A nice view of the original DC-4. It was not a double-decker: the upper windows were for a 30-passenger sleeper configuration. The location appears to be KSMO but a lot has changed in this area. Photo from: San Diego Air & Space Museum

On 19 May 1939 the new DC-4E was flown from the Douglas factory to the United Air Lines base at Oakland, before leaving on a nationwide publicity tour. This photo was taken during a press event the next day.

The very distinctive triple tail of the original Douglas DC-4E, photographed during a press event prior to the aircraft's nationwide publicity tour in 1939.

The original DC-4 visiting Salt Lake City Municipal Airport. Bill Larkins photographed the aircraft only one day earlier wearing an NC registration and indeed the X has been applied crudely. Of course the E for Experimental was not added to the designation until work started on a different, slightly smaller DC-4. Photo from: Utah State Historical Society

The DC-4E was designed to have twice the capacity of the DC-3 with a range of 2200 miles. Provision was made for pressurisation, but was not fitted. The prototype first flew on 7 June 1938. After testing, it was handed over to United in 1939 for airline trials, but was deemed to be too large and complex for airline demand of the day. The small upper windows were to illuminate sleeping accomodation. Sold to Japan in late 1939. Obtained from UAL 60 years ago.