Sunday, September 30, 2012

Savoia-Marchetti S.56 at the Carolinas Aviation Museum


Brethren!

Saturday was Museum Day at the Carolinas Aviation Museum and the Jellystoners were there! One of the more recent displays is this 1930 Savoia-Marchetti S.56C, built (under license) by the American Aeronautical Corporation of Port Washington, New York. It was restored in 1985 and pronounced Grand Champion, Antique Division at Oshkosh that year.



 
Why is it here?
 
 
 
Because in 1931 Zachary Smith Reynolds of Winston-Salem, North Carolina flew one just like this from England, across North Africa and Asia, to Hong Kong.  It took four months to complete the 17,000 mile journey.  He died two years later.  Shot dead, apparently.  The case was never solved.


 

It appears the 125 hp Kinner had to be propped "Cub style" from behind. . .

 

 

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