Lockheed VC-121A Constellation "Columbine II" Flew Today. PHOTOS`

[Uncle Wig]

Previous thread: http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1,1976848

I drove up from Tucson to Marana today, knowing that they were planning to fly but not when. Luckily, I pulled up right as Columbine II was taxiing out to the end of the runway! Talk about timing.

Enging run ups:




Heading out to the runway:




Off she goes! Hadn't had time to switch to my long lens yet...


The test flight lasted for about an hour, just doing wide circuits around the airport with a Beech King Air flying chase and me getting sunburned.


Final approach. Connies have "yuge" flaps!








And done. Some happy crew. Word is they were happy with the airplane today.

[steve...]

Great photos - Thanks for sharing!

Beautiful airplane.

[Octave Doctor]

Lockheed builds some beautiful planes.

[josntme]

My first trans-atlantic flight was aboard one. Did two stops for fuel. Was in 1958.

[DP]

Sweet pix, Uncle! Glad you were able to get there for the experience...

[lost in space]

Great photos. Thanks!

Those planes had the most graceful lines of any passenger plane, IMO.

[steve...]

I'll bet it sounded fantastic too, not like the whine of modern planes.

[Lux Interior]

Great shots! Thanks.

[Uncle Wig]

steve... wrote:
I'll bet it sounded fantastic too, not like the whine of modern planes.

Yes. Yes it did. The nearest I can comparison I can make is four idling R-3350s sound a little like idling locomotives, only better.