#31 TRAVEL AIR FACTORY RACER
A early release from Spec Cast, 1992, this 1929 #31 Travel Air Factory Racer is a replica of the famous "Mystery Ship that bested the ex-fighters in the Thompson Cup Races(see historical note below). Features include rotating prop and wheels, metal die-cast construction, hidden bank access and limited edition production. Wing span measures approx. 11 inches.
Historical Note: The 1929 Travel Air was designed by Herb Rawdon and Walter Burnham and built in secrecy in Wichita, Kansas by Walter Beech. The aircraft utilized fixed landing gear and was one of the first low wing monoplanes. Wing span measured 29 feet 2 inches. With its advanced enclosed cowl covering a 420 H.P. Wright J-6 Whirlwind radial engine, it was able to set speed records in excess of 235 mph.
The highlight of the course races was listed in
the official program as Event No. 26 and described as follows:
(1) A free-for-all speed contest for any type of airplane equipped with
any type of motor or motors. Super chargers , special
fuels or any other means may be used to increase the speed of the airplanes entered in the
race.
(2) 10 laps of the 5-mile course
(3) Prizes: 1st, $750 and the Thompson Trophy; 2nd, $450; 3rd, $300
The Travel Air was flown to Cleveland from Wichita just before the National Air Races and immediately placed in a hangar and covered with a canvas tarp! This secrecy resulted in the plane being nicknamed the "Mystery Ship". Douglas Davis flew the striking red and black speed ship to victory on Monday, September 2nd winning not only the $750 first prize money but prestigious Thompson Cup Trophy. His accomplishment stunned the aviation community as he soundly beat the fastest fighter planes then operated by the U.S. Army Air Corps!
Item Number: AA117300
SOLD OUT - SORRY!