For those of you who missed the
Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum tour this past Friday, we were treated to the unexpected added bonus of actually boarding “Ship 41”, the first DC-3 to carry Delta passengers, which was restored by volunteers and a core mechanic team between 1993 through 1999. It was the winner in 2001 of the first National Trust for Historic Preservation award presented to an aircraft, and we were able to see why first-hand.
I did not have the opportunity to board this aircraft the last time I visited. We were informed by the guide that not everybody who visits the Delta Museum gets to go on-board this aircraft.
Before boarding this vintage aircraft, we had to put on booties and white gloves. The seats were covered with plastic, and in the magazine compartment of each seatback was a real copy of Life magazine from the time period. While the magazine was sealed in plastic along with the seat, one could peruse an open copy in the galley in the rear of the aircraft near the exit.
We were allowed to sit in the seats, which were quite comfortable. There were curtains on the windows. We visited the cockpit and the lavatory. Woolen blankets were stored in the compartments above the seats, along with an old tan Delta cap.
Seeing this immaculately restored vintage aircraft up close and inside was truly a memorable experience for those who are really interested in the history of Delta Air Service, later to be known as Delta Air Lines.
[infomercial]But WAIT!!![/infomercial]
If you were unable to attend this time, there is still
September.
Make plans to attend
now!
In the meantime, until then, here are some pictures, courtesy of
allen074 and
flygirl555.