Invisible Themepark

Tag: 1950s

  • S.S. Atlantic Seaman Oil Tanker Cutaway, 1951

    S.S. Atlantic Seaman Oil Tanker Cutaway, 1951

    In 1951, the term “supertanker” had not yet been invented.  But with the United States’ growing appetite for oil post WWII, the need would soon arise for shipping massive quantities of crude overseas, at ever lower costs.

    The S.S. Atlantic Seaman was considered a supertanker in its era, transporting 257,935 gallons of oil–enough to move 16,000 cars 10,000 miles each, as the text notes.

    By way of comparison to today’s supertankers, of course, the S.S. Atlantic Seaman isn’t much.  Some of today’s largest tankers can transport 2,000,000 barrels of oil.

    S.S. Atlantic Seaman Oil Tanker Cutaway 1951
    S.S. Atlantic Seaman Oil Tanker Cutaway 1951

    Source:  Popular Science July 1951

  • M3A1 Submachine Gun “Grease Gun” Cutaway, 1951

    M3A1 Submachine Gun “Grease Gun” Cutaway, 1951

    It was an ugly little gun, and like the drawing’s text says, “cheap and easy to make.”  That’s why the moniker “grease gun” was so appropriate.

    The M3A1 had a stamped, riveted, and welded construction, which meant it was difficult if not impossible to work on, and was meant to be discarded if it ever became inoperable in the field.  Over 15,000 of the M3A1 submachine guns were produced.

    Click to Enlarge to 850 x 589 px:

    M3A1 Submachine Gun "Grease Gun" Cutaway Drawing 1951
    M3A1 Submachine Gun “Grease Gun” Cutaway Drawing 1951

    Source:  Popular Science July 1951

  • Douglas Skymaster C-54M “Flying Hospital” Cutaway, 1951

    Douglas Skymaster C-54M “Flying Hospital” Cutaway, 1951

    You’re looking at a Douglas Skymaster C-54M that has been converted into a 32 litter (bed) “Flying Hospital.”

    At the time this cutaway was drawn, the Korean War was in full force.  Rather than taking wounded soldiers home by ship or rail, Military Air Transport Service’s (MATS) C-54M took them home far faster and in better conditions.

    Litters were a bit cramped (18.5 inches vertical clearance for each patient), but the “Flying Hospital” did have other superior accommodations, such as a full nurse’s station, air-conditioning, and galley for preparation of hot meals.

    Click to Enlarge to 1607 x 735 px:

    Douglas Skymaster C54M Flying Hospital Cutaway 1951
    Douglas Skymaster C54M Flying Hospital Cutaway 1951

    Source:  Popular Science April 1951

  • U.S. Air Force XC-99 Cargo Plane Cockpit Cutaway, 1951

    U.S. Air Force XC-99 Cargo Plane Cockpit Cutaway, 1951

    Only the cockpit of the XC-99?  Well, this plane was so freaking huge, we can barely show more than this.

    Based on a B-36 bomber, the XC-99–built by Convair–flew 7,400 hours over the span of about 10 years.

    Click to Enlarge to 786 x 742 px:

    US Air Force XC-99 Cargo Plane Cockpit Cutaway 1951
    US Air Force XC-99 Cargo Plane Cockpit Cutaway 1951

    Source:  Popular Science March 1951

  • Home Nuclear Bomb Shelter “Foxhole” 1951

    Home Nuclear Bomb Shelter “Foxhole” 1951

    This is one of the best illustrations I’ve seen of a fallout shelter from the 1950s.  The dark lighting and grim, industrious nature of the family reflect the way a real family might have behaved during an attack.

    Michael Amrine, who edited the well-regarded Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, wrote the text and provides sane, sober, and completely do-able advice.

    Popular Science styled this home shelter as more than just a shelter:  they called it a “family foxhole” or “refuge.”

    Unlike other bomb shelters, no major building was advocated–just some lally columns to support joists, bracing, shutters.  This was all about locating the right spot in your basement and how to stock it, not about building a new shelter from scratch in the backyard.

    Click to Enlarge to 1125 x 762 px:

    Home Basement Shelter Foxhole 1951
    Home Basement Shelter Foxhole 1951

    Source:  Popular Science March 1951