And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
As I get older I gravitate towards older designs in planes and cars, I know the technology is so much better now but the beauty of the lines of this plane, cars and trains of the 30's,40's and 50's was staggering. Drive down any street and it is like designer's have lost their souls and now compete to design the ugliest cars ever. Thanks for posting some beauty today.
You are not alone. It seems that the design and engineering schools have sacrificed aesthetics and "soul" to mechanical efficiency and speed of assembly - not ease of maintenance,for sure. Sometimes the most beautiful designs aren't the "best" but if they are enjoyable to use and lovely to behold,isn't that the best design for humans?
The Staggerwing is a beauty. Brought to mind the marvelous creations of Waco aircraft. I was fortunate to see several perform at long ago airshows. For me, the sound of a radial engine will always be defined by a Waco pushing over into a dive. That and a 12-cyl. Merlin. To my uneducated ear, jets will always sound like forced air.
Automobile design is captive to wind tunnel performance & government regulation. Almost criminal that advances in lifespan of vehicles and supporting systems is wasted on clone designs. Confident though that with a node, designers apply modern tools, methods and equipment to the task and surpass the artistry of the ‘30’s-‘40’s and ‘50’s. Just might even sneak past a ‘60’s dream or two.
a major driver of ugly cars today is the EU with their mandate of pedestrian safety. Since the big makers are world producers, they want uniformity in design effort and cost. Result is they all look alike.
My father had a staggerwing when I was growing up in the late 1950’s. Some my earliest memories are of flying in that airplane, which in my mind is one of the finest of its era.
Just to be pedantic, this is probably a B17, noting the retractable landing gear. It was the first production model starting in 1934. Further noting that the ailerons are on the upper wing, this is a model D17 or later, beginning production in 1937. I think the Beech "staggerwing" is one of the most beautiful aircraft to ever fly, up there with the Supermarine Spitfire.
As I get older I gravitate towards older designs in planes and cars, I know the technology is so much better now but the beauty of the lines of this plane, cars and trains of the 30's,40's and 50's was staggering. Drive down any street and it is like designer's have lost their souls and now compete to design the ugliest cars ever. Thanks for posting some beauty today.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone. It seems that the design and engineering schools have sacrificed aesthetics and "soul" to mechanical efficiency and speed of assembly - not ease of maintenance,for sure. Sometimes the most beautiful designs aren't the "best" but if they are enjoyable to use and lovely to behold,isn't that the best design for humans?
DeleteThe Staggerwing is a beauty. Brought to mind the marvelous creations of Waco aircraft. I was fortunate to see several perform at long ago airshows. For me, the sound of a radial engine will always be defined by a Waco pushing over into a dive. That and a 12-cyl. Merlin. To my uneducated ear, jets will always sound like forced air.
DeleteAutomobile design is captive to wind tunnel performance & government regulation. Almost criminal that advances in lifespan of vehicles and supporting systems is wasted on clone designs. Confident though that with a node, designers apply modern tools, methods and equipment to the task and surpass the artistry of the ‘30’s-‘40’s and ‘50’s. Just might even sneak past a ‘60’s dream or two.
a major driver of ugly cars today is the EU with their mandate of pedestrian safety. Since the big makers are world producers, they want uniformity in design effort and cost. Result is they all look alike.
DeleteIF only I could afford one.
ReplyDeleteThis was the "Learjet" of the day. Over 200 MPH and could carry up to six.
And they fly...beautifully.
Jackie Cochran set altitude and speed records in one of those. In separate flights.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful aircraft.
My father had a staggerwing when I was growing up in the late 1950’s. Some my earliest memories are of flying in that airplane, which in my mind is one of the finest of its era.
ReplyDeleteJust to be pedantic, this is probably a B17, noting the retractable landing gear. It was the first production model starting in 1934. Further noting that the ailerons are on the upper wing, this is a model D17 or later, beginning production in 1937.
ReplyDeleteI think the Beech "staggerwing" is one of the most beautiful aircraft to ever fly, up there with the Supermarine Spitfire.