The film, Tin Goose: The Making Of The Ford Tri-Motor is a documentary that tells the story of how the famous Ford Tri-Motor was designed, developed and ultimately used by a number of early airlines.  Along the way, the viewer is introduced to the many tri-motor aircraft variants that were manufactured along with the key personalities involved in designing and building them.  In many ways, it is remarkable that the Ford Tri-Motor was ever built.  The story begins with Henry Ford's investment in the Stout Metal Airplane Company, an aviation company lead by aeronautical engineer Bill Stout. Bill Stout had previously designed several aircraft using techniques similar to noted German aircraft designer Hugo Junkers.  With new investment funds, he soon designed the all-metal single engine 2-AT.  While this design showed promise, Henry Ford quickly realized that in order to carry more passengers, an aircraft would have to be deigned that had multiple engines.  About this time, Henry Ford bought out all other investors in Stout's company and directed him to design and build a multi-engine prototype that came to be known as the 3-AT.  The 3-AT carried three motors but was severely underpowered, which adversely impacted the aircraft's performance.  Henry Ford was so upset with the 3-AT's performance that he briefly assigned Bill Stout to non-design activities.  Shortly thereafter, with the assistance of the one remaining aeronautical engineer, however, a prototype of the 4-AT was built and when test flown showed considerable promise.  The Ford 4-AT B became the definitive version of this series of tri-motors.  Later, the updated Ford 5-AT B & C were manufactured and became the definitive variants in this series.  The Ford Tri-Motors were known for the corrugated metal skin covering the aircraft and for their operational reliability.  The Ford Tri-Motor carried a crew of 3 and about 10 passengers.  The endurance and reliability of the Ford Tri-Motor convinced a skeptical public to believe in air travel and have kept the "Tin Goose" flying more than 60 years.  "Tin Goose: The Making Of The Ford Tri-Motor" tells the tale of this legendary aircraft through the use of first hand interviews, stunning photographs, unreleased film and reenactments so authentic the viewer will think they are watching actual film footage from the 1920s.  This video is highly recommended to aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.  Full screen in black & white and color.  Released in 1992.  Runtime 30 minutes.