Wet Wings & Dr Tanks

A book about the personalities, pilots, and aircraft involved in major transcontinental races across the United States from 1928-1970, including non-stop air derbies, Bendix Trophy Races, and Reno Harolds Club Trophy. It is written by the co-author of Mustang: The Racing Thoroughbred and provides an extensive history and assessment of the factors involved in long-distance air racing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

This captivating book delves into the captivating world of transcontinental races across the United States from 1928 to 1970, encompassing a wide range of personalities, pilots, and aircraft. The Cross-country unlimited class events, including the thrilling non-stop air derbies of the late 1920s, the iconic Bendix Trophy Races of the 1930s and 1940s, and the modern Reno Harolds Club Trophy up to 1970, have produced some of the most exhilarating and heart-wrenching tournaments in history. Written by the co-author of Mustang: The Racing Thoroughbred, this companion volume offers an extensive and insightful history, examining various factors that shaped the isolated and solitary nature of long-distance air racing. While the narrative is peppered with technical details, such as the history of aviation weather forecasting, wireless radio transmission, major engine manufacturing, and detailed accounts of iconic aircraft like the Marcoux-Bromberg r-3 and the Granville Brothers Gee Bee, the human element remains central. The book pays tribute to the trials, tribulations, and mishaps of numerous renowned pilots, including Jimmy Doolittle, Art Grobel, Benny Howard, Earl Ortman, Joe Debona, Charley Tucker, Ed Lunken, and Mike Carroll, while placing their achievements in the context of the planes they flew. This captivating and informative work is a must-read for anyone with an interest in aviation history, adventure, and the indomitable spirit of human determination.

Weight: 1390g
Dimension: 287 x 225 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780887405303