Developed during World War II as a long-distance military transport for troops and cargo (as the designation C-54), the DC-4 became most airlines’ first four-engined transport in the postwar era. Simplicity, redundancy, and reliability made the type a favorite of operators, and with over a thousand constructed, spare parts were easy to source, as well as maintenance staff and pilots who knew its systems intimately.
Many of Northwest’s flying crew gained experience on the C-54 during the war, so folding the type into the NWA system from March 1946 onward was a simple affair. Initially set up to carry 50 passengers in first-class seating, later all-coach configurations would seat 62. With a crew of 4 or 5, Northwest’s unpressurized DC-4s would cruise at 8,000 feet at 225 miles per hour. 35 of these ships would eventually fly for NWA up to the late 1950s, although not all at the same time.
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Inflight photo of NC6403 over the frozen lakes of the Twin Cities. NWAHC archive.Company-issued 1945 postcard with NX34538 in flight with “Coast to Coast” markings on back and “The NORTHWEST Passage” above the window line.Company-issued 1946 postcard with NX34538 in flight with “Coast to Coast” markings on back and “The NORTHWEST Passage” above the window line.NC95411 in January 1947 at what looks like the Minneapolis ramp. Postcard promotional image, photographer unknown. Good illustration of the color schemes in use on ground equipment and service vehicles.NC95419 was named “The Manila” and outfitted specially for Transpacific service, with reduced seating capacity to allow for additional fuel tanks and cargo. The first flight departed Minneapolis on July 15, 1947 and was feted with speeches and music.Another view of NC95419 at MSP on 7/15/47. Note the celestial navigation windows installed above and behind the cockpit.November 1949 shot at Chicago-Midway by Harry Sievers, via the Jon Proctor collection. This ex C-54 is registered NC95415.In the aftermath of the Martin 202 debacle, Northwest was keenly short on capacity and leased in various Douglas propliners to fill the gap, including this DC-4 N79000 with easily recognizable Eastern Air Lines “Great Silver Fleet” markings. The NWA Compass was painted over Eastern’s Falcon logo and Northwest titles were applied, but even the American flag was part of the basic EAL scheme. 1956 postcard showing the terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul and a variety of ground equipment. Note the air-conditioning truck at center.November 1956 shot at Chicago-Midway by Harry Sievers, via the Jon Proctor collection. DC4 in the foreground is N68969.DC4 at Minneapolis. Postcard issued by Gopher News. From the D. Scott Norris collection.
