Built for the US Navy as R4Q-2 131695. Redesignated as a C-119F in 1962. Stored at Davis Monthan AFB with park code 4C021 in 1973. Sold to Dross Metals and registered as N8501W in 1980. Has been with various operators in Alaska since 1981 and is still on the register in 2022.

1952 Vintage ex US Marine Corps 131695. Withdrawn to MASDC in 1973 before being sold to Pacific International Foods in 1981 for fish hauling in Alaska. Withdrawn from use and stored at Anchorage in the mid 1980s. Still current on the US register at Palmer, Alaska and although well cared for by its owner, has not flown for many years.

Photographer: Harry Tyrpak

The cockpit is complete and appears to be ready for the airplanes next flight, whenever that might come.

#1 engine comes to life with plenty of smoke for the cameraman! Too bad the weather didn't cooperate with a bit of sun but still an interesting photo.

Between the cargo ramps there was a C119 N8501W and a C133 N199AB parked. Imagine our surprise and excitement when we saw the C119 start its engines. It was only an engine test run, but it still made our day !

Owner John Reffett flew this Flying Boxcar from Anchorage to Palmer on 12 Oct 2001, with the intention of using it for cargo flights. However, the aircraft never flew again, despite John's efforts. On 10 Dec 2014 this aircraft did three high-speed taxi runs at Palmer, and at the time the first post-restoration flight was expected "very soon". But by 2018 it still hadn't materialised...

Owner John Reffett flew this Flying Boxcar from Anchorage to Palmer on 12 Oct 2001, with the intention of using it for cargo flights. However, the aircraft never flew again, despite John's efforts. On 10 Dec 2014 this aircraft did three high-speed taxi runs at Palmer, and at the time the first post-restoration flight was expected "very soon". But by 2018 it still hadn't materialised. John's other Boxcar N1394N is seen behind.

Two classic C119 Freighter aircraft sit on the Ramp at Palmer under clear skies with a wonderful setting of Snow covered Mountains behind. Built in 1952 and 1953 these two Boxcar's are still Airworthy and capable of serving some of the 260 Villages in the Alaskan Bush that have no road access to the Highways.