Photo by Karl Kramer.

Built in 1945 for the USAAF as 44-78649. From 1948, as N74141, served a number of US operators, initially with Pan American World Airways. Exported to Canada in 1985. Went to Kenya in 1994 for three years' relief work as 5Y-IBX. First Nations Transportation (FNT) Inc was formed in 2003 to supply remote communities, but over the course of 2009 lost its operator's licence. Registration cancelled in 2010. Under the aegis of SASCO Ltd, remained in store at Gimli.

Recently returned from three years of famine relief work in Kenya and here still making money for someone 50+ years after it was built. It was registered to Commando Aviation at this time then later transferred to First Nations Transportation and finally Sasco, all the while based at Gimili (CYGM). In 2010 the certificate of registration was cancelled with the aircraft parked at Gimli.

Faded titles of its former owners still showing. Will it ever fly again?

Reg cancelled in 2010. This Commando has sat for a long time at Gimil and its surprising it has not yet found a new owner. Apparently there was some interest in Alaska.

World War II 44-78649 went to Pan American World Airways in 1948 as N74171. Flying freight for various airlines until coming to Canada in 1985 with Nunasi Northland Airlines. Pictured before the airline was re-named Air Manitoba, the aircraft eventually went to First Nations Transportation in 2003 and stored at Gimli, MB. The registration was cancelled in 2010.

Ex N74171, 5Y-IBX. Registered to Sasco Ltd of Libau, Manitoba but carries FNT Inc titles. Cancelled 11 June 2010. It still looks in good condition.

A cold February day in Winnipeg.

As far as I can determine, this was the second 1980s C-46 for Ilford Riverton and they changed name to Air Manitoba about this time. Imported about a month earlier and here still without titles (doubtless while they sorted things out), it has been fully painted in a livery that would set the trend for later additions. The cheat-line is heavily influenced by the design of former operator of this aircraft, Ortner Air Service, where it was N74171.

Just back from famine relief work in Kenya, 'IBX sits naked compared to how it looked when it departed in 1993. Also some of the windows have been blanked. Ownership is now Commando Air Transport, its original owner Air Manitoba having gone out of business as an operator in the meantime.

Year built:- 1945 and formerly 5Y-IBX

Was USAAF 44-78649, and was used post war by Pan Am, Transocean, among others before coming to Ortner.