The LIFE magazine
archive images continue to amaze all of us as they are released
for general viewing and this series is typical of the fascinating
photographs that have come to-light. Taken in and around this Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
- N69043 - owned by the Southern California Aircraft Corp. -
specially converted into a Landseaire 'flying yacht', they purport
to show just how the 'other-half' lived back in the Golden Days of
the Fifties. The photographs were taken around February 1950 by renowned
LIFE cameraman, Loomis Dean. The 'boat was lost in a crash at Sao
Paulo on the 5th July 1953 carrying a Brazilian
registration.
I personally
would love to know more about this 'boat, for instance the colour
scheme, and especially who the people are shown in the
photographs. If you know more, please email SEAWINGS.
IN
THE AIR - The
images below show the Catalina from various angles. Note the huge
non-framed blister windows in the hull and the paint scheme.
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g
ON
THE GROUND & WATER - Moving and working around the
exterior, both on dry land and the open sea afford the opportunity
for us to see virtually all over the Catalina. Norte the various
hatches and sliding glazing.
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THE
INTERIOR - And now for something completely different! Just
look at the interior fitments here, including a shower! No expense
has been spared it would seem to include absolutely every luxury
on-board to make the flight times pass by.
