Northwest Airlines  Martin 2-0-2   NX93047                 (c/n  9158)

                                 

                                      Surprisingly, in 1945/46 the Glenn L. Martin Company took the lead in the development of a short
                                      haul so called "DC-3 replacement".   Northwest Airlines was the first to operate this post-war twin-
                                      engined airliner.   Seen above is the Martin 2-0-2 in its original configuration, and displaying 1948
                                      style NWA markings.   Unfortunately several shortcomings were identified in the 2-0-2.  The first
                                      resulted in a completely redesigned fin and rudder, the existing one not providing nearly sufficent
                                      lateral control.  A large, Convair 240 style dorsal fin alleviated this problem.  Then, on August 29,
                                      1948, Martin 2-0-2 NC93044, en route from Chicago to Minneapolis crashed following the seper-
                                      ation of the port wing.  The aircraft had encountered a severe thunderstorm which caused the port
                                      outer wing panel to fail due to a fatigue crack caused, it was stated at the time, to faulty design.  As
                                      a result, all the Martins were grounded.    Following extensive strengthening and re-engineering of
                                      the wing panels and engine mounts the aircraft were put back into service.  By that time, however,
                                      the damage was done and whatever lead Martin may have had over Convair with their 240, vanished.
                                      United withdrew their order for the more advanced 3-0-3 and, although further orders were forth-
                                      coming for the more advanced model 4-0-4 (from TWA) Martin's venture into the civilianian airliner
                                      market was not an unqualified success.  The above shot is from the Glenn L. Martin Company,
                                      received in 1948, and illustrates another ill-fated machine.  This one crashed at Almelund, Minnesota
                                      in October 1950 whilst on a training flight.