RE: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AIRPLANES
Gotta remember that beauty is more than skin deep. When I was working for NASA back in the 60's and 70's, we had a big variety of types. F-104's, F-15's, F-18, F-16, Aero Commander, SR-71, B-52, etc. But after a short time, if I was walking across the ramp and one started up or flew over, I never even bothered to watch. Unless, UNLESS it was our C-47. That's the only airplane that always held my attention. The sound of those engines starting up and belching smoke is a thrill that never went away. And the smell is even better !
One other thing that was worth hearing: The starter for the SR-71. The start cart was powered by two hopped up Buick engines. The SR was just another loud, stinky jet plane. But, oh, those start carts ! Those twin Buicks sounded like Indianapolis when they came up to power to crank the plane. And you could still hear the Buicks once the jet was running at idle. When the cart was powered down the Buicks rapped and snapped something beautiful.
Dick