Michael Manousakis fights for his DC-3: Chaos in a Thai junkyard!

Michael Manousakis fights for his DC-3: Chaos in a Thai junkyard!

Stormy times for Michael Manousakis, the boss of Morlock Motors! His beloved aircraft, a Douglas DC-3, suffered badly from a violent storm. The DC-3, built in the USA between 1936 and 1945, not only has historical significance, but was also once the backbone of many passenger flights. Now the Morlocks are faced with the challenge of finding spare parts to get the machine running again and continue their exciting treasure hunt.

The treasure hunt revolves around an engraved lead plate that points to hidden spoils of war from the German submarine U 38 from 1917. The destination of this exciting expedition is the island of Syrna, located 120 km east of Crete. Unfortunately, the first time we tried to get there there were only storms and no way through. Now Michael is planning to travel to Thailand to look for the necessary spare parts.

Junkyard and military heritage

In Thailand, where a lot of outdated military equipment was left behind after the Vietnam War, Michael believes he has a good chance of finding the parts he needs. He travels to Bangkok with his crew members Olli and Richie to visit a junkyard. The Morlocks could get a bargain or two here. However, Michael also has concerns: Given the snake population there and the potentially high prices, the trip is not entirely without risk. In addition, his daughter Carla, who is in her third year of training as an aircraft mechanic, will take over the repair of the DC-3 in Germany and is hoping to make interesting contacts from Thailand.

The Douglas DC-3 itself is a true piece of aviation history. With an airy design that originated from the Douglas Aircraft Company, this twin-engine airliner shaped the image of air travel in the 1930s and 1940s. Originally developed as an improved version of the DC-2, the DC-3 can carry a capacity of 21 to 32 passengers and reached a cruising speed of around 333 km/h. Over the years, a total of over 16,000 models were produced, including many military variants such as the C-47 Skytrain.

A piece of living history

The importance of the DC-3 not only dates back far into the past, but lives on in the 21st century, although maintenance costs and a lack of spare parts have made it a rarity. Many of these aircraft are now nostalgic objects, and some are still in service, while the oldest airworthy DC-3, delivered to American Airlines in 1937, still makes its rounds.

The next exciting episode of “Morlock Motors – Big Deals in the Westerwald” will be broadcast on Kabel Eins on October 23rd at 8:15 p.m., and in the episode you will certainly be able to follow the struggles and challenges that Michael and his crew will experience on their journey through Thailand. It remains to be seen whether they will actually find the necessary equipment to repair their DC-3 and get a step closer to their treasure hunt.

Imagine: A piece of living history on a journey full of surprises. Stay tuned as Michael and his team reveal the secrets of the DC-3!