1930's air race stop photo

[Ztex]

I found this picture on my dad's photographs.

It is in with a group of photos from around Lubbock, Teaxs in the early 30's..I think...

Could this be a Powder Puff Derby stop? or some other race?

Any clue to the ID of any of these airplanes? The one in front seem to have an ID number NC211 4 or 9 ??

[Doug Robertson]

Zane, Take a look at http://www.airracinghistory.freeola.com/Powder%20Puff%20Derby.htm

Radial-powered biplanes were used in racing back then, and it certainly is a possibility for your photo of aircraft with "race numbers" on them. The first transcontinental air race for women in 1929 was called Women'S Air Derby or later AWTAR, All Women's Transcontinental Air Race. Will Rogers nicknamed it "Powder Puff Derby".

The modern Powder Puff Derby for women pilots started in 1947, but it wasn't always transcontinental, usually somewhat shorter with some different start and end cities in the years flown. I believe the women's air race was started by the 99s.
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PP ASEL

[Ztex]

Doug,

After some research...

The first airplane looks like a Waco CTO. I scanned the photo at a higher resolution and found the registration number of NC21M!

And thus a door opened up...
http://dmairfield.com/airplanes/NC21M/index.html

a red and yellow CTO flown by Gladys O'Donnell it still exists stored for restoration as N21R...

http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/N21R.html

I think the second and third are Travel Air's

The third airplane says Miss Chicago on the side and NC5 _ _ _ on the tail and the fourth says Buhl on the side...an Air Sedan?

1930 Powder Puff it is!

Thanks!
Zane

[Doug Robertson]

Zane,

Your great link adds to your photo's story. The key was your being able to read the N number. Very good info and a fine memento you have, now enhanced. I think you are spot on-on the aircraft ID's also,
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PP ASEL