  We consider a symmetric five-body problem with three unequal collinear masses
on the axis of symmetry. The remaining two masses are symmetrically placed on
both sides of the axis of symmetry. Regions of possible central configurations
are derived for the four- and five-body problems. These regions are determined
analytically and explored numerically. The equations of motion are regularized
using Levi-Civita type transformations and then the phase space is investigated
for chaotic and periodic orbits by means of Poincar\'e surface of sections.
