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"To the Races"
by Alex Durr
This painting captures the romance and nostalgia of the 1930s. The couple stands next to a 1932 Ford Victoria. Behind them, the New York Central Twentieth Century Limited streamlined J-3A Hudson roars by as two Gee Bee Model Y racers pass overhead enroute to the National Air Races held in Cleveland, Ohio. The New York Central provided a 16-hour trip between New York City and Chicago. The train went through Cleveland, hence the title: "To the Races."
The Gee Bee Model Y Senior Sportster was built in 1931 by the Granville Brothers (G.B., hence the company name Gee Bee). The Model Y was not originally designed as a racer, however since this was the era of air racing, it was extensively used as such. Some Gee Bee experts claim the Model Y won more races and made more money than the later purpose-built Gee Bee racers. One thing seems clear, if the Model Y, had been used as just a sporty flyer, or as a test-bed for small radial engines as originally intended, its history would likely be less tragic.Only two Senior Sportsters were built.
Model Y - NR11049NR11049 was built for Maude Tait. The Tait family were major backers of the Granville Brothers, so the Model Y was considered a company airplane, and was used by the Granvilles and employees for personal and business trips. This aircraft was also used as a support aircraft for the R-series racers. The Granville company was not very sound during this period and as air racing was so popular the Model Y was raced often by Maude Tait and Russell Boardman.
Model Y - NR718YNR718Y, was originally built for E.L Cord Corporation as a test bed for it's Lycoming division for 215hp, Lycoming R-680 engines. sold to Lycoming as a test-bed for R-680 engines. It was later purchased by Art Knapp who hired designer Bob Hall to engineer installation of a 450hp Wright Whirlwind, a new windshield and landing gear fairings. The Granville Brothers never approved these modifications, especially the over-powering engine. The aircraft was raced in 1933 Chicago International Air Races. Florence Klingensmith flew the aircraft in the feature race, but unfortunately a large piece of fabric came off of the inboard section of the right wing, she flew off of the course for a distance, and apparently stalled the aircraft and tragically died.
Still Flying...
In 1984, Ken Flager completed a replica of NR718Y (it took him 14 years to complete). It is full scale and is powered by a 300hp Lycoming R-680. This aircraft received The Champion Award for replica aircraft at Oshkosh in both 1984 and 1985. Jack Venaleck now owns this aircraft.
The painting also features the New York Central Twentieth Century Limited streamlined J-3A Hudson. Henry Dreyfus created the timeless design worn by the streamlined 4-6-4s that pulled the Twentieth Century Limited. New York Central rostered North America’s largest fleet of Hudsons. In the photo below a Hudson prepares to depart LaSalle St. Station in Chicago.
The 1932 Ford Victoria featured in the painting was one of Ford's most popular designs. Even the famous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde enjoyed the "Deuce" enough to send a thank you letter to Henry Ford, praising the car's speed and dependability.
2002 Wings Publishing
