The "Connie" is my all time favorite aircraft.
It is the first aircraft I had the pleasure of flying in. I was six years old at the time and it looked massive when we first walked out onto the passenger loading area and that climb up the passenger "ramp" seemed to quite a challenge as the steps were steep and an uncomfortable stretch for my short legs.
When the engines started, the whole plane "vibrated" and the noise had to be heard to be believed. You could feel every crack in the tarmac as the wheels rolled over them, but once it was in the air, the vibrations were barely there and the noise from the engines, landing gear, etc settled down to a rather calming drone, which was easy to be comfortable with.
There was lots of leg room for me back then, but the seats had more space between them than the planes of today.
Everyone who wanted to smoked, whatever they had, pipes, cigars and cigarettes, without concern for any of the other passengers. Alcoholic beverages were offered for a price, meals were included as were soft beverages.
Very exciting times for a six year old boy, who had only dreamed and played at flying before the trip.
Did I mention, I really liked the CONNIE.
Thanx for posting those pics, great memories were brought back from 70 years.