Established DC-7 service on April 1, 1954, after merging with Chicago & Southern Airlines May 1, 1953. These DC-7 aircraft were configured to carry 69 passengers, 5 in the rear lounge, 14 in the aft cabin, 42 in the main cabin, and 8 in the forward “Sky Room.” They were operated on daily flights between Chicago & Miami .  

The DC-7B was a longer range DC-7, with a higher gross weight allowable than the basic DC-7 which was defined in Detail Specification 1289. There were some variations in the configurations in the 112 aircraft delivered as DC-7B’s, of which this is the first aircraft.  

The old DC-7 weights varied from 114,600 to 122,000 lbs. Maximum take-off weight and 95,000 to 97,000 lbs. Maximum landing weight.  

The specific changes required for the DC-7B included DA4 or EA1 engines, improved wing flaps and the higher structural weights. Installation of saddle tanks was optional on the DC-7B as was the use of propeller spinners. The maximum allowable gross take-off weight of over water or intercontinental versions varied between 122,200 and 126,000 lbs.  

Delta Air Lines ordered 11 DC-7B aircraft for 1957/58 delivery. The seating capacity of these aircraft varied from 69 first class arrangement to 90 passenger coach class. They were the last piston engine transports to be ordered by Delta, finally being retired in 1968.  

The 11 DC-7B’s ordered by Delta were in the following Serial Number blocks and registration numbers;

	N4889C is shown here preparing for its next scheduled flight. (1959) *