Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: "Uncle Ned's Squadron – Meets a Boy Who Flew in a DC6"

Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Uncle Ned (with Co-pilot Franklin Ferguson)
Episode Theme:
Nostalgic family fun from the golden age of radio—this episode of Uncle Ned's Squadron features a special visit from a young cadet who took a memorable flight in a DC6 as a child. The show revolves around aviation stories, kid pilots, safety tips, trivia, and interactive quizzes, all designed to both entertain and educate a generation fascinated by flight.

Main Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Opening Roll Call, Slogan, and Cadet Introductions

[01:17]

• Uncle Ned welcomes the "pilots" (young listeners and in-studio cadets).
• The cadets give the squadron's official slogan with enthusiasm.
• Executive Officer of the day, Dave Harrell, reads the day's orders, reminding everyone to join the squadron, pay attention to stories, and accomplish the weekly mission.

2. The Boy Who Flew in a DC6

[02:47-03:39]

• Co-pilot Ferguson introduces David Russo, who shares his experience flying from California to Catalina Island in a DC6 when he was eight.

  "Well, the islands look pretty small and it looks soft. A lot of trees and mountains. They look very nice."
  —David Russo [03:29]

• Uncle Ned emphasizes how air travel opens new horizons and is a vital part of the future.

3. Weekly Safety Mission

[04:32]

• Mission for the week: "Be careful near water," with strong safety guidance for kids swimming or being near water, stressing that even swimmers shouldn't go alone.

  "Don't be afraid of water, but don't dare the water either."
  —Uncle Ned [04:36]

• The show features call-outs to kids who remembered last week's mission.

4. Aviation History Jackpot Question

[05:45]

• This week's question: Where did the Wright brothers live when they developed their first airplane?
  • No correct answer; answer revealed as Dayton, Ohio.

  "No, I'm sorry, it wasn't Pennsylvania. They lived in Dayton, Ohio."
  —Uncle Ned [06:23]

• Unanswered jackpot grows to seven planes next week.

5. How to Join the Squadron

[06:57]

• Instructions to become a squadron member: send a postcard with contact info to Uncle Ned, WMAQ, Chicago.

6. "Hangar Flying": The Martin Mauler Navy Attack Bomber

[07:45]

• Uncle Ned shares technical details about the Martin Mauler, a Navy bomber used in Korea:
  • Single-seater with a 3,000 HP engine and four-bladed propeller.
  • Can dive at over 500mph, holds four 20mm cannons, three big torpedoes, twelve rockets.
  • Weighs nearly 30,000 lbs, 50ft wingspan.

  "The Mauler is a fast and powerful plane... the Mauler is a pretty big plane. And it is."
  —Uncle Ned [08:06]

• Cadets answer trivia about the Mauler, winning model airplane prizes.

7. "Solo Flights" – Kid Pilots Answer Trivia

[09:42-13:53]

• Cadets from across Chicago and beyond answer aviation questions, earning model airplanes.
• Notable moment: a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old participate and win small prizes, showing the show's inclusiveness and playful spirit.

8. Ready Room Invitation & Birthday Shoutouts

[14:26-15:17]

• All kids invited to the live studio ("the Ready Room") in Chicago, with mention of fun, prizes, and the chance to meet Uncle Ned.

  "The doors open at 8:30 and they open on fun and prizes for everyone."
  —Co-pilot Ferguson [14:37]

• Special birthday greeting to anyone born on May 31, with a tribute to Walt Whitman.

9. Feature Story: "Jim Bolsom, the Kidnapped Pilot"

[16:06-22:18]

• Uncle Ned tells a dramatic adventure story: Pilot Jim Bolsom is forced by bank robbers to fly them to Kansas City. With quick thinking, he outwits the criminals through daring maneuvers until they surrender.
• Notable quotes:

  "The men were white and trembling, but they still held a gun on him… The ground was only 50ft away when Jim came back on the stick."
  —Uncle Ned [20:39] "Jim called Kansas City on his radio and told them to have a squad car at the airport when he landed. He was bringing in a couple of fellows who, like all bad men, were tough and brave only when they had a gun and had someone else at a disadvantage."
  —Uncle Ned [21:46]

10. Post-Story Quiz and More Prizes

[23:13-27:14]

• Cadets answer questions about the story, e.g., color of Jim's plane, the robbers' crime, their destination, and how Jim discovered their identities.
  • Notable child responses:

    "They're only brave with a gun in their hands."
    —Alan Lindquist, age 12 [27:00]

• Call-in segment for remote listeners to participate and win prizes.

11. Fire Baby Challenge – Squadron Membership Test

[27:40-28:34]

• Cadet Bill Simmons (age 7) recites the five qualifications for membership in the squadron from memory to win the coveted U Control Fire Baby model plane.

  "Obey, establish authority, observe the rules, promote safety and dare, keep self clean and alert, accomplish every mission."
  —Bill Simmons, age 7 [27:58]

• Uncle Ned praises his skill and awards the prize live, while Bill grins into the microphone.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The trying has been taken out of flying. Now it's a fast, restful way to get from one place to another. As you grow up, the airplane will play an important part in your life. Keep an eye on the sky." – Uncle Ned [03:41]
• "Don't be afraid of water, but don't dare the water either." – Uncle Ned [04:36]
• "They're only brave with a gun in their hands." – Alan Lindquist, age 12 [27:00]
• "Obey, establish authority, observe the rules, promote safety and dare, keep self clean and alert, accomplish every mission." – Bill Simmons, age 7 [27:58]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [01:17] – Show Welcome & Squadron Orders
• [02:57] – David Russo describes his DC6 flight
• [04:32] – Mission for the Week: Water Safety
• [05:45] – Jackpot Aviation History Question
• [07:45] – Hangar Flying: The Martin Mauler
• [09:42] – Cadets Answer Aviation Trivia
• [14:26] – Ready Room Invitation & Prizes
• [15:17] – Birthday Tribute: Walt Whitman
• [16:06] – Story: “Jim Bolsom, the Kidnapped Pilot”
• [23:13] – Post-Story Quiz with Cadets
• [27:40] – Fire Baby Membership Challenge

Episode Tone & Style

Warm, enthusiastic, and family-friendly. Uncle Ned's style is equal parts educational and entertaining, with a focus on making children feel like part of an exciting aviation adventure. The show is loaded with encouragement, dramatic storytelling, and gentle humor, perfectly capturing the wholesome excitement of classic children's radio.