Historical Aviation Album: Collector's All-American Series (Volume XIV), 1975, 1975-09

Document Type: Periodical (Historical Study).

Purpose: Informational.

Authority: Author Expertise.

Document Number: Collector's Series (aka "All American Series") Volume XIV (dated 1975).

Scope: This book was produced (written and illustrated) and published in 1975 by Paul R. Matt for readers interested in the history of American aviation, especially model builders. It was edited by Kenn C. Rust with editorial and production assistance of Thomas G. Foxworth.

The book includes articles about specific airplanes, as well as other biographical and historical information related to aviation. Each article consists of pages of text and photographs and two or more pages of detailed three-view or four-view scale drawings of the aircraft from the top / bottom view(s) and side view(s).

The front cover includes a full-color painting of the Sikorsky S-39CS "Spirit of Africa" by Paul R. Matt.

From the front matter: "IT'S BEEN A LONG WAIT... The ole' engine began running rough a few months ago and we were put into the hangar for an overhaul and a 420,000 hour maintenance check. This issue of Historical Aviation Album was ready to go to press just as we were grounded. As a result it is considerably behind schedule but we feel that we are back in the air again and the Album series should be published once again on a more regular basis.

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to our many readers who wrote wondering where and when this issue was to be released. There were others who expressed concern about my health and the future of HAA. I tried to respond to as many as possible but to those whom I may have missed, I wish to say thanks, thanks for their understanding and continued interest in our humble endeavors. To know we have such a faithful following is indeed gratifying.

Historical Aviation Album takes more time to assemble than the average magazine due to the extensive research undertaken and time consumed in doing worthwhile scale drawings. Actually the format is three pronged and each requires heavy research in itself. First we need a factual story. Second we need photographs for illustrations and third, suitable material to produce authentic scale views.

Sometimes we have a good story but lack photos or technical data to back it up or we have drawing material but no story and few illustrations. To pull all three together is quite a task but its what makes HAA unique, or should we say different. This triangle of material, which comprises the bulk of each issue, is a long nit-picking process. HAA can never be put together on a periodic deadline basis and still retain its quality and format.

To those then that still patiently await each new issue of the Album, despite our faults and stumbling at times, a warm appreciation for your loyalty and understanding." [signed Paul R. Matt]

Contents: Includes articles about: - SIKORSKY S-39, PART I, Sikorsky Flying Boat and Amphibian series (written by Mitch Mayborn) - FAMILY TREE - Howard Racers, PART III, DGA-6 "Mr. Mulligan" (written by Paul R. Matt) - FAMILY TREE - Douglas Biplane Observation Type Aircraft, Douglas M-2 through M-4 Biplane Mailplanes (written by Paul R. Matt) - WHY GENERAL MACARTHUR VOTED "NOT GUILTY" in the COURT MARTIAL of "BILLY" MITCHELL (written by William H. Webb, L.L.B., J.D.) - A NEW LOOK AT THE LONE EAGLE [Charles Lindbergh] (written by Justice D. Doenecke) - THE ARMY'S SILVER OLDIES (written by Peter M. Bowers)

Scale Drawings: - SIKORSKY S-39B - HOWARD DGA-6 "Mr. Mulligan" - DOUGLAS M-2 Mailplane

COVER ILLUSTRATION Dramatic and glorious was the life of Sikorsky S-39CS, c/n 914, NC 52V. Camouflaged in a leopard pattern to pacify local natives superstitions, the little amphibian was used on extensive photographic and life pattern expeditions by Martin and Osa Johnson in Africa and Borneo through the years 1933-35. It survived a long and arduous career only to be lost in the Gulf of Mexico performing a heroic rescue of two downed Civil Air Patrol pilots during World War II. VERN CARSTENS photo via MITCH MAYBORN Oil painted by PAUL R. MATT