Luftschiff to Lakehurst

This week 50 excited people trooped into the little German town of Friedrichshafen. Explorer Sir George Hubert Wilkins, European News Manager Webb Miller of United Press, Lady Drummond-Hay, Newshawk Karl von Wiegand, Poloist Elbridge Gerry, many another notable had each plunked down $500 for the privilege of making the first trip on the first regular air-service across the North Atlantic. With free baggage weight limited to a meagre 40 lb., they waited eagerly to board the Hindenburg, Germany's newest and largest dirigible, scheduled for a threeday, non-stop voyage to Lakehurst, N. J.

Built in three years in Luftschiffbau-Zeppelin's hangar on the shores of Lake Constance, the Hindenburg was originally designed by famed Dr. Hugo Eckener for the well-blazed airship trail between Germany and Brazil. Last year, however, Akron's Goodyear-Zeppelin Corp., which is closely linked to the German firm, persuaded Dr. Eckener that it would be a smart thing to beat all other nations in the race to establish a North Atlantic airline. Simultaneously, the U. S. Navy offered the use of its great airdock at Lakehurst, idle since the Akron and Macon disasters. To permit the vast Hindenburg to fit the Lakehurst hangar, Dr. Eckener removed two ribs, thus shortened her seven feet. Even so, she is 803 ft. long, 135 ft. high, holds some 7,000,000 cu. ft. of hydrogen, has nearly twice the bulk of the old Graf Zeppelin.

Many a new feature gives the Hindenburg the right to the title of world's No. i dirigible. Prime aeronautical innovations are the first Diesel engines ever installed in an airship. Huge Daimler Benz V-8's made of a secret, lightweight alloy, they occupy four gondolas placed far back on the hull, leave a feathery wake of smoke as they shove the ship ahead at a maximum of 85 m.p.h. Only other projection through the smooth, silvery fabric of the Hindenburg's bag is the small control cabin near the bow.

Forward are comparatively luxurious passenger quarters. Inside are 25 tiny, windowless cabins, each with two berths and running water. Outside are the dining room and lounge. Connecting them are a companionway and two 50 ft. promenade decks with windows. There are seven toilets, one shower-bath. On a lower deck are the bar and a smoking room, first ever built in an inflammable dirigible.

To occupy these quarters during the quickest available passage across the North Atlantic will, after the maiden voyage, cost $400 one way, $720 round trip. Ten round trips are scheduled for this summer. Arriving at Lakehurst, passengers will pass through Customs, be ferried to Newark by American Airlines.

The Hindenburg's serial number is LZ-129. LZ1 was built in 1900. Of the 129 ships, only two others are still extant, the Graf and the decommissioned Los Angeles, at Lakehurst. Of the rest ten never left the drawing board. 25 were lost by storm and accident, six by causes unknown, 21 were dismantled, 46 were wrecked in the War, eleven were surrendered to the Allies, seven were sabotaged to prevent surrender.

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