C-47/DC-3/Il-2 question

Daveroo

Daveroo

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id read some where on the net where it said that all C-47/DC-3s have the pax/cargo doors on the "port" side of the aircraft,which is what ive seen for years.and that the lend lease,russian licensed built version of the DC3/C-47,and then their own Il-2 had the passenger /cargo doors on the starboard side.

anyone know if this is indeed accurate?.....

and if so,then the C-47 that is at McClellan fields air museum in Sacramento california must be russian built?..or ex-lend lease?...as it has just a single passenger door on the starboard side only.its equipped only with troop seats inside,,but they are mounted on long box like things that look like the old roman public toilets...

any thoughts?
 
From Wiki: "A slightly shorter span was incorporated but many of the other alterations were less evident. The passenger door was moved to the right side of the fuselage, with a top-opening cargo door on the left side in place of the original passenger door."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisunov_Li-2

Haven't seen any Daks with a door on the right side so far.
 
Some DC-3s did indeed have doors on the starboard side. They were relative rarities, but they did exist. Can't recall the specifics, but I know I've heard of them before. I'll have to dig around the 'net to see if I can find any other info.

EDIT: Checked around a little, and I found a few random references on the net that indicate the early-build DC-3s ordered by American Airlines had starboard doors. And if it's on the 'net, it HAS to be true, right? :icon_lol: I'm sure there were a few other civil & military variants that were similarly equipped...but someone more knowledgeable than me will have to fill in the blanks.
 
A substantial number of DC-3/C-47/DST airframes were built with right-hand doors.

Here's an interesting discussion from CalClassic
http://calclassic.proboards.com/thread/4402

Here's some info from two sources that include various 'reasons' and explanations. All are probably correct to some degree.

http://dc3history.org/dc3.htm (a couple of RHD pics on the site)
http://www.pprune.org/archive/index.php/t-509298.html

As for rarity, I used to have access to a database that would produce reports of that sort, but... however, I have seen at least 5 RH door a/c IRL and flown on one.
A quick search of Airliners.net (DC-3 etc right hand door) nets 11 photos
http://www.airliners.net/search/pho...photo_id+desc&page_limit=30&thumbnails=noinfo

Even the Luftwaffe had at least one... http://www.airliners.net/photo/KLM-...1822854/&sid=41a70d47e6432c35ad11f250ded1c520

Part of the confusion, as Jan says, is that there are many actual versions. Some were specific orders, some were wartime conscriptions and take-overs, some were orders redirected, some changed designators when returned to civilian service. While the average person lumps them into DC-3 or C-47 a really accurate response would take some lengthy research (unless someone has the Air Britain DC-3 prod. history handy perhaps).
Not today.. I can't even get near my books... :icon_eek:

EDIT:
Oh.. one more for your viewing pleasure (United AL):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/billword/5269069084/
 
Just because this aircraft is wearing D-Day colors of a C-47 does not mean that it is really a C-47. It is possible that this particular C-47 is actually a DC-3 that was ordered with the pax door on the starboard side. After the airlines were finished with their DC-3's, many DC-3's moved on to small airlines or were converted to freight haulers usually with a large cargo door being added on the port side. After their revenue service comes to an end, some of these vintage aircraft can wound up in museums. If an aircraft is donated or acquired for very little money, it is unlikely a museum would turn it down because it really is not a military aircraft.
 
stansdds said:
Just because this aircraft is wearing D-Day colors of a C-47 does not mean that it is really a C-47.
Click to expand...

It's not a C-47, but a genuine WW2 veteran C-53D according to the museum's site: http://www.aerospaceca.org/douglas-c-53d-skytrooper/

"It is known that our aircraft did participate in glider drops during the “Market Garden” operation in Holland." Which means my grandparents could have seen it in action back in those days. :)
 
Actually the MAAM-SIM DC-3/RD-4 has a model with the door on the starboard side if my memory serves me correct.
 
AussieMan said:
Actually the MAAM-SIM DC-3/RD-4 has a model with the door on the starboard side if my memory serves me correct.
Click to expand...

Your memory serves you well, Pat :

door_ual.jpg


Many repaints appeared for this configuration although most are not exactly correct because of the P&W engines of the Maam-Sim DC-3. Most early DC-3's that were used by airlines still were powered by Wright Cyclones which sadly never materialised on the Maam-Sim bird.

maamsim_dc-3_branif.jpg


maamsim_dc3_aa.jpg



cheers,
jan
 
Daveroo said:
...its equipped only with troop seats inside,,but they are mounted on long box like things that look like the old roman public toilets...
Click to expand...

Yes, Dave, we (Maam-Sim) modelled those too, on our C-47 troopships ( long before the war... :) )

ysdj10.jpg


Cheers,
jan
 
Thanks Jan didn't think I was imagining it. Pity the Wrights didn't make it to the MAAM-SIM models as there were a lot of Aussie airlines that used them.
 
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