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… Continue reading S.S. Atlantic Seaman Oil Tanker Cutaway, 1951

M3A1 Submachine Gun “Grease Gun” Cutaway, 1951

M3A1 Submachine Gun "Grease Gun" Cutaway Drawing 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… Continue reading M3A1 Submachine Gun “Grease Gun” Cutaway, 1951

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

Douglas Skymaster C54M 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… Continue reading Douglas Skymaster C-54M “Flying Hospital” Cutaway, 1951

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

US 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: Source:  Popular Science March 1951

Home Nuclear Bomb Shelter “Foxhole” 1951

Home Basement 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,… Continue reading Home Nuclear Bomb Shelter “Foxhole” 1951

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