One more nit to pick, I think you're referring to the Straotocruiser, not the Stratoliner, the latter (the earlier aircraft, and the first pressurized one), was actually quite elegant. Mike Gammon ----- Original Message ----- From: "RT Simpson" <BraniffIntl@xxxxxxx> To: <AIRLINE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 3:30 PM Subject: Picking Of Nit > Slow day here in the desert and the heat is playing tricks on my gray matter, > so allow me to digress: > > > <<I agree the StratoLiner was pretty ugly.>> > > Hmmm...was it pretty or ugly? The use of these words together negate their > meaning. Perhaps "butt ugly" bests describes the StratoWhale! > > <<That's why some 707-100 series (eg. TWA), or 720s, did not have the spike > as > the -100 was the "domestic" version (with exceptions of course, Qantas comes > to mind).>> > > The correct numbering of the 707 series are the 120, 220, 320 and 420. The > first two are domestic and the latter, intercontinental (love that word!). > However the 120 series were the first to cross the pond for Pan Am while they > awaited their 320s. > > The Qantas B138 is a ten foot shortened version of the 120 series and had > better range due to it's smaller size and weight. It became a hot rod (ask > John Travolta) when upgraded to turbofans. > > The HF antenna was an option Boeing offered on all series (domestic and > intercontinental) as well as the B720. The spike antenna also allowed such > equipped aircraft to transport troops to God knows where if the military had > such a need. > > And if you're really into trivial matters... AA so despised the 720 name they > initially called 'em 707-720s. Upon upgrading to turbofan engines they > became "707 Astrojets". > > I swear it's all true. If you want to wager, your last name better be > Bennett!! > > RT Simpson > Phoenix >