B-29 S/N 42-24873 of the 676th Bomb Squad, 444th Bomb Group, 58th Bomb Wing, 20th Air Force.
The plane was named after the popular "Barney Google and Snuffy Smith" newspaper comic strip.
Wings of the Past: A Tribute to Aviation’s Golden Era is a whimsical celebration of classic aircraft and the dreamers who took to the skies in them. This blog is a love letter to aviation’s golden age, where polished propellers gleamed, riveted metal told stories of adventure, and daring pilots pushed the boundaries of flight. From the graceful swoop of biplanes to the roaring engines of wartime legends, Wings of the Past delves into the artistry, history, and nostalgia of vintage aviation.
The plane was named after the popular "Barney Google and Snuffy Smith" newspaper comic strip.
Engineered by Junkers Flugzeug- und Motorenwerke A.G., the Ju 87 was designed for high-precision ground attacks. Its hallmark was the terrifying descent accompanied by the unmistakable whine of the Jericho-Trompete sirens, devices intended not merely for intimidation but also as psychological warfare. With its inverted gull wings and fixed undercarriage, the Stuka became an icon of both form and function in aerial combat.
This particular illustration, published at a time when German forces were advancing rapidly across Western Europe, served as both propaganda and patriotic morale booster. The accompanying caption, “Stukas greifen an” (“Stukas attack”), underscored the aircraft’s role in shaping early battlefield outcomes through coordinated aerial and ground offensives.
Though later rendered vulnerable by enemy air superiority, the Stuka's tactical influence and symbolic power remain emblematic of a pivotal era in aviation history. The artwork in Der Adler endures as a visual testament to the ambitions, fears, and fervor of wartime Germany.
Originally developed in Italy during the early 1930s by aeronautical engineer Celestino Rosatelli, the CR.32 was lauded for its robust construction and exceptional agility. It served with distinction in the Spanish Civil War, where it became a favored aircraft among Nationalist forces. Though many nations phased out biplanes by the end of World War II, Spain retained the CR.32—particularly the domestically produced “Chirri” variant—as a symbol of national heritage and enduring reliability.
Jean LaRene Jean LaRene was a trailblazing female pilot who made her mark flying the Ken-Royce NC592H during the 1931 and 1932 National Air Races. A determined aviatrix in a male-dominated field, she not only flew under contract but later bought the aircraft herself in 1940. Her style, skill, and courage made her a memorable figure in the golden age of aviation.
B-29 S/N 42-24873 of the 676th Bomb Squad, 444th Bomb Group, 58th Bomb Wing, 20th Air Force. The plane was named after the popular "B...