Douglas DC-2 TWA "The Lindbergh Line," 1935 (1:200)

The DC-2 (Douglas Commercial 2) was developed to compete with Boeing'_s 247. With the success of the DC-1, Douglas decided to build on it. The two Douglas aircraft had similar shapes but the DC-2 had more powerful engines that made it capable of longer flights at faster speeds. The DC-2 was two feet longer and could carry two more passengers. The DC-2 was an immediate success and became the first Douglas airliner to enter service with a non-U.S. airline. Between 1934 and 1937 Douglas built 156 DC-2'_s.

Douglas DC-2 NC13784 began service with TWA (Trans Western Airlines) on May 18, 1934. The airline started as TAT (Transcontinental Air Transport) that called their self "The Lindbergh Line". After a merger with Western Air Express the name became Trans Western Airlines (TWA). In 1950 the '_W'_ was changed to '_World'_. On April 22, 1942 NC13784 was sold to Northeast Airlines but on July 22, 1942 it was impressed by the U.S. military as C- 32A 42-65579. On November 3, 1944 the aircraft was sold as surplus to TACA Airlines.

Specifications Douglas DC-2
First flight - May 11, 1934
Number produced '_ 156
Crew '_ 2 or 3
Dimensions
Length '_ 62.5 ft (19.1m)
Wingspan '_ 85 ft (25.9 m)
Height '_ 15 ft 10 in (4.8 m)
Weights
Empty '_ 12,455 lbs (5,560 kg)
Maximum '_ 18,560 lbs (8,420 kg)
Performance
Engines '_ 2 x Wright Cyclone GR-F53 9-cylinder radial producing 730 hp (540 kW) per engine
Maximum speed '_ 210 mph @ 6,800 ft (338 km/h)
Range '_ 1,085 miles (1,750 km)
Service ceiling '_ 22,750 ft (6,930 m)
Rate of climb '_ 1,030 ft/min (310 m/min)