I have never seen that plane before. It looks a bit like a converted B29 Stratofortress.
Long gone are the days of luxury airliners, even though there are a number of providers out there who offer fantastically luxurious options for flight. These tickets are priced well out of the realm of the average traveler, which flies somewhat in the face of the original intention of these luxury flights. Originally intended for the average moderately-well-to-do traveler, the true “luxury” flights have morphed into private little apartments that are yours to use during your trip across an ocean, at prices that make it impractical for most.
And besides all that, most still don’t have a bar downstairs that you can go and relax in. Heck, most airlines nowadays don’t even let you stand up unless you’re going to the bathroom. Too bad. Put a bar on board, with a reasonable pricetag, and I’d find excuses to fly!
[Image source: Viewliner Ltd.]
That plane looks like a flying sex toy. Not that that would have occurred to the designers, I'm just sayin'…
Nowadays luxury is when the blueshirts warm there hands first…
<img src="http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2010/11/22/image7078180.jpg">
Something that lovely illustration does not tell you is that it was noisy as hell inside that cabin, and because that aircraft didn't fly nearly as high as today's jets, it would have been right in the thick of the weather. Cocktails for everyone!
The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was a modification of the C-97 military transport, which in turn was a modification of the B-50 bomber. It was a pretty good airliner but only 55 were built (1947-1950).
Best thing about this aircraft? The Pregnant Guppy lifter modification. Truly a giant f*ck off aircraft:
<img src="http://www.allaboutguppys.com/pg/guppy86.jpg" />
I've seen this bird at the Pima Air And Space Museum. You stand there looking at it, and your brain cannot imagine it taking flight.
The best view of the Guppy is with its fuselage front opened for loading/unloading…
<img src="http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/images/content/67873main_iss-guppy.jpg">
I've seen similar pictures, and it blows my mind that these things are air-worthy. Those props do not look like they're up to the task of getting that beast up in the air.
Northworst: We're not happy 'til you're not happy.
I like Northworst: I've had so many appalling flights that I got two free round-trips just on complaint points.
I think my last Northworst flight was to the USGP in 2000. Me and a buddy flew into Ft. Wayne. On the return flight we were going from Ft. Wayne to Detroit. The plane was a DC-9, first time I had been on an original, not an MD-80. I got on and wondered what they did with the rest of the plane. The flight was delayed about 3 hours due to problems with the door. After we finally take off I notice that we don't seem to be flying that high. I'm pretty sure they finally just said "screw it, take off, but just keep it low and don't pressurize the cabin.".
Hey, Winnipeg isn't that ba– oh who am I kidding, yes, it really is just that bad. But at least it's not Regina.
"Regina! The city that rhymes with 'fun'!"
I like this extent much, this is the out-and-out where i can cheat smth from me, a contrive of rule this is what i like.
Great One…
I must say, its worth it! My link, http://cathy.glowindia.com/,thanks haha…