CESSNA T-50 HISTORY

In 1939, Dwane Wallace flew the first twin engine airplane built by Cessna Aircraft Company, the T-50. Built as a business plane, the Civil Aeronautics Agency purchased a few planes, but the big order came from the RCAF to train badly needed Canadian and English bomber pilots for World War II. Shortly afterward, the US Army Air Corps placed orders, bringing the total number of planes built to about 5700. Only about twenty five of them are in flying condition today.
    The T-50 has had many names and nicknames. Cessna called it the "Bobcat", and even had a real bobcat as their baseball team mascot! The Canadians called it "Crane". The USAAF called it an AT-17 and later the UC-78. As a star in the TV series Sky King, it was called "Songbird".
    During the war, while mainly used for multiengine trianing, many were used to transport VIP's and ferry pilots. A few were used in England and the Continent. Sold surplus for as little as $600 after WW II, the T-50 was used as multiengine trainers, as business aircraft and airline use, as ambulances, air charter and taxi service, as freight haulers, and for many other purposes.
    The Bamboo Bomber Club is a very informal organization of T-50 owners, enthusiasts, former pilots, and model builders. Dues are voluntary to cover printing and mailing costs. Ten newsletters have been published over the past few years on an irregular basis, usually three or four per year. The Club also sponsors a Type Club Tent Forum at EAA Oshkosh first thing Wednesday morning on opening day. Lots of good anecdotal stories have surfaced at the forum. A T-50 table is sponsored at the Oshkosh Type Club Tent next to the Antique Classics headquarters. We hope you enjoy our web site and welcome any comments or questions.