George Bernard Shaw and the Stinson SM-6000-B

Just a quick clip I found interesting with GBS flying on a beautiful Stinson model T The Stinson ti-motored model SM-6000-B (Model T) was a large high-winged cabin mono- plane of the transport type with various seating arrangements for 6 to 10 passengers. The model SM-6000-B1 was the all-passenger version seating 10 passengers and a pilot; arranged with coach-style interiors, this version allowed just short of 25 lbs. of baggage per person. The model SM-6000-B2 as the mail-passenger version was the more popular, with arrangements for 8 or 9 passengers and bins for up to 350 lbs. of mail and baggage. Extensively upgraded from the earlier SM-6000 "Airliner", the SM-6000-B now had provisions for extra equipment, more pilot aids, more comfort for the passengers, including washroom and lavatory, and other progressive modifications that added to its usefulness in airline service. With all passenger seating removed, the SM-6000-B was also eligible as a cargo-carrier. For the business man, special "Club" interiors were available to seat from 6 to 8 passengers in varying degrees of deluxe comfort, for just traveling in style or for conducting business enroute. As powered with three 9 cyl. Lycoming R-680 engines of 215 h.p. each, the SM-6000-B delivered a performance that certainly belied its well-apparent bulk. With a low- drag speed-ring cowling shrouding each of its engines, and large streamlined fairings over the big wheels, this craft could maintain a top speed of 146 m.p.h. With a fair amount of power reserve, the tri-motored SM-6000-B could maintain an altitude of 6000 ft. with any two of its engines, even when fully loaded. A take-off run of about 700 ft. and a landing run of about 400 ft. was not particularly essential for airline work, but it was particularly appreciated later on by pilots barnstorming out of small turf-covered fields. Typical of all Stinson monoplanes, the big SM-6000-B cooperated with the pilot to perform an admirable job, no matter what the chore. Many pilots to this day have a soft spot in t