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CP-1655.
- Quite many of us became pleasantly surprised upon learning that this
classic C-46D, the last remaining of Cap. Germán Quiroga’s (+)
“Payaso” (clown) fleet, was being restored to flying order. Though
tainted by the urban-legend of being powered by “unauthorized DC-6
engines”
J
we realize with recent visits to
Eco Express’ installations that
this aircraft is looking better every day and may this year or the next
take up the cargo mantle from its sister ship CP-2026.
The
foreign record for this aircraft includes:
- 44-77898 with the US AF (“HK-78” radio call?)
- N3986C with Associated Air Transport
- SE-CFH with Transair Sweden and finally
- PP-BUB with Paraense Transportes Aéreos
Once
imported to Bolivia the aircraft operated with a number of companies
including Transportes Aéreos Universal,
Servicios Aéreos del
Oriente Ltda. TABA and Servicios Aéreos Cochabamba
(DGAC file #1127, cn. 33294, COA 30ABR92, PB: 13OCT81) all in no
definite order. The aircraft was damaged in FEB1992 and an attempted
sale to NEBA was cancelled mid-nineties. Finally, it has made its
way to Eco Express Charter Services were it currently is being restored.

It takes a lot
of patience, but he must be done by now (photo: MAY08)
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