Very few even know the constellation flew in WWII as the C69.(Image removed from quote.)
http://ww2db.com/aircraft_spec.php?aircraft_model_id=361
:saluteThe C-69 was a good airframe, but had serious engine over heating problems, just as we did in the B-29, both having the P&W R-3350 "compound" engine. The problem was the rear cylinders constanly overheated because of poor cooling. One "back fire" and you had an induction fire, which was very difficult to deal with. This problem was soloved by more effective cowl flaps, better baffling around the cylinders and the engine was found to be very reliable in service during their last years with the 29's. The same engine was used with the Lockheed 1049G series of aircraft, which was a refinement of the orginal C-69, and flew for many, many years with most all the American passenger carriers, such as Eastern, TWA, American airlines, mostly on international routes. In 2002, I saw one these old "birds"(1049G) on the freight ramp at Miami International. I couldn't begin to pronounce the name on the aircraft, so have no idea where it was from, but probley South America somewhere.
