Travis Air Force Base
Aviation Museum
C-124C “Globemaster II”
SERIAL NUMBER: 52-1000
SPECIFICATIONS
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Wing Span: 174 ft 2 in
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Length: 130 ft 5 in
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Height: 48 ft 3 in
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Maximum Speed: 300 mph
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Service Ceiling: 21,800 ft
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Range: 4,030 mi
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Crew/Passengers: 5 crew, 200 passengers depending on configuration
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Engines: 4 x 3,800 hp Pratt & Whitney R-4360 WASP Major radial engines
The "Globemaster" was America's largest and last propeller driven transport airplane. Built by Douglas Aircraft, it was the crowning addition to their already successful line of transport aircraft. Its bloodline started with the DC-3/C-47, and continued through the DC-4/C-54 and the DC-6/C-118 line of airliners and military transports.
Capable of carrying 200 passengers or 68,500lbs of cargo, the C-124 could move heavy equipment, troops and litter patients. From 1959 to 1961, it transported "Thor" missiles across the Atlantic to England. The four 3,800 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-4360 engines that powered the C-124 made her the "Queen of the Airlift Fleet''.
From the beginning, one of the major goals of the museum was to have a C-124 in the collection.
In mid 1982, the museum was informed that a C-124 was available. She sat derelict at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, used as a storage shed for engine parts and served as a home for local animals. Major George Anderson and SMSgt Dave Florek, both from the 60th Military Airlift Wing, inspected the C-124 in August,1982. With the cost of shipping the C-124 across country being prohibitive, the decision was made to fly the aircraft back to Travis AFB.
Many volunteers came from the east and west coast to help get "Old Shakey", as the C-124s were affectionately known, into flyable condition. Members of the 116th Tactical Fighter Wing, Dobbins AFB, GA, aided in the restoration effort at Aberdeen and later at Dover AFB, DE.
Sldeshow: Recovery and Restoration of our C-124
After getting the C-124 into ferriable condition, she was flown to Dobbins AFB, GA, where the final restoration work was accomplished by the 116th in preparation for the cross-country flight to Travis AFB. After a stop at Norton AFB, CA, and a photo session over the Golden Gate, our C-124 arrived at the museum at exactly 2:00 p.m. on 10 June 1984.
The many volunteer hours that have gone into this restoration show both on the inside and outside of the airplane. During special, “Open Houses", the C-124 is open for tours with entry through the massive clam shell doors in the nose.
Watch our C-124C a.k.a. "Old Shakey" Taking Off for its Final Flight to Travis Air Force Base
Another old video of "Old Shakey" Taking Off for its Final Flight Across Country
Information derived from, “Travis Heritage Center” by Nick Veronico, copyright Travis AFB Historical Society and Travis AFB Heritage Center Foundation.
This book is available from the Travis Heritage Center gift shop.