Beech Belle’s “walking” main undercarriage legs give the aircraft a waddling gait on rough ground.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 18 / C-45 Expeditor - СШАUSA - 1937

The “Vargas-style” artwork on Beech Belle’s nose, of distinctly Second World War flavour, features a Barbel lookalike. Hartzell propellers replace the Aeromatic originals.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 18 / C-45 Expeditor - СШАUSA - 1937

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 18 / C-45 Expeditor - СШАUSA - 1937

The midnight blue colour scheme gives a smart finish to the nicely-proportioned lines of the C-45G, the designation given to earlier models rejuvenated by Beech in the 1950s.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 18 / C-45 Expeditor - СШАUSA - 1937

The office of Beech Belle, with the red leather upholstery very much in evidence. When the C-45 was acquired the cockpit was almost original, but one concession to modernity is a hidden 720-channel VHF radio and transponder.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 18 / C-45 Expeditor - СШАUSA - 1937

The passenger cabin looks far too luxurious for a humble wartime communications aircraft, but Beech Belle is now an elegant lady.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 18 / C-45 Expeditor - СШАUSA - 1937