Here is something you don’t see every day in Portland, Tennessee. A DC-3 airliner being towed through the streets right in front our Portland Office.

Story:

This aircraft was acquired for Joey Collins’s tractor museum located in Portland. The aircraft is a Douglas DC-3, among the most famous aircraft in the history of aviation. In the 1930s, 80% of all domestic airlines flew this aircraft.  The aircraft type also served in large numbers with all branches of the U.S. Armed Services serving in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. Many DC-3’s are still flying today especially among third world nations as a cargo aircraft. This particular aircraft was built in 1942. At one time, this aircraft was in the service with the U.S. Navy flying out of Alaska.  In the recent past,  it served with the Arctic Research Laboratory. The aircraft was flown to the Portland Airport from Florida on Monday of this week. The wings were removed and the fuselage was transported to the museum down highway 52. The aircraft will be on permanent display at Joey Collins Museum.

For all you aircraft buffs out there. This aircraft type is known by many designations and nick names: 

DC-3: Civilian designation (Airlines)

C-47/ C-53  U.S. Army / U.S. Air Force Designation

R4D & C-117:  U.S. Navy Designation 

Nick Names:      

 “The Gooney Bird”-Universal Nick Name

 ”The Sky Train” – WWII Cargo Version

“The Sky Trooper” – Paratroop Variant

“The Vomit Comet” – Given by paratroopers in WW II (Normandy Invasion)

“Puff The Magic Dragon” – Gun Ship in Vietnam

“Biscuit Bomber” – Berlin Air Lift

“Dumbo” – Air/Sea Rescue Variant

“Tabby”-Russian Version

“Dakota” – British Version              

This aircraft represents 69 years of aviation history. Thanks to the Collins Family, this aircraft will be preserved for future generations.