Northwest Airways  Hamilton Metalplane H-47  NC7522        (c/n  45)

                              

                                  Northwest established permanent passenger services with a fleet of nine Hamilton Metalplanes in
                                  1928.   Most of NWA's Metalplanes were H-47's, although they also had some of the earlier H-45
                                  model which were later updated to include the (mainly increased baggage capacity) refinements
                                  of the H-47.   Eight passengers were carried.  In September of 1928 Northwest became the first
                                  airline in the U.S. (possibly the world) to establish co-ordinated air-rail service.  Seen above is a
                                  Hamilton loading freight and mail from a Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad train.   Note
                                  Railway Express Agency (1928's UPS) truck in evidence.