EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016: Boeing Centennial Plaza - Curtiss C-46 The Tinker Belle

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience continues with our signature year-round coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, sponsored by Air Associates, with more aircraft on static display in Boeing Centennial Plaza.  One of the warbirds that stood out in the crowd was the Curtiss C-46 The Tinker Belle.  The C-46 was originally designed as a commercial airliner that was larger than it's competitor, the Douglas DC-3/C-47, but its commercial success was sidelined by the advent of World War II.  Nick-named the Commando, the C-46 served valiantly during the war and later found its niche in the cargo carrier market in outland areas like Alaska.   Currently, The Tinker Belle is owned and operated by the City of Monroe, NC and can be seen at many airshows and aviation events around the country.