This special episode features an exclusive interview with one of the skilled pilots who have had the honor of flying this iconic aircraft.
Filmed at Monroe as part of the prestigious Warbirds Over Monroe event, our journey takes us deep into the heart of aviation history. Learn firsthand about the remarkable journey of the Tinkerbell C46, derived from a commercial high-altitude airliner design and first introduced to the public in 1942.
The Tinkerbell C46, also known as the Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando, earned nicknames like “The Whale” or the “Curtiss Calamity” among its pilots. As the largest and heaviest twin-engine aircraft operated by the Air Corps during World War II, it boasted enlarged cargo doors, a strengthened load floor, and a convertible cabin, making it an indispensable asset in military transport operations.
Discover how the Tinkerbell C46 navigated through violent weather, heavy cargo loads, high mountain terrain, and poorly-equipped airfields, serving as the main supply line from India and Burma to remote areas of China during World War II. Although The Tinker Belle itself never flew “the Hump,” its yellow camels painted under its name pay homage to this historic route.
After the war, while a few surplus C-46 aircraft briefly served as passenger airliners, they were largely overshadowed by surplus C-47s, relegating the C-46 primarily to cargo duty.
Exciting news awaits as we reveal that "The Tinker Belle" has found a new home with the non-profit @MilitaryAviationMuseum in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Discover the significance of this transition and what it means for preserving the legacy of this beloved aircraft.
With breathtaking footage and insightful commentary, this video offers a unique perspective on the Tinkerbell C46 and its enduring impact on aviation. From its storied past to its promising future, witness the magic of flight come alive like never before.
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