A look at EAA's B-25, named "Berlin Express". March 19, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — From March 28-30, EAA will be offering rides in the Ford Tri-Motor and the B-25, two planes that share plenty of history.
The B-25, nicknamed the “Berlin Express”, has a unique story.
“It was one of over 10,000 B-25s manufactured during the war, it was actually built in California in December of 1943 is when it rolled off the production line, as an H-Model,” said Sean Elliott, one of the only half-a-dozen qualified left-seat pilots of the B-25. He says the plane has lived a checkered life.
“In the late ’60s, it was actually owned by a movie company, that used it in the movie Catch 22,” he explained. “Which is a pretty famous early ’70s movie that came out about World War II and B-25s. For the B-25 aficionado, it’s an iconic movie.”
The B-25 was returned to its film design when EAA restored it 10 years ago to cement it’s place in World War Two and film history.
According to Drew Stephani with EAA, the Ford Tri-Motor was luxury in the 1920s. Now, it’s a part of history.
“The Ford Tri-Motor is regarded as the first luxury airliner, they were made by Ford Motor Company in 1926-1933,” he said. “Ours specifically was made in 1929. One hundred ninety-nine were made in total, and less than 10 are still airworthy today.”
Every seat on the Tri-Motor is a window seat, so those looking for a great view don’t have to worry.
“The best way I can describe it is, it’s like a time capsule,” Stephani said. “You get in, and you kind of feel like it was like what it was like to be a high roller in the 1920s. I mean, you were sitting real pretty if you were able to travel in one of these things, have the money to do so.”
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