TWA made some awesome posters. Unlike today's concept, canny or '1000 hours in the boardroom publicity-plus, soul-molesty' ad jobs, these were just simply bloody beautiful to look at. I also like early TWA ads as they were clearly proud of their Lockheed Constellations*, which almost always feature in every poster, no matter how small. Additionally, some of the generic destinations outlined in the posters were very pleasing too:
The Orient!
Europe!
A Creature!**
* In 1986 they rescued a Connie from the US desert, cleaned it up, got it working and then, calling on the very few Lockheed pilots left, specially trained a bunch of young aviators the 'obsolete' skill in prop magic. How wonderful is that?
**Curious untruths.
The attention to detail - the need for people to see it and want it, was right there. Don't pretend every single poster doesn't make you not only want to go to 'Los Angeles!' but also to put on a smart heel or a spat, iron your cocktail dress, wedge on a hat and step aboard a prop for some decent turbulence and a gin & orange.
No? Well then I urge you to find your pulse. Immediately.
Also, please enjoy this a wonderfully twee narrative of the 'average' 1950s Connie journey I found idling in a Youtube crevice. It's a crooked-toothed, dolphin-shaped fuselage marvel of yesteryear; a beguiling, brilliant and lovely ode to post-war air travel. Here, the pilots talk through the safety checks before take-off. As an amateur translator, I will endeavour to relay to you a loose transcript as to what I think they are saying in the cockpit. However, much like the average Magic FM listener singing along to their favourite song, I'll be getting at least 80% of the words completely wrong.
Enjoy.
'Fluteski Compass? Corrected.'
'Vaccum? Checked due to war-ness.'
'Directional Giros?' 'He, one day!'
'Trim Tabs?' 'Slim.'
'Take -off Flap?' 'Take off Flaps!!'
'Hero heaters?' 'Tank Ears.'
'Control Services?' 'Bean Told Travels!'
'Engine Instruments?' 'Normal!'
'Generators?' 'On.'
'Carburetor Air?' 'Cold!'
'Propellors?' 'Full Increase.'
'Mixtures?' 'Rich...'
'Fuel Props?' 'On high!'
'Airplane?' 'Ready!'
'Kansas City Tower, TWA Flight 2...Ready for take off.'
Chug, chug, chug, grumbly, chug...
