1/200 Western Models (AC219764) Curtiss C46F Commando (478774) "THE TINKER BELLE" O/D Upper & Grey Lower U.S.A.A.F. (Limited Edition)

The Tinker Belle

Curtiss built our Commando at their factory in Buffalo, New York, the birthplace of all but a handful of the type; ours is a C-46F, the final production variant (234 examples) of the breed. While, we have little information at present regarding the airframe’s military history, we do know that Curtiss delivered it to the USAAF as serial number 44-78774 in September, 1945. Given that the war was over at that point, it likely went into storage for a while. Three years later, almost to the day, Pan American World Airways leased the C-46 from the newly-renamed U.S. Air Force, placing it on the civil registry as N74178. The airline operated ten C-46s with their “Clipper Cargo” service, mainly from their hub in Miami, Florida, to various locations around the Caribbean, although sometimes they ventured as far south as Buenos Aires, Argentina.  In January, 1953 Pan Am returned our C-46 to the U.S. Air Force, which kept our Commando for another year before selling it to Argonaut Airways, which registered the aircraft as N74178 in October, 1955. The C-46 passed through the hands of a half dozen additional cargo operators until the Commemorative Air Force (then known as the Confederate Air Force) acquired it in February 1976. The organization’s Oklahoma Wing adopted the Commando, nicknaming her The Tinker Belle, due to the proximity of Tinker Air Force Base to the unit’s then-home field in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Tinker Belle flew in air shows across the country with the CAF until Warriors and Warbirds of Monroe, North Carolina took up the responsibility of caring for the Commando in 2011. It is from the City of Monroe which we acquired this beautiful aircraft in July, 2023. The Museum’s C-46 is flown in tribute to those who accomplished what was once thought impossible, opening a supply route into China by air in wartime.

Pete Hovanec, Monroe Communications and Tourism Director, shared his excitement, saying, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to see ‘The Tinker Belle’ join this remarkable organization dedicated to preserving and operating historic aircraft. We have full confidence that the Military Aviation Museum will showcase this rare bird for years to come.”

The addition of “The Tinker Belle” to the Military Aviation Museum’s collection is a significant milestone, honoring the heroic achievements of the past and preserving the memory of those who served. The Museum invites aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike to witness the expected debut of this iconic aircraft at the South Pacific Luau and Hangar Dance, promising an unforgettable experience.

 If you have any questions, please call 757-721-7767 or visit https://militaryaviationmuseum.org/. The Military  Aviation Museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457.

Curtiss C-46 Commando to Join Military Aviation Museum Collection

Moreno AguiariPublished July 11, 2023