Skyways

The Journal Of The Airplane 1920-1940:  No 62, April 2002

Reviewed by Jim Schubert

Here's another great issue.  This one features three of my favorite subjects:  The Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket, sailplanes - specifically Jack Laister's designs - and Golden Age racers.  The Skyrocket article is the in-depth special subject of this issue.  Additional subjects covered in this issue's 80 numbered pages include:

• ID UNK

• The Spirit of St. Louis - The Movie

• Fokker C. IV Restoration

• Racing Notebook

• Golden Age Air Museum Fly In

• Reproductions & Restorations

• Models

• From The Members

• Skyways' Reviews (Books & Periodicals)

• Wants & Disposals

• Events

The article on the Owl's Head Transportation Museum's  Fokker C. IV is rich fare.  The plane, named "Pacific Era" was purchased by Eddie Brown and Bob Wark of Tacoma, in the state of Washington, and modified for an east to west transpacific flight attempt in 1930 ,  The words "TACOMA TO TOKYO" were emblazoned in large white letters on the right side of the red fuselage and "EDDIE AND BOB" on the left side.  The well illustrated story of its several failed attempts, its final crash in lower British Columbia in 1930, its dereliction in Ephrata, Washington for 43 years and its final recovery and restoration to airworthiness is absolutely absorbing.  I was fortunate to see and photograph this beautiful plane on the Owl's Head flight line on an East Coast driving tour with my wife following the 1997 IPMS/USA National Convention in Columbus, Ohio.  This plane looks like a Fokker D.VII fighter on Steroids - it's big.

Again, I urge avhistory and modeling enthusiasts to subscribe to Skyways and do it soon because the price goes up from $30 to $35 on September 1.  Write to:

World War I Aero, Inc.
Skyways
15 Crescent Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
USA