MovieChat Forums > Sky King (1951) Discussion > Sky King's plane?

Sky King's plane?

posted 17 years ago by kenn_honeyman
6 replies | jump to latest

my memory is that for the first season, the plane was aCessna T-50-nicknamed the "Bamboo Bomber" because of lots of wood, and 'baseball-stitched' fabric covering-a twin RADIAL engined, 'Tail-dragger'[NOT tricycle landing gear]. I flew one at Parks College in the 60's... that particular model had 300 hp. Lycomings-still would only fly 160-on a GOOD day!
Then, the second year,[i think?] there was a Cessna Sky Knight- a 'glorified' Cessna 310, with more side windows, and bigger engines... models of this are still flying.... does anyone know for sure?.... i have request in to Oldies for a copy of first year, but haven't gotten any news...

[–] dbassler1304 17 years ago

The Cessna T-50 "Bamboo Bomber" served as Sky King's plane for the first two sets of episodes produced for the series (1952 and 1956). According to one fansite, the Bomber used for the series was Kirby Grant's personal plane. When dry rot made the plane too dangerous to fly, Grant sold the plane to a friend as a reclaimation project.

Prior to the 1957 season, Grant bought a Cessna 310-B and it, too, was used for the series' flying sequenses.

The Cessna 310 was manufactured from 1953-1980 and are still being used as air taxis. A quick Google check showed 40 for sale between $200,000 and $300,000.

[–] capnhawk51 16 years ago

After the series went out of production, Kirby Grant flew a Cessna 320 Sky Knight during personal appearances. The Sky Knight was never used on the show.

[–] knnhon-1 16 years ago

Thanks for the info.... but the guy that posted that 310's go for 200K-300K is talkin' about the last 3 years... the ones with the canted tip tanks 1972[?]-'76? are lots cheaper, it's a buyers' market out there!!!

[–] wanton87 15 years ago

I recall reading previously that the second plane was a Cessna 310B. There are so many contradicting stories out there that I no longer know what to believe as far as this series is concerned. One story indicates that Kirby Grant owned both planes. Another story indicates that the 310B was furnished by Cessna and that they even included the pilot as well as the mock up (Cockpit used for non-aerial shots) free of charge. Another story indicates that Kirby Grant was a real life pilot while yet another indicates that he was not? It would be nice to know the real facts as I am a huge fan of this show.

[–] aa56 15 years ago

The airplane model is listed in the closing credits of the show.
Grant was a pilot but did not fly in the show due to insurance risks.

[–] gschwertley 14 years ago

The Cessna T-50 was used extensively by the military during WW2. It was classified as both AT-17 and UC-78 and officially called the "Bobcat" and the term "Bamboo Bomber" was derisive and not official. The engines used on the T-50 were Jacobs R-755-9 radials.