Vintage Pics from days gone by.

[somethingspecial]

One for the new folks here.

Can anyone tell me what this picture and our cars have in common. Just the new folks please.

 

[CougarCJ]

I see the name A.O. Smith.

 

[stangfan]

I see the name A.O. Smith.

+1 :grin:

 

[BroadwayBlue]

I thought it was the word "Superior" ! :wink:

 

[somethingspecial]

more planes trains and automobiles. I guess the fast freight photo won't upload to show, neat photo. Mike

 

[somethingspecial]

The hole in the Empire State Building after a B-25 bomber crashed into it on July 28, 1945

 

[CougarCJ]

That is a big flying wing. Used to live in Chino, Ca. they have a different one (Northrop N9MB I think). They used to fly it regularly. Weird to see something like that fly over the house.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60CgYmNb2a8

 

[dalorzo_f]

Yep, the Northrup "xx"-35 (propellor) and -49 (jet, a handful made, maybe 3-5) flying wings were so far ahead of their time it is scary. Abandoned as they were highly unstable (or political pressure, depending who's story you read), until the advent of computer controlled systems too hard to fly reliably.

Not too far off the B-2s in style...

 

[Midnight Special]

Yep, the Northrup "xx"-35 (propellor) and -49 (jet, a handful made, maybe 3-5) flying wings were so far ahead of their time it is scary. Abandoned as they were highly unstable (or political pressure, depending who's story you read), until the advent of computer controlled systems too hard to fly reliably.

Not too far off the B-2s in style...

...Abandoned and ordered scrapped because Jack Northrop refused to merge his company with Convair. The concept was proven (amidst teething) to include long range airliner versions... Convair had a huge government lobby (though conventional in their designs) while Northrop was more private and innovative. 'Broke Northrop's heart, but his company soldiered on with private investors (F-20 Tigershark to name a few) and he lived to see the B-2 fly with great admiration for his contributions.
The N9M was one of a handful of concept prototypes which proved the the idea (which in part began in WWII Germany) Attached is a neat old sign I found hanging in a So. Cal hotrod shop where one of Mike's other pics (concepts) originated.....>

 

[robert campbell]

I am fuzzy. Are those old airplane gas tanks that they could jettison? Then they made them into cars?

Rob

 

[somethingspecial]

I am fuzzy. Are those old airplane gas tanks that they could jettison? Then they made them into cars?

Rob

Oh Rob, I am sooooooo disappointed. Yes, They made lake racers out of fighter drop tanks, SoCal Speed Shop was the first I think to make one, then many more followed as folks saw how aerodynamic they were and built their own. You could buy a drop tank surplus for $10.00-$20.00.

 

[Midnight Special]

...You could buy a drop tank surplus for $10.00-$20.00.

...Li'l more $$ now... ;-)

 

[robert campbell]

Those tanks look very fragile. Thin metal with a pressed hem to hold the halves together. Remember I was a sheet metal guy by trade!! Guess they were "one use only"!!!!

Rob

 

[somethingspecial]

They weren't to concerned about hitting anything, just less wind resistance. I have seen some with Chrysler hemi's in them. Imaging 200+ MPH in one. What an E ticket ride that would be.

 

[somethingspecial]

Here is a little about belly tanks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klV-J6_nv4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0r0N4k-ahI

Enjoy the ride. LOL.

 

[Midnight Special]

http://saltfever.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/belly-tank-lakesters-at-bonneville/

http://www.speedhunters.com/2008/10/car_builder_gt_gt_so_cal_speed_shop_pt_1/

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/pics-of-our-p-38-belly-tank.257191/

 

[somethingspecial]

Good looking seat cover

It is always a good thing when you have good looking seat covers.

 

[somethingspecial]

FBI training

Don't know where these came from, but I have been told these were FBI training photos.

 

[somethingspecial]

More great Rail Inspection/MOW cars

From the Denver Public Library Archives, so I've been told.

 

[CougarCJ]

Don't know where these came from, but I have been told these were FBI training photos.

Thompson's are very heavy weapons to shoot single handed like a pistol. And he doesn't have any bullets for his Thompson, no clip, no drum.