On Friday, August 30, warbird collector Tim Savage announced the exciting acquisition of the C-47 known as “The Wabbit Expwess,” previously owned by the Mosely family. This historic aircraft now joins the impressive fleet at Vintage Flying Machines, which also includes the Douglas DC-3 NC33644, famously known as “Western Airlines.” In a Facebook post, Savage shared his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating: “I recently acquired the Mosely family C-47 for us to operate with Vintage Flying Machines. The C-47 fits our museum mission and will allow Job Savage and me to continue building a community of like-minded people around our airplanes while facilitating new missions, like hauling jumpers.”
This C-47, constructed in 1944 at Douglas Aircraft’s Long Beach facility, boasts a rich and varied history, having served in both military and civilian roles worldwide. Originally assigned to the United States Army Air Force as s/n 43-15935, it operated under the 7th Air Force in Oahu, Hawaii, and later in Manila, Philippines, before being stationed in Guam. Declared surplus in 1946, the aircraft began its civilian journey, starting with Silver City Airways in Australia and later with The Zinc Corporation in London, where it was registered as G-ALFO.
Throughout the years, the C-47 changed hands multiple times, reflecting its versatility and enduring appeal. It served various corporations, including Indamer Corp in New York, Esso Shipping Co., and Standard Industries, with several changes in its civil registration, ultimately becoming N33VW. In the 1990s, the aircraft was operated by Vintage Airways in Lafayette, LA, before being withdrawn from use. It was later acquired by Vintage Wings and Things LLC in 1997, and by 1998, it was registered as N33VW. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas, took ownership in 2003, where the aircraft was carefully preserved and displayed. In March 2022, the C-47 was sold to a new owner, with its registration pending in Bolton, Mississippi. By October 2022, it had been transferred to Hangar 360 Aircraft Services LLC in Bolton, where it continued its legacy as a significant piece of aviation history until Savage recently acquired it. A complete history of the aircraft is available on AeroVisuals.
Tim Savage also addressed the future of their other prized aircraft, saying, “I’m sure some of you are wondering what will become of our Western DC-3. For now, we will operate both airplanes while we look for a future owner who appreciates the unique history of the Western airplane. In the end, we may end up keeping her as well, as preserving its history is important to us.”
Congratulations to Tim and his son Job Savage on this new acquisition and for their continued dedication to preserving aviation history.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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