSELL TRANS WORLD AIRLINEG KENNETH 0 WILSON DIMENSIONAL DRAWING RESEARCH STEARMAN AIRCRAFT COMPANY WICHITA KANSAS ALPHA HA MAIL PLANE DRAWING BY HAROLD ZIPP DATED DEC1955 NORTHROP AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SALES BROCHURES MEASUREMENT OF OTEARMANNORTHOOP ALPHA 4ANCIIYAT THE NATIONAL AIR SPACE MUSEUM WASHINGTON DC ES NAVIGA\ A - 4 12-7/B j ItY1FkIl MAIL NCIIYTi/BAM34r 1V B I_ RED NO ON RUDDER RED COLOR UPPER CENTER PAIRING CONTAINS WIRING FOR THE CYLINDER HEAD TEMR FUEL OGANTITY INSTRUMENTS GENERATOR MAGNETO SWITCH STARTER PLUG THE OIL PREGGURE LINE RIGHT SIDE DETAILS 00 CHORD V 4B-I/D -F TWA LOGO ON FUSELAGE S-I/O RED COLOR STROKE WITH I/O BLACK COLOR STROKE OUTLINE /L SOD [7B BACK CO OR B DB4I/D TWA A/C FLEET NO ON FINBLACK COLOR B CONTRACT ROUTE NO ON FUSELAGE RED COLOR S F S C B SI-I-H fIlo.i C NIiY SD-I/O I\WHITE NAR ID AT ION LIGHT S SC EMERGENCY PARACHUTE FLARE TUBE 0 I 0 3 4 5 B 7 B 9 I I I SCALE STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV1930 DRAWN & INKED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH 0 WILSONAMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2 58 Model Aviation K15101/2 ALPHA 4A PERFORMANCE FROM STEARMAN AIRCRAFT CO DATA HIGH SPEED ITNnpl CRUISING SPEED 145 nIph ASSOLUTE CEILING Oft SERVICE CEILING 190001 CLIME AT SEA LEVEL fpn CLIMB TO 100001 pn. TIME TO 900011S ntin TIME TO 10000 ft Il AREA DATA WING SNI AILERON BII SUPPORTING TOTAL nfI ELEVATOR I4GSRfI FIN Ell RUDDER qIl V COLOR SCHEME ON NC IIY AS DISPLAYED AT THE NA REM D INUM ALL COLOR ALCOA AICLAD D LIGHT GRAY BLACk INOT SHADED IN SOME AREAS FOR CLARITY B LU E CO LO R WHITE COLOR INSIGNIA RED COLOR V 10I 1/5 IT iAIA Ku WV M B 4l/D EkJL ViUf2E~ REGISTRATION NUMBER ON BOTTOM AND UPPER SIDE OF WING INFO COLOR TWA LOGO ON BOTTOM SIDE OF WING IBLACK COLOR PRATT WHITNEY SC-I WASP 450hp ENGINE TIE DOWN RING ILSo$D AVPNINT AB SENERAL SMOOTH TREAD 95 5 ID LOW PRESUR E TIRE 9 0I 2 3 45 B 7 B9 IiI CALE LEFT PAIRING CONTAINS PUSH-PULL TUBES FOR THE THROTTLE IT MISTURE MI SPARKS AND CARBURETOR HEAT IA 3 STEARMAN HROP ALPHA 4A S/N 3 MFD NOV 1930 DRAWN & INK ED JULY 1979 BY KENNETH D WILSON AMA14065 EVANSVILLE INDIANA FOR MODEL AVIATION PLATE 2of 2 L GRIMES LANDING LIGHTS 1 GOODRICH SE-ICER BOOT nance operation plus its structure requiring fraction usual service Transconti nental Western Air forerunner todays TWA became major customer ordering five Alpha Model 3s Also military became very interested Northrops new type flatplate multi-cellular wing structure tested Wright Field Dayton OH US Army Air Corps engineers found construction method proved torsionally rigid far superior tested previously An order three Alphas designated YC- 19s Air Corps Serial Numbers 31-516517518 ensued used VIP personnel transportation USAAC Northrop always desired full potential Out US Army Air Corps used YC-1 9 Alpha Model 2 personnel transport lines of aircraft designs realized Alpha its easy see whence DC-i DC-3 came Would neat model split-axle configuration Alphas landing gear creating parasitical drag Retractable Northrop Aircraft Corp spared tions would altered Wichita landing gear considered method economy move Northrop Aircraft Corp reclassified Stearman-Northrop Alpha its weight mechanical problems consolidated Stearman Aircraft Model 4 Disturbed reorganization Burbank Northrop plant Alpha Model 3 September 1931 Burbank facilities Division John K Northrop quit January Serial Number 6 NC 942Y selected moved affiliated Stearman Aircraft Corp 1932 formedThe Northrop Corp atlngelwood upgraded landing gear situation remedied Wichita KS CA produced racey-appearing installation new design consisted NC 942Y would Alpha airplane Gamma plus Delta transport aircraft two separate cantilever struts enclosed updated Model 4 specifications Burbank October25 1930 TWA first started flying quick detachable streamlined fairings other Alpha models requiring modifica- Continued page 122 design necessitated center wing section lengthened foot stub end increasing Alpha wingspan 43 feet 10 inches Mated firewall X942Y experimental registration number being required since modified Alpha received its Dept Commerce ATC Pratt& Whitney 450 hp Wasp SCI engine Although reworked Alpha increased weight flight test showed newly designated Alpha Model 4 full 10 mph faster Model 2 3 cruising speed Depression bankrupted several aircraft companies during 1930-31 giant United Aircraft Transport Corp begun feel pinch hard times decision made UA&T Corp merge some divisions Right cockpit restoration theAlpha4Ais original configuration serial numbers within hundred originals Centerbracketinstalledto hold neutral controls display Below Two-way Western Electric radio originally mounted rightfront corner Alphs cockpit Its piece equipment missing restored cockpit Below Right left side cockpit containsthe throttle quadrant electrical panel tailwheel lock In-flight trim adjustment controls 60 Model Aviation fLLOAS dt Pt SEND $1 FOR COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOG DEPT MA 181 PAWNEE STREET SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 9 RUBBER STRIP FAI RUBBER 4 out S flyoff 1979 World Championships used FAI RUBBER Made USA SIZES % 3/16 1/8 3/32 1/16 1mm 042 thick SPOOLED GROSS WT 1-% 1-Y LBS PRICE $1250 first spool PPD US Additional spools $1250 NEW PIRELLI SIZES 6mm 5mm 4mm X 1mm PRICE $1500 first hank PPD US Additional spools $1450 Sole US Distributor World-Wide Sales Send 25 cents 1980 Catalog FAXModel Supply ox 3957 Torrance CA 90510 carefully check knots might rub fuselage make sure motor correctly aligned prop hook Make last check models prop shaft thrust bearing sure everything hooked up OK look sure arent under someones model launch Keep good records Immediately after launch record turns launch torque model/prop combination date anything else will help decide turns use next flight first flight next contest Now wait model land unwind count remaining turns motor Record number turns left along other data flight very turns left after flight got ceiling no unusual problems motor can probably shortened somewhat Remember go pick up trophy did yourself dont have share glory ace winding mechanic other hand flight bombed fault Winding stooges Indoor Scale fliers have developed fixtures hold models during winding makes much easier load models flight often saves model besides Another photo shows biplane GRUMMAN WIDGEON MR Gs PRODUCTS 1100 Michigan I3ox 161 Marvsvillc Nil 4804 rather complete fixture portable table table comfortable height stand-up wind ing has adjustable plate rear allow other models held has support front fuselage Another photos shows fixture removable wire pin goes through hollow rear motor peg small aluminum tubing makes light strong rear peg frontofthis fixture has splatter board catch broken motor winding tube available also Very few Indoor Scale modelers will trust luck breaking motors winding tube very common Note winding tube has slot rear peg motor entirely enclosed during winding motor breaks will entirely contained splatter plate front absorbs blows loose end motor model will rarely damaged Hand-held winding Some Scale modelers pre fer have model held shown another photo Note winding complete helper has moved winding tube out fuselage pushed over long winder extension wire must used winding tube flier must grasp motor unhook winder attach prop held left hand will take model seat thrust block front model launch using winding tube instant shown photo time danger skilled steady helper makes big difference safety model extra trouble well worth Bud Tenny PO Box 545 Richardson TX 75080 Northrop Alpha/Wilson Continued page 60 new all-air route New York City Los Angeles cutting former airplane train combination schedule 48 hours 36 hours routine still included overnight stop Kansas City introduction Alpha aircraft April 20 1931 coast-to-coast mail time reduced 24 hours July 20 1931 air ways lighting system completed permitted night flying West-bound flights made 21 hours 40 minutes east bound Alpha flights taking off Los Angeles stops Winslow Albuquerque Amarillo Wichita Kansas City St Louis Terre Haute Indianapolis Columbus Pittsburgh Harrisburg Philadelphia finalizing New York lessened 19 hours 19 minutes Transcontinental Western Airs fleet Alphas grown 13 aircraft TWA learning fast real money-maker US Mail contracts cargo hauling especially Alpha During 1932 TWA would fly Alphas Wichita further modifica tions Ste arman factory Stearman employees installed Grimes landing lights underside wings cockpit outfitted additional navigational aids including Western Electrics two-way radio long- short-range receivers passenger seating removed cargo area increased provide 1250 lbs gross weight allowance Roaring skyward Out Wichita revamped cargo hauling Stearman-Northrop Alpha windows blocked out except side fuselage underwent yet another redesignation now dataplate carried Alpha Model 4A TWA would promote 4As toward further all-weather around-the-clock refinements first commercial installation Goodrich de icer boots Wings empennage leading edges prevent ice buildup Alpha launched new part aviation history wrote big first page TWAs financial ledgers Alpha era certainly represented romantic colorful yet dangerous phases aviation Piloting Alphas night mail flights separated men boys passenger flights waited out weather improve ments daring air mail pilots would take off adverse weather conditions Alpha 4As contract air mail routes air lines lifeblood TWA carried mail mail carried TWA intrepid Alpha solo pilots would generally fly visual sight ground landmarks cities city lights airway beacons guiding way employing railroad destination guide pilot would always fly right-hand side tracks because incidents two aircraft enroute opposite directions yet both flying same side tracks having head-on collision Flying under clouds overcast preferable getting above solid overcast sky always presented possibility finding hole let down through arriving next airport Also reliable time too much static 1 22 Model Aviation CAIJDRON Among efficient p Golden Age racers Caudron won 1936 Grove & Thompson trophies well races Europe FE DECALS TO ALLOW FINISHING MODEL AS ANY ONE OF FIVE DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT THREE TYPES OF LANDING GEAR INCLUDING WHEEL PANT VERSIONS DETAILED INTERIOR SERIES OF GOLDEN AGE RACING AIRCRAFT 1132 SCALE PLASI MODEL KIT Ultimate Flying Boat noise interference often fouled radios became useless pilot needed weather TWAs pilots experience flying Ford Tn Motors Fokker F-14s Stearman 4Ds Douglas M-2s Boeing 40-Bs Lockheed Vegas yet fast new Alpha presented own con cealed tricks Alphas hard taxi unlocked tailwheel plus sudden gust wind 4A pilot found Alpha spinning 360 degrees taxiway Forward visibility limited S-turns required during taxiing make sure path ahead free obstructions Brakes Alpha often became touchy too much pressure pedal would stand 4A end As tail would slam back ground warped rear fuselage often resulted Alphas single-place cockpit did allow accommodations instructor check out new pilot advice experi enced Alpha pilot followed practice day night landing Frequently due scheduled agenda practice session could granted relief pilot would climb cockpit ground crew went about servicing airplane incoming pilot would give brief explanation crafts traits fresh 4A pilot own total five Alphas lost serving TWA Alpha crash fatal during time Hal George killed Alpha struck mountain near Steubenville OH March 1 1932 trying make Pittsburgh during blinding snowstorm Although TWA Alpha pilots considered facing adverse circumstances just ajob got paid truly aerial heros era October 1930 through August 1935 TWA operations racked up 25050710 airplane miles TWA Alpha fleet accounted 5413736 miles during time span out aerial skills such Alpha pilots Dean Furford Andy Andrews Earl Noe later killed Kansas City July 1933 takeoff crash Orion Howard Sonny Boy Hall Joe Bartles Ted Hereford Floyd Church count less others braved elements Alpha exposed cockpit impressive record could have achieved Furford Andrews both bail Out aircraft within 50 miles few minutes other icing conditions forced airplanes down odds against aviators can best summed up report Walt Seyerle parachute Alpha 4A near Cross Forks PA February 1933 accident boards report read crash occurred due combination personnel radio weather failurefatigue pilot due excessive flying hours severe icing conditions strong gale west winds restricted visibility air mail years Alpha out heros ground 1933 TWA pilot J H Jack Zimmerman taxied NC992Y Alpha out very bitter cold clear December 28th night new Allegheny County Airport Pittsburgh PA Shortly after getting airborne engine quit Zimmerman desperately trying get Alpha back airport 4A stalled crashed plane burn ing emergency landing parachute flares going off like Roman candles 120 gallons gas aboard ready explode Jack still cockpit unconscious Robert Totten US weather observer H Dugan night opera tions officer struggled find seat belt free Zimmerman flaming tangled maze Hardly clearing area dragged inert figure out wreck violent explosion rocked hilltop airport flames reached fuel cells Dugan Totten received Camegie Medal Aero Club Pittsburgh Jack Zimmerman would later become TWAs Chief Pilot February 1935 TWA went Douglas DC-2 fleet last TWA Alpha 4A retired service February 19 1935 Alphas being sold off mid-i 935 Alpha made important contributions commercial aviation set new standard transport aircraft future follow fact can observed today NC1 1 Y Serial Number 3 last Alpha4A its kind occupies position prominent display Washington DCs NASM Among mation transport cargo US mail-hauling aircraft popular DC-3 cannot ignore similar structural design 4A Douglas DC-3 mere coincidence John K Northrop served principal design engineer developing DC-i metal-working techniques proven Alpha used DC-i forebearer DC-3 remaining Alpha example started career Alpha Model 2 being built Northrop Aircraft Corp Burbank November 1930 Bearing registration Number NS-1 finished sleek orange black color scheme CoL Clarence M Young Assistant Secretary Commerce Aeronautics took delivery Col Young accomplished pilot used Alpha personal aircraft inspect ing airport facilities airways Ford Motor Company purchased craft April 16 1931 operated NS-1 out Dearborn MI briefly April30 1931 sold National Air Transport Chicago October 1980 123 SPORT TRAINER SPORT SCALE ne ATHU bPUHT pert little sport trainer aesignea tor tne popular Astro 05 fight system can built high wing cabin rudder elevator control shoulder wing ailerons pylon racing aerobatic flying Span 37 inches wing area 292 sq inches weight 28 oz light weight 3 channel radio 1019 Un ASTKDFIIIGHTIHC PIONEERS IN SILENT FLIGHT 13377 Beach Ave Venice CA 90291 THE PORTERFIELD COLLEGIATE ideal model spon scale flyer Its gentle forgiving nature make perfect begin ners yet quite responsive skilled hands balsa construc tion light strong Porterfield can rog grass field climb steeply avoid obstacles Its light wing loading lets land dime give nine cents change Join quiet revolution enjoy Porterfield Collegiate neighborhood park school yard Wing span 695 Area 695 sq Weight 4 lbs 3 channel radio Astro 15 can also use Astro 25 15 25 glow engine 1018 SOUTHERN R/C FLIES AGAIN 1 Model Merchant IS Southern RIC . Keeping alive top line RIG aircraft Currently being offered COMPENSATOR- 60BOOTLEGGER- 60 TIGER TAIL III- 60ALLEY KAT- 40 Spoil EZ FLIER- 40 Trainer Order Direct MODEL MERCHANT 512 541-3867 554 E Fronton St Brownsville TX 78520 DEALER S DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INViTED Model 2 received its current registra tion NC1 lY Transcontinental Westem Air Inc obtained NCL 1 Y NAT November 27 1931 Alpha Model 2 carried loads cargo TWA until February 1932 flown Stearman plant Wichita modifications over Model 4A specifications total 182638 flying hours accumulated NC1 lY time As Model 4A NC1 lY shared TWAs 24-hour coast-to-coast service shared mishaps also first incident Columbus OH March 1 1932 bent streamline wheel fairing resulted mud collecting freezing NC 11 Y suffered several delays due tire blowouts plus hitting obstructions airports boundary lights moved notification Alpha pilots TWA pilot Ted Hereford flying Number 12 TWAs assigned fleet number NC1IY March 15 1933 collided bird departed feathered creature caused six-inch deep 18-inch-wide dent leading edge wing NCL lY would feel hands fame February2l 1933 asCol CharlesA Lindbergh took command cockpit Lindbergh serving Technical Advisor TWA departed Newark NJ air terminal 1030 am stopping North Beach Airport NY pick up Ernest R Breech president General Aviation Mfg Corp Landing Baltimore Lindbergh Breech made inspection single-engine General GA-43 aircraft after Alpha 4A Lone Eagle would return Newark 535 pm Number 12 represented TWA until April 26 1935 sold Frederick B Lee New York Lee outfitted NC1 1 Y floats hoping fly Alpha around world dream never fulfilled Model 4A converted back land-plane August 1937 another New Yorker Harry Spaulding bought NCl 1 Y sell craft Richard E Connely Ridgefield CT December 1937 Passing through several owners Alpha would acquired May 1946 Foster Hannaford Jr Winnetka IL Hannaford would search country Alpha airframes accessories purpose preserving remarkable aircraft posterity However passed away 1971 NC1 lY part sister Alpha bequeathed Experi mental Aircraft Association Hales Corners WI EAA stored Alpha assemblage Burling ton WI fall 1974 trade Model 4A NASM North American XP-5 1 Apache arranged Smithsonian contacted Trans-World Airlines determine Alpha could saved made presentable July 4 1976 bicentennial dedication National Air Spwze Museum Alpha Project set motion TWA volunteers March 1975 Alpha collection gathered EAAs storage barn trans ported TWA Technical Services Center Kansas City MO restoration project such magnitude would normally require two three years yet volunteer TWAers logged 3500 total man-hours completed job eight months TWA Stearman-Northrop Alpha 4A unveiled public ceremonies TWAs giant 747 hangar Kansas City January 26 1976 gleaming gem presented National Air Space Museum February 2 1976 gift aviation history celebration TWAs Golden Anniversary US Bicentennial Safety Preston Continued page 69 way back after flight Check walk lines kinks way back again st check make pull test plane set lines should pulled once day Just give good pull handle someone holds plane youre going pull guts out it might well ground would like draw attention pull test chart can found current AMA rule book page 15 beginners feel forces specified chart appear exces sive would ask watch film footage two multi-engine Scale CL models AMA film Modelings Grand Illusions angie fliers have lean restrain models graphic example forces can generated lines wind up discussion CL safety have some suggestions engine mounting Doug Dahlke Oshkosh WI Doug sent us sketch stunt model profile fuselage showed engine bearers continued rearwards terminate above below wing Doug calls approach profile proof states single important thing can profile improve engine run safety together Appar ently profile kits market bearers terminate some distance ahead wing creating weakness could lead engine parting company fuselage final note before signing off month last safety column stated despite some stories going around modeling circles gasoline does dissolve either Sullivan Kraft fuel tanks During last month have heard Byron Originals has issued bulletin advising against use gasoline Sullivan tank has apparently supplied kits Despite advice have no evidence change previous position John Preston 7012 Elvira Cour Falls Church VA 22042 Drake/Willard Continued page 68 access openingsthe hatch hole wing areamust sealed carefully seal hatch tailor hull structure fit hatch structure almost press fit fly off water run vaseline along edges oozes out insert hatch added 124 Model Aviation WEVE EXPANDEDI \N R/C SCALE DRAWINGS PHOTOS BOOKLETS Christmas Cards free Brochures REPLA TECHLEISURE TIME GRAPHICS NTERNAT DNARO BOX 108A STATEN IS NY 10306 CATALOGS $2006SOO C KNZ B Hwy VOA OBSOCN 974GB