The Comet was quite a big deal when it was unveiled in 1950. Both Popular Mechanics (Popular Mechanics’ deHavilland Comet Cutaway) and Popular Science pulled out all “cutaway stops” to feature this luxurious liner of the skies. Here, illustrator Jo Kotula tips the Comet to an angle rarely seen in aircraft cutaways. Source: Popular Science… Continue reading DeHavilland Comet Cutaway, 1950
Atomic Pile Cutaway Drawing, 1950
A gorgeous noir-like cutaway of an atomic pile by Alexander Leydenfrost. But why does the drawing look so vague and devoid of details? Partially, that was the Leydenfrost style. His Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel cutaway drawing shows that he emphasized moody shadows and light over the cool and the technical. But mainly, at the time of this… Continue reading Atomic Pile Cutaway Drawing, 1950
Two Story Duplex Pullman Rail Car Cutaway, 1932
In 1932, the time of this cutaway, this two-story Pullman berth intended to offer four rooms: two up and two down. Each room would have its own daybed, sink, and toilet. The article implied that this arrangement was still in its testing phase, and that if it met “with favor,” the company would build more.… Continue reading Two Story Duplex Pullman Rail Car Cutaway, 1932
Radio City Music Hall Cutaway, 1930
When this cutaway first appeared, the intended structure was still called the International Music Hall, as part of Rockefeller Center, New York, NY. Later, it became known as Radio City Music Hall. Quite a juicy early Thirties two-color cutaway spread across two pages. I tried my best to mate the two pages, and I got… Continue reading Radio City Music Hall Cutaway, 1930
Jim Creek Naval Radio Station Illustration 1950
Artist unknown, as this was a tossed-off illustration in the middle of a Popular Science, but what interested me: This is one helluva massive radio station. It’s still around. It’s called the Jim Creek Naval Radio Station, and the Center for Land Use Interpretation tells us: One of the world’s most powerful transmitters, this million… Continue reading Jim Creek Naval Radio Station Illustration 1950