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| A tri-motor minus two engines? |
In 1925, Stout brought out the 2-AT Pullman, a high wing conventional gear monoplane. The aircraft featured decorated side panels, padded seats, semi-circular opening windows, and a bathroom. The all metal airframe was covered with that distinctive corrugated metal skin apparently to prevent rust and corrosion. It was the first all-metal aircraft certified in America and was one of the first single engine aircrafts to commercially carry more passengers. It was eventually redesigned to accommodate three engines, becoming the Stout 3-AT Tri-motor, and later was redesigned to become the more well-known Ford Tri-Motor.
Development hastened with the infusion of resources from Ford. The rugged Stout could carry up to 10 passengers including the pilot. It could also carry a huge load of freight and mail. Its 400 hp engine enabled the Stout to cruise at 116 mph. This aircraft is responsible for the start of the multi engine airliner, the Ford Tri-Motor which was essentially a three engine version of the Stout 2-AT Pullman.
I thought it was pretty cool of Nick to keep that cool aluminum feel to the watercolor realizing that it was, at the time, the first successful all metal transport. I don't know if he did this purposefully, but I like to think so!
Copyright 2013/ Ben Bensen III
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