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Martin made many great military planes during World War II, but knew
there were be an excess of them when the war was over. Glenn
Martin was determined to make the earliest possible entry into the
postwar airliner market. He unveiled a full-size mock-up of the
new Martin 2-0-2 less than two weeks after the Japanese surrender.
Many of the planes were sold, but the company suffered heavy
losses. By 1949, the Martin company had recovered and embarked on
its 4-0-4 project. 103 were sold to Eastern and TWA. Three
months later, the Korean War broke out and costs escalated, but the
contracted were for a fixed price. Losing money on every plane,
Martin refused to make any more. However the 404 became
legend. After a decade or so with the trunk lines, they joined the
former Northwestern 2-O-2's in service on regional carriers. Some were
converted into executive planes (including one for Frank Sinatra) and
others were used to carry cargo (not always legal). Several were still
flying in the 1990's, including 4-O-4's owned by the Mid Atlantic Air
Museum, Save a Connie, Inc., and a private collector in Washington -
displaying the liveries, respectively, of Eastern, TWA, and Pacific
Airlines. At least two 4-O-4's have been impounded by the U.S. Customs
Service and await possible restoration. |
