Boeing 377 Stratocruiser N1025V Clipper Rainbow at Essendon 1950

In 1950 Pan American Airlines operated a proving flight across the Pacific to Melbourne/Essendon. The crew of Pan Am Boeing 377 Stratocruiser N1025V Clipper Rainbow is seen above in a publicity shot on the apron in front of the Australian National Airways (ANA) terminal at Essendon. The regular service commenced on 7 March 1951, terminating at Sydney.

In the background is ANA Douglas DC-4 VH-ANB Lackrana. Above the aircraft can be seen the antenna for the Essendon 33 Mc 'Lorenz' Radio Range beacon.

Pan Am Stratocruiser at Essendon - 1950

In 1950 Pan American Airlines operated a proving flight across the Pacific to Melbourne/Essendon. The crew of Pan Am Boeing 377 Stratocruiser N1025V Clipper Rainbow is seen above in a publicity shot on the apron in front of the Australian National Airways (ANA) terminal at Essendon. The regular service commenced on 7 March 1951, terminating at Sydney. In the background is ANA Douglas DC-4 VH-ANB Lackrana. Above the aircraft can be seen the antenna for the Essendon 33 Mc 'Lorenz' Radio Range beacon.

The photos above and below show Clipper Rainbow parked at Essendon. In the upper photo the aircraft is open for inspection. As the Stratocruiser was one of the largest and most modern airliners at the time, it generated considerable local interest.

	Left: In the event Pan Am only operated Stratocruiser services to Sydney. Passengers were given a comprehensive booklet explaining many features of the aircraft and their trip. Click on the image to download a .pdf copy of the brochure (4.5 MB). Below: Clipper Rainbow also appeared on this postcard given out to Pan Am passengers.

(Photos: Top-Department of the Interior/CAHS collection; Next-Maurice Austin collection; Next-Ian Mackenzie; Lower two images-Phil Vabre collection) Read Fifty Years Ago - 1951 Back to the main Items of General Interest index If this page appears without menu bars at top and left, click here