The restoration of the AMC Museum’s L1049E Super Connie N1005C (c/n 4557) achieved a major milestone in July 2003 when Worldwide Aircraft Recovery, Ltd completed its reassembly. Using engines and landing gear salvaged from the defunct Florence, Air and Missile Museum’s NC-121K BuN 141292 (c/n 4416), the three-man crew took about a week to reassemble the old girl. It had been stored at the museum since arriving from Penndel, PA in November 1997 where it had served as a cocktail lounge atop a restaurant for almost thirty years. Now that she is up on her feet, the museum volunteers face the daunting task of completing the restoration. Many layers of peeling paint must be removed and missing/damaged components must be either found or fabricated. The engine cowlings were damaged by a brush fire in Florence, SC and must be replaced as so the main gear doors which are severely corroded. For additional information about this project, check out the museum’s website at www.amcmuseum.org.
Ralph M. Pettersen
July 2003
Photo Credits: Ralph M. Pettersen
