LEGENDARY AIRLINERS' DC-7B

Air Classics, Jun 2005 by Pettersen, Ralph M

Work is progressing on what will become a unique flying exhibit

After 32 years grounded at St. Paul Downtown I Ioluian Field in Minnesota, Carlos Gotnez astounded the vintage aviation community when he achieved the impossible and ferried Douglas DC-7B N836D to Opa Locka Airport, Florida, last summer. Having survived the ferocious 2004 hurricane season, Gomez and partner Marc WoLff began restoration of the grand old lady in October 2004- When restoration is completed in 2006, the airliner will be painted in 1950s' Eastern Air Lines colors and operated by Legendary Airliners Ltd.

I visited Opa Locka Airport on 8 February to check on how the project was progressing. Carlos and Marc met me at the aircraft and it is obvious that much progress has been made since my visit to Holman Field in June 2004· Much of the interior has been removed and six sheet metal workers were laboring full time on replacing corroded aluminum skin panels. The nos. 1 and 4 engines have been removed and are being overhauled as are the four massive propellers. The nos. 2 and .3 engines ran fine on the ferry flight from Minnesota and will be detailed only. Interior furnishings will he cleaned and reused whenever possihle and will only be replaced as a last resort. While the seat covers only need cleaning, the seat frames will he sandblasted and painted and the cushions replaced. Current plans call tor the aircraft to he painted at Opa Locka when the restoration has been completed. A recent Legendary Airliners press release announced the possibility of a European tour for the 2006 airshow season, which is very exciting news for European enthusiasts.

Visiting Opa Locka Aiport is like stepping hack in time. In addition to N836D, Carlos' other two big Dougs, DC-6A N70BF and DC-7BF N381AA, were parked on the field. The DC-7BF has an unserviceable no. 3 engine and hasn't flown for a while, but the DC-6A flies regularly. Many other classic propliners were evident as were a small contingent of Ukrainian Antonov freighters. All in all, a very fascinating place to visit.