I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself. I posted a photo of this beautiful Boeing 307 Stratoliner or “Clipper Flying Cloud” almost a year ago. But it was one of my favorite airplanes at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, so I thought a closer inspection was needed so everyone could further enjoy this magnificent bird.

This airplane really jumpe-started the commercial airline business, allowing more and longer flights, while the passengers enjoyed greater comfort.

Of course, the fact that its polished finish looks like chrome has absolutely no bearing on why I might like it so much. Honestly.