North Central Memories

NCA Article I

2012-01-19T12:18:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone, Today I'm adding a great article, originally printed in Airliner's International magazine in 1973, about the daily life of North Central Airlines. (copyright acknowledged)...thank you to John Evanich for sending it into us!!

(This posting contains page one of the article, and a second posting contains the rest of the article...please 'click' on each page to view in a larger format for better viewing/reading!)

NCA Article II

2012-01-19T12:06:00.006-06:00

Hello everyone! I'm happy to be adding a great article today that originally was printed for Airliner's International magazine back in 1973. (acknowledgment of copyright)
The article shows the daily life of North Central Airlines and is a great resource on the operations, aircraft and activity of Herman. Enjoy!!

Moran Obituary

2012-01-15T11:46:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone, I'm saddened to add this posting today but I believe it's appropriate for the blog. David Moran, a long time North Central employee who started out as a Station Agent and ended his career as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. (Copyright thanks to Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

Obituary

David E. Moran | Visit Guest Book
Moran, David E. Age 81, of Lakeville, MN. died January 11th after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. David was born in St. Cloud, MN., the first son of Ovid and Florence May Moran. He spent 57 years with his beloved wife, Joanne Rabe and had four children, David Jr. (Molly), Danelle (Timothy) Reid, Douglas (Tracy) and Donald (Penny). A great source of joy in his life were his thirteen grandchildren, Michael, Andrew, Tyler (Jill), Tom, Kristin, Megan, Matthew, Kate, Ellen, Madelyn, Olivia, Ryan and Jack. David served in the United States Air Force for four years. He began his airline career working as a station agent for North Central Airlines and retired as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Republic Airlines. After leaving his first career, David earned single and multi-engine flying certificates and became a flight instructor and charter pilot at Flying Cloud Airport. He accumulated over 6000 hours of flying time. With courage and great tenacity David changed his life in 1974 when he successfully completed a Recovery Program for Alcoholism at St. Mary's Hospital. He maintained his sobriety the rest of his life. David was an avid sportsman and believed in conservation and preservation of the environment. He served as president of the Minnesota Conservation Federation, president of the Scott County Pheasants Forever chapter and president of the Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District for 10 years. Governor Arne Carlson appointed David to the commission that developed the Wetland Conservation Act of 1991. David said, "I have been hunting and fishing since I could walk and have observed significant decreases in fish and game populations over the years. That is why I take conservation seriously - so I, my children, and my grandchildren can enjoy the outdoors for years to come. Anyone serious about the future of sporting should also be serious about conservation." David hoped to be remembered as a good fishing partner, a good wing shot and a fair and generous person, interested in his community and loving of his wife, his children and grandchildren. Funeral Mass is Wednesday 11AM at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, MN. The family will receive friends and family at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Conservation Federation or the Alzheimer's Association . "Autumn comes. It always does. The trees struggle with this truth. Today, in my being, so do I." Published in Star Tribune on January 15, 2012 PrintFollow this Obituary

As requested within the obituary, donations in memory of David E. Moran are appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association.

Another year comes to an end...

2011-12-30T22:14:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone...firstly, I'd like to thank our blog viewers and contributors very much! Remember, without you, there really wouldn't be a blog!! Secondly, I assure everyone that posts ARE coming. Alas, as stated in an earlier posting, I'm awaiting approval/authorization from recent contributors to allow their stories to be added, along with photos, before I can proceed. Unfortunately, this has been a long process and it would be my hope, with the new year, these postings can go forward.
Also, I'll be instituting a new 'copyrighting' system for photos that are added to the blog. As I've said before, we're still experiencing 'theft' of our photos from the blog, copied and placed on Ebay for someones own personal, monetary gain. Tacky...I'll say again, tacky move on this individuals part. Hence, this new system will allow for secure photo posting on the blog to discontinue the unauthorized use of OUR photos. (Much like the system that Scott at www.hermantheduck.org uses).
Also, I encourage all our viewers to take a look at the links provided on the right hand side of the front page. These 'friends of the blog' are in business for themselves, provide wonderful products and are NOT a part of the blog, nor give us any monetary support as a result of their links. I've done business with all three listed, myself, and have always been pleased with their products, services and friendship. :)
Now, most importantly, everyone, please have a wonderful New Year and be sure to check back from time to time for updates...and, as always, PLEASE write in if you have something to share, say or perhaps have a question about. I'm here to help!!
Peder, aka, Convairkid

Eventually....there'll be more

2011-12-01T21:16:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone, I want to thank you for your patience in this 2 month period since I last posted. Updates are STILL in the works. Like I mentioned before, I'm awaiting 'approval' for certain posts to be granted, along with permission to use photos. It's a long process and I appreciate everyone hanging in there with me!

Along the lines of photos, I see that the use of our photos from this blog are still being added to Ebay for sale by a certain individual. It still amazes me how tacky this move is on this individuals part. Go ahead and see for yourselves on a search in Ebay under 'North Central' and even 'Wisconsin Central.' Alas, any further additions of photos to this blog will be tagged with copyright notices to stop this person from continuing to profit from our own photos and the hard work in obtaining them and sharing them with the blog readers. In that end, I believe I'll finally feel confident that the practice of this individual will cease...and we can move on. Thank you again!!

MSP Show reminder...

2011-10-09T12:12:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! I just wanted to 'get the word out' again about the upcoming MSP Airliner's Collectible Show this coming Saturday, October 15th from 9am to 4pm. I've attached the flyer as well and it can be viewed in larger form by clicking on it. Hope to see/meet you there!!

'Spamming' and false emails

2011-09-28T16:46:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I just wanted to share some recent developments I've had with the blog, as well as my own email...
I find it VERY difficult to believe, in today's World, (or maybe I don't!) that a simple email claiming knowledge, requests or information about North Central, Republic, Hughes Airwest (the airline list goes on) where I attempt to reply to that email goes 'unheard' or comes back as 'undeliverable.' Believe me, I'm one that can spot SPAM or 'crap' emails like anyone else, but the ones I've received are so believable and real looking, who wouldn't respond to them??? Alas, this posting.

So far I've been affected 3 times in the past 30 days with 3 different emails and, to date, there's been no hacking of the blog, nor my personal information. I just wanted to share with everyone IN CASE they receive something as well...sometimes things are too good to be true...and, in most all cases, they are. :) Peder

MSP Show announced

2011-09-12T22:17:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone, I wanted to get this notice out as soon as possible. I only found out about it today in fact! Alas, another MSP Airline Colletible Show has been slated for SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15h from 9am to 4pm at the Holiday Inn Crown Plaza in Eagan, Minnesota. The hotel's located on the South side of the airport (across the river) and is about a 5 minute drive from the airport. I'm adding the show's flyer for more information. Thank you!!

America, 10 Years Later

2011-09-10T22:23:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone, I thought it fitting as a historian, as well as an American, to create this posting in the remembrance of the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01.
In the 10 years since the attacks, America, as well as The World, has changed in numerous ways. Life as we knew it, changed. Air travel as we knew it, changed. We as Americans, changed. I think we can all agree with that.
To the passengers and crews of American 11, American 77, United 175 and United 93; we will never forget you! To the countless people affected in the World Trade Center, The Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, we will never forget you!

Time doesn't fade memories...

2011-08-25T22:43:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm pleased to be adding a new posting to the blog today, and it's a good one!!
Not long ago, Scott, over at www.hermantheduck.org forwarded me an email he'd received from a former North Central Stewardess that was wondering if someone would be interested in items that she had. I immediately responded...

Sandy Hoksch was a Stewardess with North Central from 1968 to 1970 when she decided to move onto other ventures in life. Even so, Sandy retained all of her original pins, wings, employee handbooks, blankets, copies of The Northliner, her uniform and even her liquor cabinet key for the aircraft for the past 41 years! Sadly, her original North Central issued Stewardess Hat didn't survive the years and, as she put it, it 'disintegrated.' Nonetheless, Sandy wanted these items to go somewhere where others could appreciate them and I'm happy she did...as well I'm sure you are! Enjoy...:)

Collector friends...

2011-08-16T22:30:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone, I just wanted to share how wonderful it is to have like minded friends in the collector World. This point is made in the recent visit of my friend, and fellow North Central collector, Steve from MKT (Mankato, MN).
Having lunch with Steve, we chatted it up about what's happening in collecting, Ebay, collector shows and the general histories of airlines and aircraft. Always good to 'chew the fat' about these subjects!
I was also able to have Steve over to the house to view some of my personal collection and share any extra things I had with him. See, to me, collecting is not about hoarding, nor about the 'it's all mine' mentality. To me, it's a way to share with others who have the same interests and passions that I do. I've met other collectors of the same frame of mind, and I've met the other side as well. I guess, to each their own, but for me, I'm content with my choice...:)

DC-9 Cockpit Restoration Project

2011-07-30T23:10:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone, THANK YOU for sticking with me, and this blog, during the long hiatus in postings. I'm still working out information, 'blessings' and approval of future postings. Alas, I've received some new information today I wanted to pass along to our viewers...

I received an email along with a website link today regarding the restoration of a former North Central DC-9 cockpit. Aircraft N962N, '912', began life with North Central Airlines in May 1969 and was finally retired to Arizona in 2005. The aircraft was broken up in 2008 and hence, this project began. This looks like a great and fun venture in restoration!

Perry Van Veen is heading up the venture and is looking for interested parties in the project (not limited) to include stories of the aircraft, actual restoration work, parts, you name it! Here is the projects website and I hope you'll all take a look...many photos, history of the aircraft, etc. ENJOY!!!

http://nwadc9.yolasite.com/

Retro designs and updates

2011-05-29T23:23:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone, First of all, please excuse the lack of postings lately! I'm still working out details in posting a few new stories as well as photos, awaiting authorizations and copyright information.
As we all know, photos placed on this blog are for your own personal use and enjoyment and not for copying to use for personal monetary gain. Unfortunately, that has occurred in the past (and currently as well) and we're looking at options to minimize this very tacky and unfortunate use of the photos provided on this blog.
Alas, I was just forwarded this wonderful collage of retro jets, created by Andre Bourgeois ( all rights reserved ) by our good friend and blog contributor, Arron Propsom. ENJOY!!

Gemini NCA Convair 580's

2011-04-27T16:25:00.003-05:00

Yes, they're out!! With a batch of 500 units, Gemini has already announced that the NCA Convair 580's are SOLD OUT. I knew it would happen. Alas, I do know of some distributors that still have some in stock, so if you're still looking for one or more of these great models, contact me and I'll send you a list of distributors that still have them in stock.

As a result of the release, one of our blog readers, Keith Wilson of Jonesboro, Georgia sent in these photos of his Convairs to share with us. Thanks Keith!

Also, it must be stated that these photos are the personal works and property of Keith Wilson and any reproduction or copying for sale of said photos is prohibited.

More windmills

2011-04-16T10:21:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Ted Wagner recently sent in these photos of another project he's been working on; Wisconsin Central L-10A's! It appears that Ted is going to create the entire NCA Fleet! Fine detail!! Thanks for sharing with us Ted...

Spring ORD Show 2011

2011-04-14T12:11:00.002-05:00

Hello! It's that time of year again for the ORD Airliner's Show, coming up Saturday the 30th of April. Not sure if I'm attending as of yet (?) but please enjoy! It's a nice get together of airline collectors as well as former employees swapping stories and goods. Take care!

A 'new' hangar

2011-04-05T17:20:00.001-05:00

Talk about being in the doghouse...:) Thanks to Ted Wagner for sending this in!

Manistee Airport Part Two

2011-03-31T11:02:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I'm happy to be adding more photos today, provided to us by Ted Wagner, of the Manistee Airport in Michigan. These were photos that were taken by the local newspaper when North Central Airline's was beginning service to the area. Enjoy!
Please remember, these photos are not to be copied for monetary gain and all rights are reserved.

Manistee Airport Part One

2011-03-29T09:05:00.004-05:00

Good morning! I'm happy to be adding some photos that Ted Wagner provided for us today. These come from the Manistee County Historical Society and show the beginnings of North Central's air service to the Manistee County Blacker Airport in Michigan. Enjoy these great moments from history!
Please keep in mind, all rights are reserved on these photos and they are not to be copied for monetary gain.
Part Two coming shortly...

Gemini NCA Convair 580

2011-03-22T16:11:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm sure some of you have been wondering 'when are those North Central Convair 580's being released by Gemini Jets?' Yes, it has finally been announced that the 1:200 scale NCA 580's are to be released April 15th. So, for those of you that preordered them through a distrubutor, or are looking for them through another source, keep April 15th in mind!!

'Fun to reminisce...' Part Two

2011-03-17T18:42:00.002-05:00

Hello again! I'm pleased to add another posting to the blog this evening, and that being 'Part Two' in Ted's story. I had hinted in Part One about his interesting hobby and we'll get to that now!
Ted, in his spare time, is an inventor. In that end, he's added modifications to motor scooters, along with creating an amphibious motorcycle! Alas, he's also created a 'windmill' of sorts that I believe all will like to look at; A North Central Convair 580, which has been hand made with wood, hand painted, and has counter rotating props. As a result of seeing this great little invention, I've personally ordered a couple for myself from Ted. I liked the idea and the fact that Ted hand creates each airplane himself! Ted will even add a specific 'N' number if one so desires.

In that end, I wanted to get the word out to our blog viewers of these great little items. Well, I shouldn't say TOO little as the wingspan of each Convair is 22 inches. If anyone is interested in contacting Ted about placing an order for one, or more, please contact me directly and I'll put you in touch with him. Talking with Ted further, each Convair would be $40 plus $12 shipping. Again, these are hand made and take a little time to create!

Thanks for all who continue to support the blog and the memories of North Central Airlines!

To contact me; mplsmn1200@yahoo.com

'Fun to reminisce...' Part One

2011-03-12T09:53:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone! I'm pleased to add another story today, from one of our blog viewers that wrote in to me recently. Ted Wagner shared his story with us, along with an interesting hobby that we'll get to later! (It must be stated that this story, along with it's pictorial contents, are under copyright and cannot be used for external use or personal monetary gain).

'Every year, about this time, I get the NCA Convair itch. I cannot even put a solid reason on my interest in North Central or the Convair 580 other than this; Every year when I was a boy, my great grandma, Cecelia, would fly down for a visit on NCA or RCA on the earnings she made making afghans. She would stay with us for a week and pick blueberries. She'd always by on NCA/RCA, and always hand carried her 60 pounds of blueberries on the plane, with no help, even into her 80's.

As a boy in the 70's and 80's, one of my fondest memories was going to the Kent County (now Gerald Ford) Airport in Grand Rapids to watch great grandma land and to take her home. Back then, GRR only had NCA, and maybe USAir or United Commuter, so the Convairs were the most frequent traffic seen. Now I gotta say, as a boy, I wanted to see jets! I remember being so disappointed when great grandma showed up in a propeller plane, and so happy when the DC-9 would pull up to the terminal. One one occasion, the flight crew even let me board with her to see the plane . Once, when she checked in, a pilot gave me a set of silver Republic kiddie wings. I kept these until last year until my 2 year old decided to pluck them from the headliner of my car and deposited them down my heater vent! (This has since been replaced by another set of wings).

North Central became Republic, the planes changed colors, I got older and great grandma got too old to visit. My Dad would take us out to the airport very often and we would sit on the hood of the car, a '73 Satellite, which we had for 14 years, and watch the planes land at the public viewing area. Lots of good memories-GRR's first Northwest Orient airplane, including an NWA 747, and Ronald Reagan in Air Force One for the dedication of the Gerald R. Ford Museum. Cheap entertainment for us kids, but it worked!

As I have the dreaded 4-0 staring me in the face, I guess these are some of the memories with any substance to them. What I wouldn't give to hear that low drone of the Allison turboprops roaring to full power for a takeoff! I had no idea of the history of these planes back then, but I do now, largely thanks to sites like yours. I remember the last Convair 580 I ever saw. My family was on vacation in 1987, heading for Duluth, Minnesota. We passed a little airport in Pellston, Michigan and there was a NWA Convair at the terminal. I was so excited! I couldn't believe NWA was using them.

I hope this wasn't too much rambling, but it was sure fun to reminisce!'

I want to THANK Ted for writing in and sharing these memories with us! It's memories and stories like these that keep our blog alive, along with recalling the 'great, old days' of North Central along the Convair 580's.
Please be sure to check in with the blog in the next few days for PART TWO, regarding Ted's interesting hobby...you'll want to see and read about this!

Hermantheduck

2011-03-04T21:24:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone, I've been alerted by Scott, the owner and operator of www.hermantheduck.org that he's moving the site to a new server, so, the site will be down for a few days (in case people were looking for it). Thank you!

'The Old Days'

2011-02-16T21:58:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone, After a long hiatus, as well as a few trips, it's time to post again!
In hopes of hearing more from our blog viewers, I wrote a few months ago about sending in your stories, comments, memories and what have you. In that end, I've received ONE response...hey, I'm happy! Today, I'll be posting that message for all to see. It's about days long gone by, and the time and service North Central employees took to answer communications by kids, and adults alike, and what their outcomes were...enjoy!

My great thanks to DAVE SWANSON for sending these in...without our viewers and contributors, we'd be nothing!

BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO BE ABLE TO READ AND VIEW IT BETTER

"My fascination with aviation began on the old terminal ramp in Grand Rapids, Michigan standing behind the chain-link with my mom as we waited for my father to return from work trips. He always returned aboard the Vickers Viscounts that UAL operated from the old GRR airport in the early ‘60s. North Central and Lake Central then also served GRR, both with DC-3s.

When I was a 10 year-old Cub Scout, one of the challenges our Den Mother had for us “old timers” was to write 3 letters to 3 different people who we did not know with the hope of receiving a reply from one. Being one of the lucky ones, I got responses from all of my letters. The first one went to LBJ. The next letter went all the way to England for the last Captain of the Queen Mary. And, the last one was for the man in charge of the NCA station at Grand Rapids.

Soon after, our mailman delivered a large manila envelope addressed to me that contained a very cool DC-9-32 ground maintenance manual, a North Central Airlines employment pamphlet, and an invitation from NCA’s senior station agent at GRR…

My mom and I were treated to a very cordial tour of the NCA facility at GRR by Senior Station Agent Dan Legner. He generously gave us some time out of his workday to show us NCA operations at GRR, including a walk on the ramp! To a kid hooked on all things flying, our visit was a blast! It was hard, then, to imagine that one could work on and around such aircraft and get paid money for it, too! Something I knew, deep-down inside, was that going to “work at the airport” was what I wanted for me when I grew-up…

42 years later and 33 years into my career as an ATC, I can reflect back on so many of the fun aviation things I’ve been lucky enough to do. I have flown many trips in air carrier cockpits as an additional observing crewman in lots of types including Republic Convairs and DC-9s. I have been assigned to work OSH Tower and FLD Tower during the EAA’s AirVenture gatherings. And, once, I was privileged to go behind the scenes for a real good look at NCA."

Dave Swanson,
FAA ATCT
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Updates

2011-01-25T19:32:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone, Just a quick note to let you know updates will be coming...they are just taking more time than I thought! Stay tuned...

Our New Year

2011-01-01T11:41:00.002-06:00

Good morning everyone...and Happy New Year! This new year marks the 5th Anniversary of our blog and I'm happy to say we're still here!! With your encouragement, stories, photos and enthusiasm, we've been able to 'spread the word' about North Central Airlines. With Herman's rich history and the wonderful people that created Herman, worked for Herman, flew on Herman, there's more than enough out there to share with our readers, followers and, dare I say, 'worshippers?' :)

In that end, I wish to ask our readers to submit more stories, histories, photos, knowledge and thoughts with us again this year. I can't do this alone...I need your inputs! Over the past 5 years, we've had some wonderful submissions for the blog and I wish to continue in that fashion...but only if YOU share with us. We need more employee histories, stories, memories, photos, you name it...we're open!

Thank you ALL again for a great and fulfilling 5 years...and I hope for many more to come! Peder, aka Convaircrazy

Happy Holidays

2010-12-25T10:57:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone, I want to express my thanks for your continued support of this blog and to enjoy your holidays! More postings will occur after the new year. :) Peder

Sad...just sad

2010-12-08T17:40:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone, I'm adding this posting today to make aware the fact that this blog was intended to share the wonderful history, stories and memories of a great airline, North Central Airlines. Be it many photos, and I mean many, have been shared on this blog, with permission/accolades to the owners of said photos, I find it sad and pretty demeaning to see copies of these photos FOR SALE on Ebay. Yes, I understand that people wish to see/acquire these photos for their own, personal collections, and I've not an issue with that. I think we all do that at some point in time. However, when I see photos that have been graciously shared with this blog, or other airline blogs/websites, FOR SALE on venues such as Ebay, it undermines the purpose of this blog and screams for awareness.

Be that said, I wonder if whomever is selling these photos on Ebay and the like really wishes to continue...??? I've a feeling I'm not the only one that feels this. Thank you for your attention to this issue...P

Interesting finds in San Juan...

2010-12-03T22:39:00.003-06:00

Hello all! I'm back from vacation and wanted to share a couple of photos showing a 'gaggle' of DC-3's at SJU (San Juan, Puerto Rico). Though not a surprise for me to see old propliners in The Caribbean, it was great to see so many! Along with these DC-3's were a few Beech 18's and even a Convair 440, which I wasn't able to get a photo of due to a jetbridge in the way!
Alas, enjoy...more postings of North Central coming soon. :)

Time away...

2010-11-24T20:43:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone, I'm about to embark on yet another vacation and wanted to let everyone know there will be no postings for about 8 days...thanks to all and have a great Thanksgiving Holiday! P

More MSP Buildings photos

2010-11-20T22:06:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone! Please excuse the lack of postings lately...it's a busy month for me! Alas, do enjoy 3 photos of MSP from the days of North Central...:)

Images of MKE

2010-11-11T09:22:00.002-06:00

Good morning! Today I'm happy to add a few photos from the 'old days' in MKE that were sent to me recently...enjoy!

New photos...

2010-11-07T12:11:00.003-06:00

Good morning! Today's postings come compliments of Dave DeBace, showing N4811C and N967N, both at Cleveland, circa 1974. Enjoy!

A mass migration...

2010-11-06T09:10:00.004-05:00

Good morning everyone! I'm VERY pleased to add a few, rare photos this morning, provided to us by Terry Love. They show the ferry flights of the Convair 580's right after their retirement from Northwest Airlines. I'd never known these photos existed so this is a rare treat to see, let alone remember back to 1988 when this occurred. Hahaha, I was 18 at the time!

More goodies to share

2010-11-04T22:26:00.003-05:00

Hello all! I'm adding a few photos of '728' from the recent show, along with a wonderful find, given by our friend Captain Keith; an UBER rare route map from the very early days of North Central! Can any of our blog viewers figure out a date/time period?? My GUESS would be very early 1950's. Thank you!

MSP Show October 2010

2010-11-02T21:04:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! Please excuse the lack of postings lately...that's due to my being on vacation for the past 2 weeks. Thanks for coming back to check on updates!

Today I'm adding a few photos from the recent MSP Show, which in my opinion, was a great success! Though it was a small venue, attendance was wonderful and it was great to see old faces as well as meet new ones. THANKS to all who came!

Photos shown are of fellow 'Hermanphiles' David, Arron and Capt. Keith while on a tour of the NWA History Centre, which was conveniently located across the street from the host hotel for the show. Also shown are a few 'goodies' acquired from the show. More photos are coming soon. Enjoy!

New Convair 580 DIECAST model on the way...

2010-10-16T19:16:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's true...I didn't believe it either until I checked out the website for GeminiJets tonight; a new mould was created for 1:200 scale Convair 580's. One of the initial/launch airlines will be NORTH CENTRAL!! Believe me, this is BIG news, seeing collectors/enthusiasts have been waiting years for a company to launch a diecast model of the Convair 580...and it seems to be happening! No specific launch date has been announced but please check the GeminiJets website periodically, if you desire one of these gems, as they'll sell out fairly quickly. :) Photo attached for 'proof' and simply click for larger viewing...

P.S. A review of the MSP Show coming soon!

MSP Show...

2010-10-13T16:44:00.001-05:00

Only 3 days away now...:) Just a friendly reminder!!

MSP Today

2010-10-10T13:24:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm adding a great photo today, provided to us by Dave DeBace, which shows Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport as it looks today.
North Central once occupied the very righthand side of the terminal you see in the photo, which was called the 'Green Concourse,' which included Gate 79, the 'home' for the Convairs. That concourse, today, has been majorly lengthened to accomodate for Delta and Delta Connection gates. The General Offices are out of view to the left, including the once North Central Hangars. Enjoy!

Simply 'click' on the photos for a larger view...

2 weeks and counting...

2010-10-02T09:33:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Just another reminder about the upcoming MSP Show, for Saturday, October 16th...hope to see you there!

New photos part seventysix---finale

2010-09-28T10:30:00.002-05:00

Good morning! After many weeks, we've finally come to the end of the photo disks provided to us by Dave DeBace...thanks Dave!!! Alas, is it fitting the final two photos posted are of Wintry scenes??? It's coming soon enough...two photos of N965N are shown, enjoy!!

New photos part seventyfive

2010-09-25T09:26:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Today, two photos of N964N are shown...enjoy! We're coming to the end of the DC-9 disk as well, with the final posting coming shortly. Thanks again to Dave DeBace for providing us with all these wonderful memories!

New photos part seventyfour

2010-09-22T19:45:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm happy to add N962N and N963N today...enjoy!

New photos part seventythree

2010-09-19T21:37:00.002-05:00

Hello! Today's postings include N960N in a wintry scene as well as N962N...enjoy!

New photos part seventytwo

2010-09-14T08:54:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Today, N958N and N960N are shown...enjoy!
And a reminder, Only 32 days until the MSP Show!!!

New photos part seventyone

2010-09-11T09:13:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Two photos of N957N are shown today...enjoy!

New photos part seventy

2010-09-09T16:59:00.003-05:00

Hello! Today, N953N and N956N are shown...enjoy!

More Convair memories...

2010-09-06T14:37:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm happy to add a couple of Convair 580 photos today, compliments of Dave DeBace. N90854 and N4822C are shown at CLE in 1974. Notice the photo of N4822C has no Herman on the tail and a tiny 'North Central' on the fuselage...rare!

New photos part sixtynine

2010-09-05T09:39:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Today, N960N and N952N are shown...enjoy! Coming soon, two more Convair photos compliments of Dave DeBace!!

New photos part sixtyeight

2010-08-29T11:11:00.003-05:00

Good morning! N956N and N959N are shown today...enjoy!

New photos part sixtyseven

2010-08-28T09:42:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Today, N955N is shown...enjoy!

New photos part sixtysix

2010-08-25T18:50:00.002-05:00

Hello! I'm happy to be adding two photos of N954N including a great shot of N954N on the ramp at ORD, along with 2 Convair 440's and a 580! Enjoy!

New photos part sixtyfive

2010-08-22T10:50:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I'm pleased to add N953N and N954N today...enjoy!

New photos part sixtyfour

2010-08-17T18:32:00.003-05:00

Hello all! I'm pleased to begin adding the DC-9 photos today, and I apologize, I believe some of these may have been posted LONG ago, but I'll go ahead and post anyway! Alas, N951N and N952N are shown today...enjoy!

***On a side note, we're still looking for former employees, passengers, relatives, and fans to submit their stories, photos, experiences to us for all to read and see!! Please just contact me by my email (listed in my profile to the right) and we'll go from there. Even if it's short and sweet, or long and detailed makes no difference! This is OUR blog, so let's add our stories...thank you!***

New photos part sixtythree

2010-08-15T09:03:00.003-05:00

Good morning! OK, we've come to the end of the Convair disk, provided to us by Dave DeBace. Thank you Dave! Alas, N7528U and a snowy N90858 are shown...enjoy!
DC-9's on the way shortly...

New photos part sixtytwo

2010-08-14T09:03:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Today, N90852, N90854 and N90858 are shown...enjoy!

New photos part sixtyone

2010-08-12T17:46:00.002-05:00

Hello! Two great shots of N90852 are shown today...enjoy!
We're coming to the end of the Convair disk and will move onto some DC-9 photos shortly thereafter...thanks again to Dave DeBace for providing these for us!!

New photos part sixty

2010-08-11T17:24:00.002-05:00

Hello! Today, N8444H is shown...enjoy!

New photos part fiftynine

2010-08-10T09:20:00.002-05:00

Good morning! N7743U is shown today in two different poses, including another wintry scene. Enjoy!

New photos part fiftyeight

2010-08-09T15:24:00.002-05:00

Hello! Today, N7528U and N7530U are shown...enjoy!

More finds

2010-08-07T09:02:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I'm pleased to add a couple of rare and interesting photos, one provided to us by Dave DeBace, the other from my own searching. One is of a Wisconsin Central DC-3 at MDW...notice the other aircraft in the vicinity, including the Midway Airlines taildragger. The other is of the North Central Operations Office in Houghton, Michigan. Enjoy!!

Viewer finds

2010-08-05T08:50:00.003-05:00

Good morning! I'm pleased to add three photos that were forwarded to me by one of our loyal blog viewers 'blugoose.' Three great shots including L-10A, NC79237, DC-3, N817 and Convair, N90852. Enjoy!

New photos part fiftyseven

2010-08-04T17:28:00.002-05:00

Hello! Two more photos of N7517U are shown today...enjoy!

New photos part fiftysix

2010-08-03T18:33:00.001-05:00

Hello! Today, aircraft N7517U is seen in two different poses...enjoy!

A couple of finds...

2010-08-02T22:32:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone, I received these two photos from Dave DeBace today to share with all. N90857 and N2044 are shown...enjoy!

New photos part fiftyfive

2010-08-01T15:48:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! After a long weekend away, I'm back...:) Today's postings include two photos of N7517U. Note, the pixelation on one of the photos is not correctable. Enjoy!

New photos part fiftyfour

2010-07-29T16:15:00.002-05:00

Hello! Today's postings are of N4822C and N4824C...enjoy!

New photos part fiftythree

2010-07-27T22:35:00.002-05:00

Hello! Today, I'm adding N4803C, along with another Convair in the background, and another Convair in winter weather...hard to make out that N number, sorry...enjoy nonetheless!

New photos part fiftytwo

2010-07-25T12:11:00.002-05:00

Hello! Today, I'm posting two photos of N4802C and N4803C...enjoy!

New photos part fiftyone

2010-07-24T08:42:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Today's postings include two shots of N4801C...enjoy!

New photos part fifty

2010-07-21T17:45:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! Today I'm pleased to add the FIFTIETH posting of 'new' photos of Convairs. :) There are still many to go before the DC-9's come along! Alas, today's posting is of two different shots of N4634S...enjoy!

New photos part fortynine

2010-07-20T18:00:00.002-05:00

Hello all! I'm happy to add two more photos of N3430 from different angles. Enjoy!

New photos part fortyeight

2010-07-18T00:08:00.003-05:00

Hello! Today I'm adding another photo of N3423 along with a nice shot of N3430...enjoy!

New photos part fortyseven

2010-07-14T20:48:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm pleased to add two photos of N3423 tonight, including a great 'head on' shot...enjoy!

Various photos

2010-07-11T10:10:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Today, I'm adding photos and a newspaper article that have been sent in my some of our blog viewers. One includes an interior shot of a Convair 580, complete with the multicolor seats in the back, designating the smoking section. Times have changed! Enjoy...:)

New photos part fortysix

2010-07-10T08:33:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Today's postings show N3418 in two different poses...enjoy!

New photos part fortyfive

2010-07-08T10:11:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Two more photos of N2729R are shown today...enjoy!

Recent finds...

2010-07-05T10:20:00.002-05:00

Good morning! After many months of dragging my feet, I've finally taken photos of recent finds/acquisitions from EBay and airline collectible shows. Thanks to Arron in MKE for 'getting me moving' on these!
First is a travel poster from the 1960's (there's a series of 6 of these out there, very rare to find!), an AirJet North Central Convair 580 model (AirJet's been out of business for years now) and a specially made North Central DC-3 Cargo model, N28381, I had Keith Oberg at Airways Gifts create for me. Enjoy!

I'm also hoping to add a 'new' North Central reel film that was also found on EBay as soon as it's been converted from reel to disk. My thanks to Captain Keith and Dr. Tim for taking care of this for us and in providing these great treasures of the past for all of us to enjoy!

New photos part fortyfour

2010-07-03T08:24:00.003-05:00

Good morning! N2729R is shown today in two different shots...enjoy!

New photos part fortythree

2010-06-28T21:28:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm happy to add both N2046 and N2728R to the blog tonight...enjoy!

New photos part fortytwo

2010-06-26T08:14:00.002-05:00

Good morning! N2046 is shown today in two different poses...enjoy!

New photos part fortyone

2010-06-21T15:13:00.003-05:00

Hello all! I'm happy to add two, great Convair photos today of N2042. I particularly like the head on shot...which reminds me of my days as a kid at Mankato Airport. Enjoy!

Hangar photos

2010-06-18T15:04:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm pleased to add 3 photos today, which Dave DeBace provided to us, of the Minneapolis Hangar's, circa 1970. Enjoy!

New photos part forty

2010-06-16T17:30:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! Today's Convair photos aren't discernible in their 'N' numbers...sorry!

New photos part thirtynine

2010-06-12T09:24:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Photos of N90857 and N968N are shown today...enjoy!

Another MSP Show announced

2010-06-10T09:23:00.004-05:00

I'm very pleased to announce that another MSP Airliner Collectible Show and Sale has been scheduled!! Saturday, October 16th, from 9am to 4pm at the Holiday Inn & Suites at Appletree Square (directly across the street from the NWA History Centre). All proceeds will benefit the NWA History Centre so mark your calendars and DO consider coming!

New photos part thirtyeight

2010-06-09T17:48:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone, Photos of N4825C and N9067R are shown today. Enjoy!

New photos part thirtyseven

2010-06-08T09:23:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Today's additions include N4822C and N4824C...enjoy!

New photos part thirtysix

2010-06-05T08:46:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Today's postings, provided by Dave DeBace, are of N4805C and N4822C. Enjoy!

DC-9 Photos

2010-06-02T18:21:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I received 3, nice, DC-9 photos from our friend Dave DeBace today...and it's time to share them. Enjoy!

Aircraft shown are N952N, N953N and N964N

New photos part thirtyfive

2010-05-31T09:07:00.002-05:00

Good morning everyone! I'd been alerted to my last post, regarding N2045, #544, by Dave DeBace about that photo being quite rare. That being that the aircraft only flew for a short time as a 580 before being lost at ORD on December 27th, 1968. Thanks for the heads up Dave!!
Today's postings are of N2046 and N4634S. Please note, the pixelation on N4634S isn't something that can be corrected. Sorry...alas, DO enjoy! :)

New photos part thirtyfour

2010-05-29T08:40:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Today's Convair postings are provided to us by Dave DeBace, and include N969N and N2045...enjoy!

Very soon I'll be adding photos of recently acquired 'goodies' from online auctions and random purchases that I believe all will enjoy...:)

New photos part thirtythree

2010-05-27T12:25:00.004-05:00

Hello! I'm adding two more Convair photos today, compliments of Dave DeBace, showing N968N in two different poses. Please note, the pixelation on one of the photos is not something that can be 'repaired.' Enjoy!

New photos part thirtytwo

2010-05-26T17:26:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm adding N3429 in two different 'poses' today, compliments of Dave DeBace. Enjoy!

New photos part thirtyone

2010-05-24T22:43:00.002-05:00

Good evening all! In the ongoing series of Convair photos, provided to us by Dave DeBace, we're adding N2046 in two different 'poses' for you. Enjoy!

New photos part thirty

2010-05-23T10:20:00.004-05:00

Good morning everyone! Today's postings, compliments of Dave DeBace, are of N2042 and N2045...Enjoy!

More 'new' photos

2010-05-22T08:20:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I'm pleased to add a few photos that Dave DeBace sent to me this past week to share with everyone. Shown are N954N, from two angles, and a nice shot from ORD, showing a DC-9, 2 Convair 440's and a 580. Enjoy!

New photos part twentynine

2010-05-20T10:44:00.002-05:00

Good morning everyone! N90858, next to a Lake Central DC-3, and N2041 are featured today, thanks to Dave DeBace. Enjoy!

New photos part twentyeight

2010-05-16T10:06:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! In the continuing series of Convair photos, provided to us by Dave DeBace, today's posting is of N90857 and N90858. Enjoy!

New photos part twentyseven

2010-05-11T09:49:00.002-05:00

Good morning all! With most of the ORD Show photos posted now (save for a few old NWA and RCA shots), we'll continue in posting more of the Convair photos, provided by Dave DeBace.
Aircraft shown are N90854 on final to MDW and N90857 on the ramp. Enjoy!