Well, blimey…look what the sponsors of the Life Ball in Vienna sent to pick us up from Gatwick. The three hour flight time seemed to pass in a flash. I know that Red Bull have come in for some criticism about their colourschemes but even the most cynical of us must admit that it is a beautiful restoration. I learnt from the flight engineer that the aircraft was Josef Tito’s personal transport before being sold sometime in the 1970s ending up in Africa where it performed similar duties for the President of Zambia. It also spent time performing tourist flights and decaying in a corner before being rescued by whatisname from Red Bull and undergoing a four year restoration process. Sorry about the interior shots, had to be discreet as the passengers were already aboard.
By: Lindy's Lad - 26th May 2007 at 20:08
I can only comment on what I have been told. He was based at Graz where they had built two large glass hangars in the shape of aerofoils – one for maintenance, the other containing a working museum. I was not there, so I don’t know……
By: Newforest - 26th May 2007 at 15:58
The facility at Gratz is something else! It has to be seen to be believed….AWESOME
Bit confused about the connections between Graz and Salzburg as the new hangars seem to be at Salzburg, check out the Red Bulls website.
By: Lindy's Lad - 26th May 2007 at 14:55
A friend of mine (JP – you know who you are!!!) helped restore that aircraft at Gratz, and then ended up with me on the Lanc at Coventry. He has some amazing photos and videos of the DC6… Apparently after spending six months polishing the thing, its first engine run deposited all of its oil all over the cowlings and wing………. doh! The facility at Gratz is something else! It has to be seen to be believed….AWESOME
By: Newforest - 25th May 2007 at 20:12
This is a beautiful restoration beyond doubt. The aircraft, c/n 45563 was originally delivered to the Yugoslavian as YU-AFA and then sold to the Zambian Air Force. It became V5-NCF and was then rescued by Red Bull which is owned by Dietrich Mateschitz and Mr. Chaleo. It might hold a record for having spent the least time in the U.S.
By: BlueRobin - 25th May 2007 at 19:48
The last shot meets with some approval 😉
By: flyingcloggie - 25th May 2007 at 19:45
Was in it last year during the ILA in Berlin. Whe flew there with the Cat. The plane looks abosutly brand new. I was told of not making photo’s of the interieur. So just have some shots of the cockpit.
By: J Boyle - 25th May 2007 at 17:59
Great to see one flying…especially in such nice shape.
The few I see anymore are fire bombers.
The DC-6 is a real classic.
As a child in flew in one from San Francisco to Tokyo via Honolulu and Wake Island. A real adventure.
Thanks for the photos.
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May 25, 2007 at 5:40 pm