Introducing the Avia 51

**Volker Böhme** · January 17th, 2012, 12:19

Originally Posted by Hurricane91

I would also like to see photos of the other Avia 51s. We do have their registrations though, OK-ABV, OK-ABV, and OK-ABW. All three were initially owned by the Czech airline, Československá letecká společnost (ČLS). As I understand it, CLS was a subsidiary of the Skoda works as was Avia.

Hi,

I may be completely mistaken, but a while ago, I got the impression that Czechoslovakia had 2 airlines back then, ČSA serving mainly domestic routes and ČLS international ones. Timetables of that period show domestic routes that are not served by ČLS.

Best regards,
Volker

**Milton Shupe** · January 17th, 2012, 12:19

When an aircraft is coated with Cadmium, what is the visual impact to color and sheen? Is it a semi-translucent coating or what?

EDIT: I re-read the article and it may explain the apparent appearance differences across the fuselage:

"In the construction of the Avia 51 nothing but metal and fabric has been used (with the exception of certain cabin decorations).Duralumin and high tensile steel are the materials employed. Painting, lacquering and cadmium plating are the precautions taken against corrosion."

**Milton Shupe** · January 17th, 2012, 12:33

Originally Posted by Volker Böhme

Hi,

I may be completely mistaken, but a while ago, I got the impression that Czechoslovakia had 2 airlines back then, ČSA serving mainly domestic routes and ČLS international ones. Timetables of that period show domestic routes that are not served by ČLS.

Best regards,
Volker

Volker, thanks for that observation. If you have links to route and airline information of the early to mid-30's by these airlines, it may be helpful to Nigel who is setting up some AI Traffic routes for this project with related era and location-correct vintage aircraft.

Attachment 56793

**EMatheson** · January 17th, 2012, 13:21

cadmium is a metal -so when mentioned as "cadmium plating," it probably refers to the material used as the skin. More likely, cadmium being more expensive and difficult to come by, cadmium would be used as a component of an alloy or only in selected places. For the purposes of painting, the cadmium shouldn't make a difference in the textures.

***Hurricane91*** · January 17th, 2012, 13:40

Originally Posted by Milton Shupe

Would you edit and correct your post sir?

That was my source. In my haste, I neglected to proof read my post.
Thank you Milton.

**Milton Shupe** · January 17th, 2012, 13:49

Originally Posted by Hurricane91

That was my source. In my haste, I neglected to proof read my post.
Thank you Milton.

LOL Just "ribbing you" sir. Thanks for all your contributions todate.

***Hurricane91*** · January 17th, 2012, 14:04

Originally Posted by Volker Böhme

Hi,

I may be completely mistaken, but a while ago, I got the impression that Czechoslovakia had 2 airlines back then, ČSA serving mainly domestic routes and ČLS international ones. Timetables of that period show domestic routes that are not served by ČLS.

Best regards,
Volker

You are most likley correct Volker. I have been researching the markings that were applied in order to assist the texture painters. Most of the photos that I have seen had a stylized "Československá Letecká Společnost" and a ČLS logo applied to both sides. I am still searching for a good photo or graphic of the ČLS logo.

The Avia 156 does not appear to have worn an airline livery in the few photos I have seen.

**Milton Shupe** · January 17th, 2012, 14:17

Originally Posted by Hurricane91

You are most likley correct Volker. I have been researching the markings that were applied in order to assist the texture painters. Most of the photos that I have seen had a stylized "Československá Letecká Společnost" and a ČLS logo applied to both sides. I am still searching for a good photo or graphic of the ČLS logo.

The Avia 156 does not appear to have worn an airline livery in the few photos I have seen.

That is correct. The prototype never left that status as it crashed in testing with the accompanying aircraft.

I am looking for where I saw that information but have not "re-discovered" it yet. :-/

Here is the Wiki snippet on the 156.

Development
The Avia 156 was a single-engined high-wing cantilever monoplane that first flew in 1934.[1] Powered by a Hispano-Suiza 12Ydrs inline piston engine and had fixed tail wheel landing gear.[1] The Avia 156 performed well in test flights but only a prototype was built.[1]
[edit] Specifications
Data from[1]
General characteristics
· Crew: 2
· Capacity: 6
· Length: 10.55 m (34 ft 7 in)
· Wingspan: 15.10 m (49 ft 6 in)
· Wing area: 38 m² (410 sq ft)
· Empty weight: 2,305 kg (5,082 lb)
· Max takeoff weight: 3,790 kg (8,356 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Hispano-Suiza 12Ydrs inline piston engine, 630 kW (850 hp)
Performance
· Maximum speed: 350 km/h (220 mph; 190 kn)
· Cruising speed: 330 km/h (210 mph; 180 kn)
· Range: 950 km (590 mi; 513 nmi)
· Service ceiling: 6,200 m (20,341 ft)

***srgalahad*** · January 17th, 2012, 14:44

Originally Posted by Hurricane91

You are most likley correct Volker. I have been researching the markings that were applied in order to assist the texture painters. Most of the photos that I have seen had a stylized "Československá Letecká Společnost" and a ČLS logo applied to both sides. I am still searching for a good photo or graphic of the ČLS logo.

The Avia 156 does not appear to have worn an airline livery in the few photos I have seen.

Best I have found is still this page:
http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/cls.htm

with a bit here:
http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/clsl.htm

and a tiny bit more here:
http://www.airtimes.com/cgat/cz/czec...rtransport.htm

***Hurricane91*** · January 17th, 2012, 16:48

Originally Posted by srgalahad

Best I have found...

Many thanks SirG. Those are excellent references with many interesting details. They should be of great help to Nigel as well.
The Avia tri-motor and color ČLS logo appear together on the wonderful September 1934 timetable. The logo closely matches
the one in this photo...

Attachment 56811

Thanks again.