Eddie Stinson introduced his tri-motors in 1929, for American and Eastern Airlines. The 11-place SM-6000, or Model T of 1930 (ATC 335) was developed from the Corman 3000. Priced at $18,000-23,900, ten were built; NC429Y, NC475Y, NC497Y/498Y. NC974W/979W, of which one went to the USAAF as C-91. The model evolved into U model.
The 1931 SM-6000-A (ATC 367) were deluxe 12-place versions. Priced at $25,000 and later production was under ATC 420, several were upgrades from -6000.
The 1931 SM-6000-B (ATC 420) were modified with luxury interiors, cowlings, and wheel pants for increase in payload and performance.
The SM-6000-B1 accommodated 10 passengers, and the -6000-B2 was for mail and 8 passengers.
The 6-8 place Club model was customized for executives as an “airborne office”.
Priced at $25,000 for the basic plane (reduced to $19,500 in 1932), about 40, possibly including -6000A, were built.
American Airways (later American Airlines) sold their SM-6000B (Model T) at discount price. Delta paid $5,400 each, compared to $22,500 when new.
Delta had high hopes of winning a badly needed mail contract in 1930, to cover the expenses of flying passengers. Instead, the contract went to AVCO, predecessor of American Airlines, forcing Delta to suspend passenger service in October 1930 and sell its planes.
In 1934, Delta got a chance to win back the route it had pioneered, when the new Franklin D. Roosevelt administration cancelled all airmail contracts and called for new bids. A bid of 24.8 cents per pound won Air Mail Route 24.
First delivered on June 23, 1934, Stinson T aircraft carried Delta’s very first air mail on July 4, 1934. Passenger service resumed on August 5th. Six were operated Fort Worth, Texas to Charleston, South Carolina (Air Mail Route 24) with the last retiring circa 1937.
One SM-6000 was impressed in 1942 as C-91 42-79547 and went to Panama.
SM-6000 / C-91
Engines: 3 x Lycoming R680, 215 hp
Wingspan: 60’0″
Length: 42’10”
Useful load: 2930 lb
Max speed: 136 mph
Cruise: 115 mph
Stall: 65
Range: 350
Ceiling: 14,200′
Pax cap: 10
SM-6000-A
Pax cap: 12
Useful load: 2900 lb
Max speed: 146 mph
Cruise: 122 mph
Stall: 60 mph
Range: 500-600 mi
Ceiling: 15,000′
Stinson SM-6000B (Model T)
Engines: 3 x Lycoming R680, 215 hp
Max peed: 146 mph
Cruise: 125 mph
Stall: 65 mph
Seats: 7 passengers
All Aero 