From Props to Jets: Commercial Aviation's Transition to the Jet Age 1952-1962 - Hardcover

Kodera, Craig; Machat, Mike; Proctor, Jon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1580071465 ISBN 13: 9781580071468

Publisher: Specialty Press, 2012

Synopsis

Although the years from 1952 to 1962 saw the rise and dominance of luxurious piston-powered airliners like the Douglas DC-7, Lockheed Constellation, and Boeing Stratocruiser, revolutionary new jet airliners soon rendered them obsolete. Aircraft like the Boeing 707, Douglas DC-8, and Convair 880 quickly shrank travel times around the world in half as the traveling public enthusiastically embraced the new and very futuristic jet age. This book celebrates that exciting time period with an in-depth look at all the aircraft that made commercial jet flight possible, comparing these radical new jetliners with the classic propeller-driven aircraft that preceded them. By using stunning original photography, ads, and graphics, this book beautifully captures the unique feel of that magical era by featuring the very best in rare aviation nostalgia. Additionally, the book offers accurate technical detail and rich historical perspective as well.

About this title

Review:

Sub-titled `Commercial Aviation's transition to the Jet Age 1952-1962 this book tells the story in both words and pictures. What strikes me is not just the aircraft design but also the passenger comfort to be found in these early post war years, when only the affluent could travel by air. For instance the TWA Super Constellation featured a seven-seat lounge at the rear of the cabin, from which snacks would be served, and can you imagine the stewardess coming down the isle dispensing fresh coffee into your `cup' via a coffee pot! But to crown it all, how about Lufthansa's Senator Service with the steward (dressed like a waiter)' serving food from a trolley - prepared by a chef, complete with a chef's hat.
But now to the actual aircraft. We start with the previously mentioned Constellation and the mighty Stratocruiser, plus the DC-7 and, from the UK, the Viscount.
When it came to pure jets the DH Comet came first and then we get, from the States, the highly successful Boeing 707 and the DC-8. These are just a few of the subjects discussed and illustrated.
Whatever your favourite airliner you will find it here, this was an age before the `flying holiday coaches' that fill the skies these days - if only air travel was like this today!
Ernie Lee
--Military Aircraft Monthly, October 2010

One of the latest titles from American publishers Specialty Press is From Props to Jets. This 158-page hardback title is very much photographic, both in colour and black and white. The narrative deals with each main era, so kicks off by setting the scene for the 1946-1950 period, then looks at the premature start to the jet age in the 1949-1952 period with the D.H. Comet. The 1952 period through to 1962 is covered in the next seven chapters, dealing with the last days of the piston-powered airliners through to the first jets and on to the fanjets. The final section is a special salute to the Boeing 707, with lots of period publicity material and colour photos. --Model Airplane International - Issue 67, Feb 2011

About this edition

• Publisher: Specialty Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1580071465
• ISBN 13: 9781580071468
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 160