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| Updates are presented in chronological order with the latest appearing at the top of the page. Please note that there has been no attempt at maintaining the validity of links on this page and that some of the links may have been broken as the site has been developed and improved over the years. Any such difficulties should be easily overcome by using the menus or the Search page. |
| HOUSEKEEPING
- 13 DEC12 As The Lockheed File is about to enter its 16th year, the site was long overdue for a bit of housekeeping. Readers with large screen monitors will have noticed that the pages do not display well so that has been the main focus of the recent maintenance. All pages should now display properly on large screen monitors and on the iPhone. If you encounter any problems or find a page that escaped my attention please advise the webmaster. |
| LODESTAR
VH-TAY - 21 SEP 12 Added an image of the former VH-TAY as Learstar N14WS at Fort Lauderdale in 1979 thanks to Geoff Goodall. |
| HERCULES
- 2 SEP 12 Added RAAF images of A97-205, A97-003 and A97-005 with thanks to Phil Vabre of the CAHS. |
| ALTAIR
- 2 SEP 2012 Thanks to Tim Kalina for another wonderful image from his collection. The latest addition shows Smithy and Bill Taylor being welcomed to Oakland. |
| L-12
ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ASV - 02 SEP 12 Added a magnificent image by Barney Deatrick of VH-ASV at Moorabbin in 1964. Thanks to Geoff Goodall. |
| L-10
ELECTRA VH-UXH - 01 SEP 12 Added an image from the David Freeman Collection of the aircraft wearing camouflage, thanks to Geoff Goodall. Also added a John Harrison image of the aircraft over Flemington Racecourse. Thanks to Phil Vabre of the CAHS. |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-TLA - 01 SEP12 Added one image of VH-TLA with the dayglo tail. Thanks to Nigel Daw of SAAM. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 1 SEP 12 Added an image by L. Green of VH-EAG at Adelaide in 1957. Thanks to Nigel Daw. |
| L-12
ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-BHH - 01 SEP 12 Added an image by Bob McCutcheon of VH-BHH at Essendon in 1959. Thanks to Geoff Goodall. |
| LODESTAR
VH-ARZ - 06 AUG 12 Added an image of the aircraft as N4632V "Mr. Pihsnamwohs" thanks to Paul Sheehan. |
| GUEST
BOOK - 20 JUL 12 The Guest Book has been removed as it was rarely used. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAF - 12 JUN 12 Added an image of the instrument panel thanks to Phil Vabre of the Civil Aviation Historical Society. |
| HERCULES
- 11 JUN 12 Added 16 new images thanks to Bruce Linwood and David Sparks. All C-130A, C-130E and C-130H are now depicted on this site. See the Hercules Album. |
| NEPTUNE
- 07 JUN 12 Added several new Neptune images thanks to Howard Morris, Greg Weir, Philip Tracy, Gordon Reid, Andrew Pendergast, Noel Ryan, Mark Richardson and Terry Magee. Neptunes involved are A89-303, 310, 312, 273 and 279. |
| L-12
ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ASG - 01 JUN 12 Added an image of VH-ASG in its former guise as 42-1302 Joan. Thanks to David Vincent. |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 16 MAY 12 I have processed a large backlog of material on the Electra. Many new images have been added. |
| HERCULES
- 14 MAY 12 I have processed a large backlog of material on the Hercules. Many new images have been added to the Album which has also been made more user-friendly. |
| LODESTAR
- 06 MAY 12 I have processed a large backlog of material on the Lodestars. Several images of wartime Lodestars have been added and the following tables have been updated: Australian Lodestars Dutch Lodestars |
| L-188
ELECTRA - VH-RMA 12 MAR 12 Don Johnston advises that this photo of VH-RMA was actually taken in June 1959 while the engines were being modified with the three degree up-tilt. Thanks Don. |
| L-188
ELECTRA - VH-RMA 11 MAR 12 Sad news from Canada is that Buffalo Airways' Electra C-FBAQ was involved in a landing accident at Yellowknife on 05MAR12. Although there was significant damage, it is hoped that the former VH-RMA will be repaired. Details here |
| LODESTAR
VH-XUS - 10 AUG 11 Added an image of the aircraft in the USA as N56LH. The history of the aircraft has been expanded also. |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR VH-FMS - 07 AUG 11 Added an image of VH-FMS stored at Albury. Thanks to David Eyre. |
| CONSTELLATION
- 07 AUG 11 Thanks to Bill Fishwick for contributing this piece on Recollections of a Connie Engineer. |
| CONSTELLATION
VH-EAA - 07 AUG 11 Added details of a diversion to Daly Waters by VH-EAA on 01JAN53 thanks to Bill Fishwick. |
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ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ASG - 07 AUG 11 Added details of the CofA overhaul of VH-ASG thanks to Geoff Goodall. |
| SUPER
ELECTRA PK-AFP - 07 AUG 11 Added an image of PK-AFP in KNILM markings thanks to Frank Neil. Also added an image of the same aircraft as VHCXJ thanks to the South Australian Aviation Museum. |
| LODESTAR
ZK-BJM - 07 AUG 11 Added an image of the dump chute on Lodestar ZK-BJM thanks to Barry Colledge. |
| THE
ROLLING STONES' CONNIE N7777G - 25 MAR 11 Although by definition not an Australian Lockheed, the Stones' Connie is still fondly remembered by Australian aviation enthusiasts. With input from legendary rock arena producer Patrick Stansfield, who was Production Manager for the Stones' 1973 tour, this in-depth study debunks the popular belief that the Stones never flew in the Connie. Read the full story here |
| HUDSON
A16-116 - 26 JAN 11 Added a page on the history of A16-116 which was sold postwar to MMA as a source of spares. |
| F-4
LIGHTNING - 05 JAN 11 The history of A55-1 has been enhanced with details from the log book of Sqn Ldr Bob Green kindly supplied by David Vincent. |
| F-4
LIGHTNING - 04 JAN 11 The histories of the three RAAF F-4s have been enhanced with details from the log book of Flt Lt W.H. Talberg which were kindly supplied by David Vincent. |
| AL60-B2
SANTA MARIA VH-ELI - 03 AUG 2010 The AL60 VH-ELI has been sold to Paul Eddowes who has kindly provided an update. |
|
F-4
LIGHTNING - 19 JUL 10 Bob
Rocker, who co-authored "The Eight Ballers: Eyes of the Fifth Air Force",
has kindly supplied several wonderful images of F-4 Lightnings operated
by the 8PRS. Some of these aircraft were loaned to the RAAF for operation
by No 75 Squadron. These images can be viewed on the following pages.
Thank you Bob. Thanks also to Peter Grylls who supplied this alternative view of A55-1 sitting in a drainage ditch. |
| ELECTRA
VH-AEC - 11 JUL 2010 Thanks to Paul Sheehan, I have added three images of VH-AEC from the Qantas Heritage Collection. |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 28 MAY 10 Added four new images of two former Australian Electras which are now operated as tankers with Air Spray of Canada. Our thanks to Michael Hogan who is currently captain of Tanker 484, the former VH-ECC. C-GHZI formerly VH-ECC C-GHZI formerly VH-ECC C-GHZI formerly VH-ECC C-GZVM formerly VH-IOB |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAM - 23 MAY 2010 People ask me why I love Lockheed aeroplanes. This glorious photo taken by Bob Neate at Narromine in early 1962 shows why. |
| ELECTRA
- 21 JUL 2009 The former VH-ABV has been converted to an L-10E/R2O-1 and placed on display at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida. Many thanks to John Kerr and Peter Clukey for the photos. |
| ALTAIR
- 21 JUL 2009 Thanks to Balázs Bálint from Budapest, Hungary for the latest addition to his series of superb colour profiles of the Lady Southern Cross in its various guises. The aircraft is now depicted as Sirius NR-118-W when owned by George Hutchinson. Many thanks Balázs. |
| F-4
LIGHTNING A55-3 - 19 JUN 09 Thanks to Owen Veal of the Aviation Historical Society of the N.T. we have an image of the mortal remains of A55-3. |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR - 17 MAY 2009 Thanks to Phil Vabre I have added an image of Electra Junior VH-HID. |
| LODESTAR
- 17 MAY 2009 Thanks to David Vincent I have added an image of Lodestar VH-FAD. |
| F-4
LIGHTNING - 06 MAR 09 I have added four images of 8th PRS F-4 Lightnings. |
| P-38
LIGHTNING - 27 FEB 09 In recent times, several P-38 wrecks have been recovered from Pacific islands. This new page attempts to list those aircraft that are either presently in Australia or aspiring to return to Australia after restoration. The compiler acknowledges with thanks the assistance of Geoff Goodall. |
| QANTAS
LOCKHEED FLEET NUMBERS - 29 OCT 08 It has emerged that the Qantas Electras and Super Constellations carried fleet numbers although not much else is known about them. This discussion paper attempts to address the subject. |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-ECD - 28 OCT 08 Added two new images. VH-ECD thanks to the Qantas Heritage Collection VH-ECD thanks to Peter Gates |
| HERCULES
- 02 SEP 2008 Added four new images. A97-211 As a training airframe. A97-178 In 37 Squadron 50th anniversary markings. N130PS (formerly A97-212) with Peter Suarez. N130PS (formerly A97-212) in Maxturbine markings. |
| HERCULES
- 31 AUG 2008 Added an image of the former VH-CYO in Markair livery as N108AK. |
| ALTAIR
- 26 AUG 2008 Thanks to Tim Kalina for this series of photographs of the Lady Southern Cross in its earlier incarnation as George Hutchinson's Sirius NR118W. George Hutchinson in the cockpit. The instrument panel. Testing the engine. George Hutchinson on the wing. |
| ALTAIR
- 08 AUG 2008 Thanks to Balázs Bálint from Budapest, Hungary we have been able to add a series of superb colour profiles of the Lady Southern Cross in its various guises. Many thanks Balázs. |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-RMA - 28 JUL 08 Added two images of VH-RMA taken soon after it entered service with Ansett-ANA in 1959. These photos were taken by Ray Watson, a professional signwriter with an interesting story to tell. Also added a recent image of the same aeroplane as C-FBAQ in Buffalo Airways livery thanks to Peter Gates. These images were taken 49 years apart and the aeroplane is still in service. Amazing! VH-RMA 1959 VH-RMA 1959 Aft Lounge C-FBAQ 2008 |
| P-3
ORION - 18 JUN 2008 Thanks to Richard Siudak I have added recent images of the three TAP-3Bs, the P-3B BDRT fuselage and the P-3C fin memorial. Thanks Richard. P-3 Gallery |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR VH-HID - 15 JUN 2008 Phil Vabre has supplied three recent images of VH-HID. Thanks Phil. |
| ALTAIR
- 15 JUN 2008 Thanks to Tim Kalina I have added a wonderful image of the Sirius NR118W with George Hutchinson in the cockpit. This aeroplane was later rebuilt as the more familiar Altair Lady Southern Cross. |
| P-3
ORION - 06 JUN 2008 The P-3 pages have been updated with the news that two of the three TAP-3B airframes have been broken up for scrap. Similarly, the ex-USN Battle Damage Repair Airframe and the fuselage of A9-300 have also been scrapped. The coverage of the AP-3C conversions and their ELINT capability has also been clarified. |
| IMAGES
- 07 JAN 2008 I have reluctantly decided to withdraw the page listing images on the site. The maintenance of this page was detracting from time available to add to the historical content of the site. Readers wishing to locate images on the site should do so via the menu for the individual type in question. Any inconvenience is regretted. |
| F-4
LIGHTNING - 07 JAN 2008 I have added two images of F-4 Lightnings used by the RAAF: A55-1 Thanks to Bob Livingstone 41-2220 Thanks to Gordon Birkett |
| DO
NOT ADJUST YOUR SET - 31 DEC 2007 Over the past two days I have been doing some serious house-keeping on the site. Gone is the mottled background which has been part of the site since day one. I have also changed the site font to Arial so the pages should now be much easier to read. Please let me know if you spot any anomalies. Happy New Year to all my readers. |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR VH-HID - 10 NOV 2007 Geoff Goodall has supplied three new images of the aircraft as N712FM and VH-HID. Thanks Geoff. |
| L-188
ELECTRA C-GZHI - 07 NOV 2007 Thanks to Peter Gates for this image of the former VH-ECC in basic Reeve Aleutian colours but with Air Spray titles as C-GZHI Tanker 84. |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-ECC - 09 OCT 2007 Thanks to Christopher Bateman in Christchurch we now have a much sought after colour image of VH-ECC in Qantas livery. |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR VH-HID - 28 SEP 2007 Following the death of John Conley, VH-HID was sold to Doug Hamilton on 09AUG07. |
|
CONNIE CREW LIST - 24 SEP 2007 Thanks to Colin Lock and Ross Plews I have uploaded some significant amendments. |
| L-188
ELECTRA OE-ILB - 20 AUG 2007 The former VH-RMA is now on the Canadian register as C-FBAQ. |
| ALTAIR
"LADY SOUTHERN CROSS" - 30 MAR 2007 Thanks to Tim Kalina in Chicago we have a bumper crop of images of the Altair. Thanks Tim. VH-USB Landing at Wheeler Field VH-USB Landing at Wheeler Field VH-USB Under repair at Wheeler Field VH-USB Smithy in the cockpit at Wheeler Field VH-USB Departing Wheeler Field VH-USB Departing Wheeler Field VH-USB Departing Wheeler Field VH-USB At Burbank VH-USB At the Union Air Terminal, Burbank Thanks to Jerry Morelock, also in the USA, we have a wonderful selection of images taken at Wheeler Field in Hawaii by his father, Jerry P.B. Morelock, Cmdr. USN (Ret.). Many thanks Jerry. VH-USB Smithy & P.G. Taylor disembarking at at Wheeler Field VH-USB In a USAAC hangar at Wheeler Field VH-USB At Wheeler Field VH-USB At Wheeler Field VH-USB At Wheeler Field VH-USB Smithy & P.G. Taylor at Wheeler Field Tim Kalina has also sourced two images from the Hawaii Aviation Preservation Society to whom we extend our gratitude. VH-USB Landing at Wheeler Field VH-USB Departing Wheeler Field And if that's not enough of this wonderful aeroplane, Tim has also forwarded another Wheeler Field image which comes from the collection of Damian Waters. Thank you Damian. VH-USB At Wheeler Field |
| C-130A
HERCULES A97-206 - 28 OCT 2006 Maurice Austin has contributed two wonderful images of A97-206 with the dayglo tail. Thanks Maurice. A97-206 A97-206 |
| L-188
ELECTRA C-GHZI - 28 OCT 2006 Bill Gavin has kindly provided a recent image of the former VH-ECC as Tanker 84 with Air Spray. Thanks Bill. |
| AL60-B2
SANTA MARIA VH-ELI - 24 OCT 2006 The AL60 VH-ELI was damaged in a landing accident on 30SEP06. |
| ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- 15 SEP 2006 There have been many additions to the Acknowledgements page. Contributors who have been disappointed previously may wish to revisit the list and consider reinstating me on their Christmas card lists. |
| ALTAIR
"LADY SOUTHERN CROSS" - 31 AUG 2006 Tim Kalina has contributed another wonderful image from his collection. This photo shows Smithy and P.G. Taylor dismounting from the Altair soon after arriving at Oakland from Honolulu on 4 November 1934. Thanks Tim. |
| GIL
WHITE 1944 - 2006 Gil White, who compiled the listings of Ansett and TAA Electra crew members, passed away in Melbourne on 26 June 2006. Thankfully, Gil took his friends into his confidence in his final days, so he died knowing that both of these pages would be dedicated to his memory. Read the dedication. RIP Gil. |
| ALTAIR
"ANZAC" - 18 JUN 2006 Prepare yourself for something really special. Tim Kalina recently acquired at auction a collection of negatives which records the unloading of Smithy's Altair in Sydney Harbour in July 1934 and its subsequent transportation by barge to Anderson Park. These images were taken by Alan Evans, a professional photographer who used a Graflex camera. As might be expected, the results are absolutely stunning, not only for their historical significance and technical excellence, but for their aesthetic qualities as well. We are all indebted to Alan Evans for recording these images and to Tim Kalina for sharing them with us. Enjoy ... The Evans Negatives |
| C-130A
HERCULES - 02 JUNE 2006 Added an image of the former A97-211 in Aboitiz colours as RP-C3211. |
| L-12A
ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ABH - 30 MAY 2006 Thanks to Peter Kelly for this wonderful air-to-air image of VH-ASV. Peter took the photo from an accompanying Beech Bonanza. |
| L-188
ELECTRA ZK-CLX - 30 MAY 2006 Although this image is of very poor quality, it is significant because it shows that the former VH-ECC was operated in full Qantas livery as ZK-CLX. Thanks to Peter Kelly for this photo. |
| ALTAIR
"LADY SOUTHERN CROSS" - 30 MAY 2006 Phil Vabre has contributed images of two precious items from his personal collection: A letter on Belle-Vue Hotel stationery signed by P.G. Taylor on the day of departure for Fiji. A flown cover carried on the aborted England-Australia record attempt on 23 October 1935. Thankfully, the commemorative mail missed the second departure. Thanks Phil for sharing these treasures. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAC - 29 MAY 2006 Thanks to Lindsay Wise and Maurice Austin for this rare colour photo of VH-EAC taken in Melbourne during the 1956 Olympic Games. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N9717C - 29 MAY 2006 Thanks to Gordon Reid for this photo by Larry Smalley of N9717C (formerly VH-EAI). |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N7776C - 29 MAY 2006 Thanks to Bob Garrard for this colour photo of N7776C (formerly VH-EAM) stored at Fort Lauderdale. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAF - 29 MAY 2006 Thanks to Peter Gates for this wonderful colour photo of VH-EAF arriving at Eagle Farm, Brisbane. To anyone who grew up around Eagle Farm (like Peter and myself) this is pure magic. |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 27 MAY 2006 Thanks to Tim Kalina for these latest additions to the "Lady Southern Cross" gallery. Smithy and Bill Taylor with the Altair at Anderson Park. This photograph is autographed by Smithy. A poignant photo of Smithy being farewelled from Lympne, England. |
| L-14
SUPER ELECTRA - 18 MAY 2006 Added images of PK-AFM and PK-AFN from the Barry Flood Collection. Thanks to Dick Hitchins. |
| L-188
ELECTRA XW-PKB - 17 MAY 2006 Peter Gates has provided an image of XW-PKB, formerly VH-TLB, awaiting overhaul in Hong Kong at the completion of the Royal Air Lao lease. Thanks Peter. |
| P-38H
LIGHTNING 42-66841 - 14 MAY 2006 Bob Jarrett advises that the aircraft was rolled-out in April. Bob has also provided three images of the aircraft. Thanks Bob. |
| AL60-B2
SANTA MARIA VH-ELI - 07MAY 2006 The AL60 VH-ELI has had a change of ownership. |
| TRISTAR
- 06 MAY 2006 The Oddities page now includes an image of a TriStar in Ansett livery. This completes the TriStar Triumvirate - L-1011 models in Qantas, TAA and Ansett livery! There is also a reference to the 1974 demonstration tour of Australia by All Nippon's JA8506.together with photographic proof that a TriStar did fly in Qantas markings - well sorta! |
| HUDSON
VH-ALA - 03 MAY 2006 Thanks to John Ramsay for this extremely rare photo of Hudson VH-ALA at Lae in 1948. The photo was taken by his father, Arthur, who worked for Bulolo Gold as an engineer. It was probably taken not long before the aeroplane crashed in April 1948. Thanks John! |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION CREW - 01 MAY 2006 Thanks to David Long for another outstanding contribution. David has laboriously constructed a listing of Qantas Super Constellation Technical Crew. When added to his earlier listings for the Electra and the B707 it comprises a body of work which will be much valued by future researchers. Thanks David! |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 25APRIL 2006 Phil Dreith has provided some notes from the late Bill Dettori who was a Flight Engineer on the former TAA Electras in S.E. Asia during 1972-1974. VH-TLA VH-TLB |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 08 APRIL 2006 Phil Dreith has come up with some more information on the former TAA Electras in S.E. Asia. We now know that the former VH-TLB/XW-PKB was registered PK-RLX during its lease to Mandala. Thanks Phil. |
| C-130
HERCULES - 04 APRIL 2006 The previous update left only one C-130A unaccounted for, the former A97-208 which was last heard of stored at Istanbul as TT-PAA. Col Tigwell advises that the aeroplane was ferried to France in 1999 and broken up some time after that. Thanks Col. |
|
C-130
HERCULES - 03 APRIL 2006 |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 01 APRIL 2006 I am most grateful to Phil Dreith for an outstanding contribution on the histories of TAA Electras VH-TLA and VH-TLB after they went to South East Asia. Phil has provided a dramatic first hand account of the last flight of VH-TLA plus previously unknown facts about the former VH-TLB. Everything has been incorporated into the individual aircraft pages but all new information, as well as five new images, can be viewed on a new page: Former TAA Electras in S.E. Asia VH-TLA VH-TLB |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 21 MARCH 2006 I have added a stunning image of two of Lockheed's finest. The HARS Super Constellation and the Operation Blessing TriStar are posed together outside the Lockheed Aeromod Center in Tucson, Arizona. |
| VENTURA
A59-96 - 10 MARCH 2006 I have added an image of the aeroplane standing on its wheels again after nearly 60 years. A59-96 |
|
SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 10 MARCH 2006 |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 06 MARCH 2006 Thanks to Tim Kalina for this photo of Smithy at Long Beach in May 1934. Smithy had just arrived on the Monterey to be met by Carl B. Squier of Lockheed and Fred G. Davies of General Petroleum. |
| L-12A
ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ABH - 06 MARCH 2006 Thanks to Craig Justo I have added two spectacular images of the aeroplane in the ownership of Ross Smith. Thanks Craig!: VH-ABH VH-ABH |
| L-10
ELECTRA - 06 MARCH 2006 There have been minor changes to the pages for: VH-AAU VH-UZP Thanks to Ed Coates, the page for VH-UXH now includes an image of the aeroplane as ZK-ALH |
| L-14
SUPER ELECTRA - 06 MARCH 2006 There have been minor changes to the pages for: VH-ADT VH-AEW |
| LODESTAR
- 06 MARCH 2006 There have been minor changes to the pages for: LT-936 VHCAF |
| TAA
TRISTAR - 06 MARCH 2006 Carl Yelverton has supplied an interesting image of a TAA TriStar model. It is one of many similar promotional images prepared by the TriStar sales team. This image complements the Qantas TriStar model already on the site. Now retired, Carl used to work for Lockheed on L-1011 Product Support. Thanks Carl for the contribution. |
| LODESTAR
- 06 MARCH 2006 There have been amendments to the following Lodestar pages: VH-ARY VH-ARZ VH-FAB VH-FAC VH-FAD Additionally, there are now photos of the following Lodestars: ZK-AOP (formerly A67-1) ZK-AOS (formerly A67-4) ZK-AOT (formerly A67-3) ZK-BJM (formerly VH-FAD) ZK-BJM (formerly VH-FAD) Thanks to Geoff Goodall for the notes and to Ed Coates for the photos. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N7776C - 04 MARCH 2006 I have added an image of the former VH-EAM stored at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Thanks to Gordon Reid. N7776C |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 04 MARCH 2006 Thanks to Tim Kalina for sharing this wonderful photo of Smithy and P.G. Taylor shaking hands at Oakland on the completion of their trans-Pacific flight in the "Lady Southern Cross". |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 04 MARCH 2006 I have added two images of the HARS Connie taken at Tucson, Arizona in March 1995, soon after the aeroplane was painted. VH-EAG VH-EAG |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 01 MARCH 2006 Almost exactly two years ago, Gil White provided us with a list of TAA Electra crew. This was closely followed by a similar list of Ansett crew, but in the interim there has been one glaring omission from the site. This has now been put right thanks to David Long who has supplied us with a list of Qantas Electra crew. Thank you David! |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N11SR - 14 FEBRUARY 2006 Having only recently established that N11SR (the former VH-EAB) has been effectively destroyed, we are endebted to Mark Pinneo who just this month visited the wreckage of the aeroplane and took a comprehensive series of photographs, most of which have now been added to the page for VH-EAB. Special thanks to Mark Pinneo for this outstanding contribution and to Henk de Waard who facilitated the contact. |
| LODESTAR
VH-TAY & VH-TAZ - 05 FEBRUARY 2006 The log book of the Wright Cyclone fitted in the starboard position on VH-CAB/TAY has yielded much useful information about the history of this aeroplane. Additionally, Gordon Reid has contributed some useful references from the log book of TAA Captain R.R. Hickey. VH-TAY VH-TAZ |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 23 JANUARY 2006 Thanks to Peter Gates I have added two new Electra images: VH-RMA looking resplendent in its original livery The former VH-IOB as C-GZVM Tanker 85 Thanks Peter! |
| P-3
ORION - 20 JANUARY 2006 Added images of former RAAF P-3B Orions: A9-291 as NZ4206 with the RNZAF A9-299 as N91LC the AEW&C prototype |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N11SR - 19 JANUARY 2006 It is well known that the last surviving Qantas Super Constellation, N11SR (formerly VH-EAB) ended her days in Kuwait, but precise details of her fate have been elusive. Thanks to Henk de Waard, we now have photographic evidence that the aeroplane has been virtually destroyed, presumably during the 1991 Gulf War as previously reported. Henk's photo was taken little more than a week ago. Thanks Henk. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N4247K - 7 JANUARY 2006 The author has acquired a recent photograph of C-121J N4247K "Winky's Fish" at Manila. Although not an Australian Connie, it had been hoped that this aeroplane would be able to attend the Australian Bicentennial Air Show at Richmond in 1988. See "Almost an Australian Connie" for the full story. |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 2 JANUARY 2006 Tim Kalina has contributed another wonderful photo of the "Lady Southern Cross" taken soon after arrival at Oakland on 4 November 1934. Thanks Tim! |
| NEPTUNE
- 29 DECEMBER 2005 Geoff Goodall has contributed three wonderful photos of P2V-5 Neptunes: A89-302 Instructional Airframe at Wagga A89-305 In service at Adelaide A89-310 Instructional Airframe at Wagga Thanks Geoff! |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAF - 11 DECEMBER 2005 Alistair Coutts has kindly provided a glorious colour photo of VH-EAF "Southern Wind" surrounded by myriad ground equipment at Perth in 1963. Thanks Alistair! |
| F-4
LIGHTNING - 04 DECEMBER 2005 Thanks to Neville Rourke for supplying a further three photographs from the photo album of Squadron Leader Geoff Atherton. Although of poor quality, these photos are extremely rare as they depict both 75 Squadron Lightnings over New Britain. All three photos. Close-up of 41-2156 |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-TLC - 28 NOVEMBER 2005 Thanks to Peter Gates for a photo of the former VH-TLC as TACA Air Cargo's YS-06C. |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-RMA - 26 NOVEMBER 2005 Thanks to Peter Gates for a recent photo of Amerer Air's OE-ILB displaying 10 years service artwork. |
| L-12
ELECTRA JUNIOR - 26 NOVEMBER 2005 Several new images from Geoff Goodall's wonderful collection have been added: VH-TLX after its undercarriage collapse VH-ASV with 1964 Brisbane to Adelaide Air Race markings VH-DMC in Muir Aviation titles Thanks Geoff. |
| CONSTELLATION
- 26 NOVEMBER 2005 Phil Vabre has contributed scans of several flown covers: VH-EAD 1947 Sydney to London VH-EAD 1952 Johannesburg to Sydney VH-EAG 1954 Sydney to Vancouver Thanks Phil. |
| TAP-3B
ORION - 25 NOVEMBER 2005 Photographic coverage of the TAP-3Bs has been overlooked for too long. Thanks to Nigel Daw, this has been rectified with a photo of A9-439. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 16 NOVEMBER 2005 Thanks to Lindsay Hockey for this image of VH-EAG being washed at Brisbane in preparation for the Qantas 85th anniversary dinner on 15 November. |
| L-14
SUPER ELECTRA PK-AFP - 13 NOVEMBER 2005 Added an image of PK-AFP in service with KNILM. From Tom McRae-Wood via the David Vincent Collection. |
| NEPTUNE
A89-305 - 8 NOVEMBER 2005 Added an image of A89-305 thanks to Dennis Morgan. |
| L-14
SUPER ELECTRA VHCXJ - 8 NOVEMBER 2005 Added two images of the aircraft stored at Prospect, South Australia in 1966. Thanks to Geoff Goodall. VHCXJ#1 VHCXJ#2 |
| C-130A
HERCULES N131EC - 7 NOVEMBER 2005 Added more information on the tip tank mod from Snow Aviation's Project Manager. |
| DOUG
FAWCETT It is with great sadness that I record the passing of Doug Fawcett on 10th October 2005. Doug features prominently on the Hudson and Lodestar pages and indeed he contributed several photos to this site. Doug's autobiography "Pilots and Propellers - a lifetime in aviation" is highly recommended reading. |
| C-130E
HERCULES - 06 NOVEMBER 2005 Six of the ex RAAF C-130E traded in to Lockheed are being delivered to the Pakistan Air Force under defence assistance programs. The C-130E page has been updated accordingly, thanks to Colin Tigwell and C-130 Hercules Headquarters. |
| LIGHTNING
- 21 OCTOBER 2005 Bob Jarrett of the Classic Jets Fighter Museum advises that his P-38H was fitted with its wheels and tyres on 19OCT05. This was a major milestone in the project and the cause of much celebration by CJFM workers. The photo is courtesy of Ron Brimblecombe. |
| HERCULES
- 16 OCTOBER 2005 The Hercules pages have undergone some minor reformatting. Significantly, there is now a new page which cross-references all the various civil registrations with the former RAAF serials. |
| C-130A
HERCULES N131EC - 15 OCTOBER 2005 The former A97-212 is still flying in the United States in the hands of a doting owner. The aeroplane was recently modified with tip tanks in lieu of the normal pylon mounted underwing tanks. Colin Tigwell has supplied two interesting photos which he obtained from Earl Cherry who owns the aeroplane. Photo 1 Photo 2 |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAI - 13 OCTOBER 2005 Roger Prior has supplied this lovely atmospheric image of VH-EAI "Southern Sun" in the early morning light at Darwin in July 1955. Thanks Roger. |
| P-3
ORION - 11 OCTOBER 2005 With the growing amount of available material on the P-3 Orions, I have taken the long overdue decision to split the single Orion page into separate pages for P-3B, TAP-3B, P-3C and Gallery. There are also several other Orion pages, all of which can be found on the new Orion Menu. |
| TAP-3B
ORION - 07 OCTOBER 2005 Audit Report No. 10 (2005-2006) titled "Upgrade of the Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fleet" issued by the Australian National Audit Office includes useful references to the acquisition and refurbishment of the three TAP-3Bs. The relevant extract from this report can be viewed here. |
| L-12A
ELECTRA JUNIOR - 08 SEPTEMBER 2005 Although it's a significant departure from my policy of including on this site only Lockheed aircraft which took up an Australian identity, I have added a summary of other Lockheed 12As which are known to have passed through the hands of Sidney Cotton's companies. This summary can be viewed here. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N9717C - 21AUGUST 2005 Thanks to Mick West I have added a photo of the former VH-EAI with American Flyers Airline as N9717C at Gatwick in 1966. Thanks Mick. |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION - 15 AUGUST 2005 The page on The Connie Racer has been updated thanks to an email from Chuck Mercer who was the Flight Engineer on the "Red Baron". Chuck has confirmed the reason why the Connie and the DC-7 did not race. Thanks for your contribution Chuck! |
| P-3
ORION - 19 June 2005 The Orion page has undergone a major update thanks to input from Marco Borst of the Orion Research Group and Vic Ehlers and Jack Schroeder who were amongst the Lockheed crews who ferried the P-3Bs out of Australia. The page now includes a table of the P-3B disposals. I have also added three of my own images of the former A9-299 on its way to Burbank as N91LC under the command of Vic Ehlers. Thank you gentlemen! N91LC #1 Side view N91LC#2 The Lockheed Roundel N91LC#3 The nose markings |
| NEPTUNE
A89-281 - 13 June 2005 Long time Archerfield resident Neptune A89-281 has finally departed. Thanks to Geoff Timms of HARS I have added details of the move together with two images. Thanks Timmsy! A89-281 Part 3 A89-281 on the truck A89-281 on the deck at Albion Park |
| LODESTAR
VH-FAB & ZK-BJM - 30 April 2005 Thanks to Geoff Goodall I have been able to add an image of an aeroplane which was previously not illustrated on the site. VH-FAB Geoff has also supplied a photo of the former VH-FAD after conversion to a top-dresser. ZK-BJM |
| AL-60
VH-ELI - 30 April 2005 From Paul Howard in Cairns, we have an image which clearly indicates that the aircraft has been overhauled and repainted. Thanks Paul! VH-ELI |
| ELECTRA
VH-RMG - 23 April 2005 Thanks to Steven Raczynski in Argentina, I have received a newspaper cutting which confirms that the former VH-RMG was effectively destroyed in a forced landing while in service with the Argentine Navy on 20th September 1989. For further details of the accident, see the page for VH-RMG |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR G-AGTL - 13 April 2005 Thanks to Jeff Watson I have been able to add a photo of Sidney Cotton with his Lockheed 12A G-AGTL "Caprice". This photo comes originally from Sadika Tancred to whom our thanks. G-AGTL |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR G-AFKR - 07 April 2005 Thanks to Jeff Watson I have been able to add a very rare photo of Sidney Cotton's first Lockheed 12A. This photo appeared in Jeff's book "The Last Plane Out of Berlin". The photo comes originally from Andrea Cameron. G-AFKR |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 01 April 2005 Thanks to Steve Jamieson I have added a magnificent night time shot of the HARS Connie taking-off at the recent Avalon Air Show. Thanks Steve for sharing this gem with us. VH-EAG |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR VH-ABH - 09 February 2005 The new owner of the aeroplane, Ross Smith, has provided a detailed account of the delivery flight from Wangaratta to Rolleston. Many thanks Ross! VH-ABH |
| VENTURA
VH-SFF - 01 February 2005 Graham Mison has supplied two lovely photos of the Ventura taken at Bankstown not long after the aeroplane arrived in Australia. Many thanks Graham. VH-SFF #1 VH-SFF #2 |
| 749
CONSTELLATION VH-EAD - 01 February 2005 I have just rediscovered a photo of VH-EAD taken at Cocos Island by a former work mate, Max Mead. Possibly it was taken in 1952 during the proving flight to South Africa or during the subsequent inaugural service. Thanks Max, wherever you are. VH-EAD |
| SIDNEY
COTTON AND HIS KOLOSSAL LOCKHEEDS - 23 January 2005 Having previously decided to include Sidney Cotton's G-AFTL on the site, I have decided that for reasons of consistency, I should add all of Sidney Cotton's Lockheeds to the site. With further help from Vic Smith I have done just that as well as adding a biography of this remarkable Australian. Sidney Cotton and his Kolossal Lockheeds |
| P-3
ORION - 22 January 2005 I have added the retirement dates for the TAP-3B fleet. We now know that it was 20FEB04 that the TAPs were turned off! We are still working on the identities of the two EP-3Cs. The Orion page. |
| LODESTAR
VH-BAG - 17 January 2005 Ed Coates has come up with another gem in this shot of Lodestar VH-BAG. It is believed that it was taken in late 1946 or early 1947 just after the aircraft was overhauled for Aircrafts Pty Ltd. Thanks Ed! VH-BAG |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR G-AFTL - 13 January 2005 Since the inception of "The Lockheed File" it has been a policy to include only Lockheed aeroplanes which took up an Australian identity. I have decided to make an exception for this aeroplane for two reasons. Firstly, although G-AFTL never took up an Australian identity, it was owned and made famous by an Australian identity, namely Sidney Cotton. Secondly, although a detailed history of the aeroplane had been published by Vic Smith on his own website, the closure of Vic's website meant that the history of G-AFTL was no longer available. Accordingly, Vic has graciously given permission for his history of G-AFTL to be hosted on "The Lockheed File". As a result, there is now a page dedicated to G-AFTL. Thank you Vic! |
| LIGHTNING
- 13 January 2005 Bob Jarrett has sent a recent photo and a progress report on the restoration of his P-38H. Thanks Bob! |
| ORION
- 13 January 2005 The Orion page has undergone several changes, not the least of which is another change of heart on the identity of the fin displayed at RAAF Edinburgh. Please refer to the table at the foot of the Orion page. |
| IMAGES
- 11 January 2005 I have added several new images to the site: Hudson VH-ASV - thanks to Ed Coates Lodestar ZK-ALZ - thanks to Ed Coates Lodestar ZK-ANA - thanks to Ed Coates Orion NC12229 - thanks to John Hopton TriStar VR-HOF - thanks to David Campbell Hudstar N367 - thanks to Barry Admans and QAM (The Hudstar story is here) |
| VEGA
- 07 January 2005 It's been a while since I last visited the page for Australia's solitary Vega. Thanks to Geoff Goodall, I have added a lovely atmospheric shot taken at Maylands, W.A. on 22 August 1935. Thanks also to Phil Vabre for the scan. VH-UVK |
| CONSTELLATION
- 01 January 2005 What better way to begin the new year than with a glorious image of a Super Connie? However, this isn't just any Connie. This is the former N515AC which very nearly made it to Australia in 1988. We can thank Aad van der Voet for this image which shows the aeroplane as HI-548CT landing at Miami in 1989. While I was at it, I took the opportunity to update the Almost an Australian Connie page with some recent movements by the main players. Also on the subject of Connies, I have not previously highlighted a wonderful web resource on the world's surviving Connies. This site was created by Ralph Pettersen and it is highly recommended. The Constellation Survivor Website |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 29 December 2004 Thanks to Peter Gates, I have added an interesting image of the former VH-ECC and N1968R re-registered as C-GHZI wearing its retardant tank but still carrying full Reeve Aleutian livery. C-GHZI |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 29 December 2004 Thanks to Air Spray in Canada for this update on their Long Liner Tankers. msn 1112 (the former Charrak aircraft) is presently being fitted with tanks at Chico and will emerge as Tanker 83. msn 2007 (the former VH-ECC) has just completed its first season as Tanker 84. Also added an image of C-GZVM Tanker 85 (the former VH-IOB) at the Air Spray base |
| HUDSON
- 23 December 2004 Continuing with the Flight Simulator theme, thanks to former Adastra Hudson pilot, Rick Geary, we now have a Flight Sim instrument panel for a Hudson. The panel was designed by Roger Lowery and it is based on the panel of the former VH-AGJ which is now displayed at the RAF Museum, Hendon as A16-199. Flight Simmers will need to use this panel in conjunction with one of the Hudson models which are already available from the usual sources. Thanks Rick and Roger. The Panel |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 22 December 2004 Something different has been added to "The Lockheed File". Thanks to Eric Davis, Paul Clawson and Tim Kalina, we have a special page devoted to flying the "Lady Southern Cross" in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Flying the Altair |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 20 December 2004 Stuart Arnold was one of the last three TAA Captains to be current on the Electra and he has searched his log book for details of test flights and ferry flights which were conducted around the time of the sale to Concare Aircraft Leasing (SEP71 to FEB72). Many thanks Stuart for this interesting contribution. VH-TLA VH-TLB VH-TLC |
| LIGHTNING
- 10 December 2004 Thanks to Peter Dunn of www.ozatwar.com I have been able to add a colour version of that wonderful image of 8PRS F-4 Lightning 41-2217 airborne over Moreton Bay. Lightning 41-2217 in colour |
| F-4 LIGHTNING
- 08 December 2004 As the history of RAAF F-4 Lightning operations features frequent references to the 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (USAAF) I thought it appropriate to include a page on this outfit. 8PRS in Australia |
| ALTAIR VH-USB
- 28 November 2004 I have added an image of the "Lady Southern Cross" meeting up with the "Southern Cross" at Cloncurry on 29th September 1934. Although published elsewhere, this print came from the Queensland Air Museum archives via Charles Fotherington. VH-USB at Cloncurry |
| L-188 ELECTRA
- 17 November 2004 There have been several additions to the Electra crew lists: Ansett TAA |
| LODESTAR
VH-TAY - 07 November 2004 I have added an image of the former VH-TAY, re-registered N5080V, taken at Eagle Farm prior to its departure for the USA. The source of this photo is unknown so if any reader recognises it please advise the Webmaster. |
| LODESTAR
- 05 November 2004 Thanks to Chris O'Neill, I have been able to add a lot of extra detail to the histories of APL's Lodestars VH-ARY and VH-ARZ. This information has been extracted from DCA files in the National Archives of Australia. Although it has been the subject of much debate, it now seems most probable that APL's inaugural Brisbane to Melbourne service was operated by VH-ARY. The reasoning behind this is developed on a new page devoted to APL's Lodestar Movements. Many thanks Chris! While on the subject of APL's Lodestars, I have drawn upon Mac Job's wonderful book "Air Crash" Vol 2 for more detail of the crash of VH-BAG. |
| L-10 ELECTRA
- 27 October 2004 Thanks to Ed Coates I have added photos of VH-ABV and VH-UZN. Thanks to Lindsay Wise I have added an image of the aftermath of Ansett's hangar fire at Essendon on 28th February 1939. This sad image shows the mortal remains of VH-UZN. VH-ABV
with MMA |
|
L-188 ELECTRA
- 23 October 2004 C-GYVI
the former Charrak Air Electra |
| SUPER ELECTRA
- 23 October 2004 The Photo Archivist from the Queensland Air Museum has provided a photo of the future VH-ADT in Northwest Airlines livery as NX17382. The photo comes from the Jack Petersen collection. Thanks to David Bussey of QAM. |
| LODESTAR
- 17 October 2004 The pages on the Lodestars have been the subject of a major update. The complete listing has been reformatted to improve readability. A new page listing all of the Dutch Lodestars has been added in the interests of completeness as so many of these aeroplanes came to Australia. |
| SUPER CONSTELLATION
VH-EAG - 31 August 2004 Thanks to Bob De La Hunty of HARS, I have added an image of VH-EAG outside her new hangar at Albion Park. |
| NEPTUNE
VH-LRR - 31 August 2004 Thanks to Bob De La Hunty of HARS, I have added an image of VH-LRR outside her new hangar at Albion Park. |
| LODESTAR
VH-TAZ - 29 August 2004 Thanks to Geoff Goodall and Gary Killion, I have added an image of VH-TAZ in TAA livery. |
| C-130A HERCULES
A97-212 - 29 August 2004 Thanks to Mark Meltzer, I have added several updates on the movements of N131EC. |
| L-188 ELECTRA
- 17 August 2004 Thanks to Rob Tonge and Gil White, I have been able to add first names and nicknames to some of the earlier additions to the Ansett Electra crew list. Because of the growing size of the list, the page has been reformatted to a single column layout. (The TAA Electra crew list has been similarly reformatted). Ansett Crew List |
| L-188 ELECTRA
- 07 August 2004 Thanks to Rob Tonge, I have been able to add 42 names to the Ansett Electra crew list. It will be noted that Rob appears on the list himself. Many thanks Rob. Ansett Crew List |
| ELECTRA
JUNIOR VH-ABH - 16 July 2004 Thanks to Graham Martin for providing this gem. It depicts the aeroplane in Carsair markings sometime in the late fifties. Most significantly, the photo was taken by none other than Captain Keith Virtue. VH-ABH |
| LODESTAR
VH-OAS - 13 July 2004 Thanks to Peter Anderson and Geoff Goodall, I have been able to add an extremely rare photo of Lodestar VH-OAS in the markings of Overland Air Services. VH-OAS |
| HERCULES
- 12 June 2004 Thanks to Peter Gates I have been able to add a lovely colour image of A97-190 |
| NEPTUNE
- 12 June 2004 Thanks to Peter Gates I have been able to add a lovely colour image of Neptune A89-302 after it was relegated to Instructional Airframe. A89-302 |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 06 June 2004 Thanks to Gil White I have been able to add a list of Ansett Electra crew to the site as a companion to the TAA list which was added back in February. It is somewhat less comprehensive than the TAA list so any additions will be most welcome. Ansett Electra Crew |
| PANDORA
- 04 June 2004 This site is now archived by the National Library of Australia Pandora Project. Read more about Pandora |
| LIGHTNING
- 26 April 2004 Thanks to the State Library of Queensland, I have been able to add this wonderful image of 8PRS F-4 Lightning 41-2217 airborne over Moreton Bay. Lightning 41-2217 |
| LIGHTNING
- 25 April 2004 Bob Jarrett has provided an update and a recent photo of his Lightning project. I have also added a "wants list" to the page. Lightning 42-66841 |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 25 April 2004 Today is Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand, so it is appropriate on this day to add something really special to the site. Thanks to Tim Kalina, we now have streaming video of the "Lady Southern Cross"! Tim has sourced three newsfilm clips from the Movietone Archives of the Newsfilm Library at the University of South Carolina and they have made them available to "The Lockheed File" by special arrangement. Thanks also to Tim's friend Dean Campione for preparing the QuickTime movies which now appear on the site. Although all three clips are historically significant, the first one has special relevance to Anzac Day as it features an impromptu speech by Smithy in which he refers to the Anzac spirit. (It will be remembered that the Altair was at this time named "ANZAC" but Smithy was not allowed to use the name, even though he was an Anzac himself). The clip shows the Altair being unloaded from the "Mariposa" and the Altair's subsequent take-off from Anderson Park. The other movies show the landing at Oakland and the arrival at Burbank after the Pacific flight. Please note that the movies are large files, so they may not be suitable for readers on a slow dialup connection. There is a "Help" page if you have any difficulties with the movies. Enjoy! Lest we forget. Lady Southern Cross at the Cinema |
| ELECTRA
- 28 February 2004 Thanks to Gil White, we have a rather unusual addition to the site. It is a comprehensive listing of all the TAA Electra crew. Gil's father was a TAA Electra Captain so the list comes from an authoritative source. As it states on the page, any additions or corrections will be welcome. As is also stated on the page, a similar listing of Ansett Electra crew will be added to the site if anyone can provide it. Thanks Gil for the work that has gone into this listing. Presumably it would be cause for some pride to have one's name on this list. TAA Electra Crew List |
| SUPER
ELECTRA VH-ADT - 22 February 2004 Thanks to Chris O'Neill I have added a photo of the wreckage at Schofields in January 1947. VH-ADT |
| F-4
LIGHTNING - 22 February 2004 - Another Major Update With so much extra information becoming available, I have decided to create separate pages for all of the F-4s which were loaned or allotted to the RAAF. Lightning Menu |
| F-4
LIGHTNING - 18 February 2004 - Major Update Thanks to Peter May who pointed out some interesting material in the NAA, we now know that we nearly had an A55-4 and an A55-5 and an A55-6! Sadly it didn't come to pass, but three additional F-4s were allotted to the RAAF and two of them were even ferried to Amberley where they were found to be so badly deteriorated that they were rejected. The third aeroplane apparently made it only as far as Rockhampton. In addition to this revelation, I have also greatly expanded the coverage of 1PRU's use of the Lightning and there are now separate pages for 1PRU and 75SQN. The coverage of the accidents to the PRU aircraft has also been expanded. Lightning Menu |
| LODESTARS
GALORE! - 14 February 2004 Thanks to Gary Killion, Geoff Goodall and Phil Vabre we have seven new Lodestar images: VHCAA During its wartime service with Qantas. A67-2 During the Tocumwal to Parafield road convoy. VH-CAA (NTU) The former A67-2 which never made it on to the register. A67-8 The future VH-CAC and VH-TAZ on the road. A67-10 The future VH-CAB and VH-TAY on the road. N4848V The prototype Learstar, better known to us as VH-TAZ. N4848V The prototype Learstar, on its first flight. |
| L-12
ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-BHH - 14 February 2004 Thanks to Geoff Goodall for this wonderful colour image of the Zinc Corporation's "Silver Star": VH-BHH |
| L-10
ELECTRA VH-ABV / VH-MMD - 14 February 2004 I have added no fewer than four new images of this aeroplane in its various incarnations: VH-ABV being unloaded from a ship on arrival in Australia. VH-MMD MMA's last service from Halls Creek. N19HL Palm Beach Aviation livery. N4886V Suburban Airways. Thanks to Geoff Goodall, Gary Killion and Phil Vabre of the Civil Aviation Historical Society. |
| L-188
ELECTRA XA-AEG - 11 February 2004 Thanks to Rurik Enriquez in Mexico I have added a photo of the former VH-TLC in Mex-Jet Cargo livery. Many thanks Rurik! XA-AEG |
| C-130A
HERCULES - 09 February 2004 Thanks to Denis Hersey I have added an interesting photo of the lineup of stored C-130As taken at Laverton in March 1987. Many thanks Denis! C-130As in storage |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 08 February 2004 Thanks to Peter Gates I have been able to add five new images of Australian Electras in their later lives. Many thanks Peter! F-OGST (VH-ECA) in STAF livery HC-AZJ (VH-ECB) in TAME livery HC-AZJ (VH-ECB) in a later TAME livery N356Q (VH-RMA) with Air Bridge titles N356Q (VH-RMA) with Air Bridge titles I have also made a correction to the date of the clear air turbulence incident involving VH-TLB. This is now believed to have happened on 27JUL70. |
| AL-60
VH-ELI - 07 February 2004 Thanks to Hew Mills, a former owner of the aeroplane, I have added three new images from the aircraft's time in Tasmania. Many thanks Hew! Loaded with a diesel generator In flight Instrument panel |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-RMB - 04 February 2004 Thanks to René Dannies, I have been able to add a rather poignant image of the former VH-RMB being scrapped at Opa Locka. Many thanks René. N358Q |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 26 January 2004 The pages for the Electras have undergone a major update. Gil White (whose father flew them with TAA) has provided crew names for many of the trans-Pacific flights. Chris O'Neill has provided extra detail on the Qantas Electras which he extracted from the National Archives of Australia and ever-helpful Gordon Reid has helped to sort out a few anomalies. There are still a few anomalous dates on the pages and these have been highlighted in the hope that some reader can resolve them. The L-188 Menu |
| LODESTAR
VH-OAS - 22 January 2004 The history of this aeroplane has been greatly expanded thanks to Chris O'Neill, Gary Killion and Gordon Reid. I have also added several references from the RAAF status card. VH-OAS |
| NEPTUNE
A89-281 - 11 January 2004 I have added two images of 281 being dismantled by a HARS crew at Archerfield. A89-281 "VH-NEP" |
| VENTURA
- 06 January 2004 Thanks to Phil Herdman in Gove I have updated the disposition of A59-73 and also added a few new codes to the 13 Squadron page. A59-73 13 Squadron |
| LIGHTNING
- 04 January 2004 Terry Geary has provided additional information which tends to lend credence to the theory that A55-3 was previously 41-2122 as is shown on its Status Card. RAAF Lightnings |
| ELECTRA
VH-TLB - 02 January 2004 Thanks to Albert Johnston and Daniel Castro, I have added an account and two photos of the incident which led to the withdrawal of Electra YS-07C (formerly VH-TLB). VH-TLB |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 04 December 2003 Tim Kalina has provided another image of the Lady Southern Cross at Wheeler Field in Hawaii. This now makes a total of 61 images in the Lady Southern Cross photo gallery. Most of these images have come from Tim's collection. Many thanks Tim! After arrival at Wheeler. Another addition is this photo of the plaque which is displayed in the terminal building at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane. Archerfield Plaque. |
| NEPTUNE
A89-270 & A89-271 - 04 December 2003 The pages for Neptunes A89-270 and A89-271 were without illustration so I have added an image of both aeroplanes together at Laverton, just days before they were both broken up. A89-271 & 270 |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 24 October 2003 Tim Kalina has provided another two images of the Lady Southern Cross at Wheeler Field in Hawaii. Many thanks Tim! Arriving. Departing. |
| ADASTRA
HUDSONS - 24 October 2003 A recent addition to the Adastra Aerial Surveys website is a collection of 19 colour profiles of Adastra Hudsons. Well, most of them are in colour. The rest would have been in colour had not the aeroplanes been painted grey, white and black! Please note that the following link will take you out of "The Lockheed File": Hudson Profiles. IMPORTANT NOTICE If there appears to be little activity on this site, it is because of my heavy involvement in developing a new website on the history of Adastra Aerial Surveys. So don't go thinking I have lost interest in Lockheeds! |
| VENTURA
A59-96 - 04 September 2003 Nick Sayer has provided two recent images of QAM's Ventura: USN markings on port side. RAAF markings on starboard side. |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 03 September 2003 I have added another two images from Tim Kalina's superb collection: Arrival at Wheeler Field. Smithy with Will Rogers. |
| HARS
CONNIE AND NEPTUNES - 03 September 2003 The pages for VH-EAG, VH-IOY and VH-LRR have been amended to show these aircraft based at Albion Park. The page for Neptune A89-281 has also been modified to show its recent acquisition by HARS. |
| L-12A
ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ABH - 03 September 2003 As a result of the dispersal of the Airworld collection, this aircraft has had a recent change of ownership. I have also added two new images: VH-ASV in the blue and white scheme. VH-ABH restored as "Silver City". |
| IMPORTANT
NOTICE RE HUDSONS - 25 August 2003 Effective on this date, all files for Hudsons which served with Adastra have been transferred to the Adastra Aerial Surveys website. Please note that this also includes pages and images for Adastra Hudsons while they were in service with other operators and under different registrations. This is to avoid having to maintain two sets of files and to conserve space on the server. If you find any broken links as a result of this change please advise the Webmaster. Please note that Hudson links on this page have NOT been updated. |
| HUDSON
VH-AGE - 02 August 2003 Thanks to Allan Walker I have added four new images of Adastra's Hudson VH-AGE. |
| L-10
ELECTRA - 09 July 2003 Thanks to Gary L. Killion and Geoff Goodall I have added a rare colour image of the former VH-ABV/MMD in the colours of Mercer Airlines as N4886V: N4886V |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 09 July 2003 Thanks to Peter Gates I have added two new colour images: VH-RMB a rare colour shot of the Mk II tail livery. VH-TLA as delivered to Concare Aircraft Leasing. |
| AL-60-B2
VH-ELI - 16 June 2003 This aircraft had a change of ownership on 6th September 2001. VH-ELI |
| HUDSON
VH-AGG - 14 June 2003 I have added another image to the page for VH-AGG. VH-AGG |
| HUDSON
VH-AGO - 11 June 2003 The page for Adastra's Hudson VH-AGO has been updated with the addition of six new images, including a remarkably poignant image of the crew taken not long before the crash. VH-AGO |
| VENTURA
VH-SFF - 08 June 2003 Thanks to Denis Hersey I have added a very nice air-to-air of the RAAF Museum's Ventura. VH-SFF |
| P2V-7
NEPTUNE A89-281 - 08 June 2003 Thanks to Denis Hersey I have added an air-to-air photo of A89-281 over the Bay of Islands in N.Z. in 1972. A89-281 |
| P2V-5
NEPTUNE A89-303 - 08 June 2003 Thanks to Bob Livingstone I have added an in-service photo of A89-303. A89-303 |
| C-130E
HERCULES A97-160 - 08 June 2003 Thanks to Bob Livingstone I have added an in-service photo of A97-160. A97-160 |
| L-10
ELECTRA VH-CMA - 08 June 2003 Thanks to Ed Coates I have added an image of VH-CMA in the special markings it carried for the REDeX car trials in the early fifties. Ed has also supplied an image of VH-CMA in Carsair markings taken at Port Moresby, probably not long after the company took delivery of the aeroplane. Many thanks for these gems Ed! VH-CMA REDeX VH-CMA Carsair |
| ELECTRA
VH-ECD - 06 June 2003 Thanks to Peter Gates I have added three new colour images of the former VH-ECD with Nomads and Mandala. N836E Nomads ex Air New Zealand colours. N836E Nomads red, white and blue livery. PK-RLG Mandala colours. |
| ELECTRA
VH-RMG - 03 June 2003 Thanks to Peter Gates we now have a colour image of VH-RMG as it was delivered in McCulloch livery. VH-RMG |
| SUPER
CONNIE N9717C - 03 June 2003 Thanks to Geoff Wilkes we have a wonderful colour shot of the former VH-EAI in the U.S. (probably Burbank) circa 1960. N9717C |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 28 May 2003 Ivo Ostyn from Canberra, ACT has prepared a new set of paintings of Smithy's Altair in its various markings. These can be viewed here. While Ivo's paintings will be very useful to modellers, some readers might aspire to 1:1 scale. If you would like to own a full size new build Altair (or any of the Lockheed wooden singles) then John Oder is your man. |
| SUPER
CONNIE N7777C - 27 May 2003 I have been contacted by Alexandre Avrane of AeroTransport Data Bank in connection with the photo of the hulk of the former VH-EAN which was photographed at Kotzebue, Alaska in August 1978. This photo has appeared on "The Lockheed File" for several years attributed to another source. Alexandre advises that it was he who took the photo and to show that there are no hard feelings he has sent me a vastly superior scan of the photo which now appears with the correct attribution. Many thanks Alexandre. N7777C |
| HARS
CONNIE - 10 April 2003 Gary Squire's long-awaited story of the acquisition and restoration of the HARS Connie has just been published. See here for full details. This book is highly recommended. |
| HUDSON
VH-SMM - 28 March 2003 This page has undergone a significant update with greater detail of the aerial survey modifications to this aeroplane. I have also added a reference to the 1960 wire strike incident along with four photos of the repairs. Thanks to Jim Hilferty for the photos. VH-SMM |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 10 March 2003 Thanks to Tim Kalina I have added three new images relevant to the "Lady Southern Cross". From the National Archives of Australia we have an image of the page for the 17th July 1934 from the log book of the floating crane "Titan". This describes the trip to the "Mariposa" to unload the Altair. The other two images come from the National Library of Australia and they show both sides of a section of wooden wing skin from the "Lady Southern Cross". The images were supplied by the National Library and commissioned by Tim. Thanks Tim for sharing these images with us. Titan log book Wing skin (underside) Wing skin (top) |
| HUDSON
VH-AGS - 13 February 2003 I have added two glorious shots of Hudson VH-AGS thanks to the late Jack Howard who was a pilot with Adastra. One shows the aeroplane in the Grey Scheme but in colour, while the other shows her in a pristine Green Scheme, possibly after being painted in this livery for the first time. VH-AGS Grey VH-AGS Green |
| NEPTUNE
VH-NEP - 11 February 2003 After some study, there can now be little doubt that the data plate fitted to VH-NEP is not the original plate. See the following page for what will be, hopefully, the last word on the subject! VH-NEP |
| NEPTUNE
VH-NEP - 01 February 2003 This aeroplane recently performed two test water drops from Perth. Thanks to Jon Davison, I have been able to add his magnificent images of both test flights. With the spotlight on this aeroplane, it recently emerged that there is some confusion over its MSN. I had always thought this to be 7191 but it has been pointed out to me that the Putnam book on Lockheed states that it was 7192. In an effort to resolve this once and for all, I sought the advice of the aeroplane's owner, Theo Valerio, who has kindly supplied an image of the maker's plate from VH-NEP. The plate clearly shows that the MSN for BuNo 145921 is not 7191 or 7192, but rather 7203! Special thanks to Theo Valerio and Jon Davison for these contributions. Test Drop #1 Test Drop #2 Maker's Plate |
| VENTURA
A59-73 - 11 January 2003 Since the very early days of "The Lockheed File", I have had to make do with a very poor black and white image of the remains of this aeroplane at Gove. Thanks to Allyn Eckford, I have been able to add a much superior colour image taken in 1991. This has prompted me to consider the current disposition of this aircraft. Although it was to be restored in Darwin, it is understood that it was deemed to be beyond restoration and presumably it has since been returned to its owners in Gove. If any reader can confirm this it would be appreciated. Furthermore, there is some doubt as to who actually owns the aircraft, although it is understood that it belongs to the local Aboriginal community. Again confirmation would be appreciated. Thanks again Allyn. A59-73 at Gove |
| ALTAIR
- 10 January 2003 I have added to the Altair pages some interesting artwork which was prepared by Tim Kalina in Chicago. Tim has acquired a deck plan of the S.S. Mariposa and he thought that it would be interesting to superimpose a scaled silhouette of the Altair on the sports deck. Many thanks Tim! Deck Plan |
| HUDSON
- 10 January 2003 Thanks to Graham Orphan of Classic Wings Downunder, I have added another rare image of Hudson VH-ASV |
| HERCULES
- 10 January 2003 Thanks to Wynnum Graham I have added two new Hercules images. Many thanks Wynnum! A97-210 with dayglo markings. A97-001 with Red Cross markings. |
| HERCULES
- 04 January 2003 Thanks to Bert van Drunick for supplying an in-service photo of A97-209. A97-209 |
| HERCULES
- 03 January 2003 I have added more images of the C-130As. Most of these have come from the collection of the late Mike Madden thanks to Tony Arbon. Thanks also to Bob Livingstone and Bruce Linwood. What I need is an in-service photo of A97-209 or any of the C-130As with dayglo tail markings. The Hercules Album |
| HERCULES
- 22 December 2002 The Hercules pages have undergone a major update. The vast majority of the changes are on the pages for the The Hercules Menu The Hercules Album |
| VENTURA
- 21 December 2002 Thanks to Bob Livingstone I have added several names and codes to the list of 13 Squadron Venturas. 13 Squadron Venturas |
| ELECTRA
- 21 December 2002 Sadly, the flagship of the Qantas Electra fleet is no more. Atlantic Airlines in the U.K. have confirmed that |
| ELECTRA
- 21 December 2002 Thanks to Gil White for advice that the former |
| LIGHTNING
- 21 December 2002 Thanks to Tony who advises that his friend Graham Victor "Monty" Mountseer passed away on 24th July 2001. Monty Mountseer flew the F-4 Lightning with 75 Squadron RAAF. |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 19 December 2002 Thanks to Tim Kalina for sourcing this photo from the National Archives of Australia. It depicts the Altair on a barge alongside the "Mariposa" after having been unloaded by the floating crane "Titan". This image is most useful as it settles once and for all any confusion over which Matson liner brought the Altair to Australia. As you will see from the detailed caption to this image, I am also branching out into maritime history! Thanks also to the National Archives of Australia for permission to use this image. The floating crane "Titan" |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 14 December 2002 The chronology of the "Lady Southern Cross" has been expanded greatly. In fact, it has expanded from one part to four parts! This has been made possible by the wealth of information contained in the National Archives of Australia file on VH-USB. Special thanks to Trevor Boughton of "Man and Aerial Machines" magazine. The Altair Page |
| NEPTUNE
- 10 December 2002 The Neptune pages have been greatly expanded with information derived from the RAAF Status Cards. Each aeroplane now has its own page. The page titled "The Neptune in Australian Service", in addition to providing tables of all The Neptune Page |
| HUDSON
VH-AGE - 19 November 2002 My plea for a better colour photo of Adastra's VH-AGE engine running at Tennant Creek. VH-AGE the crash scene at Tennant Creek. |
| HUDSON
- MAJOR UPDATE - 11 November 2002 I have been able to add a lot of new information to the Hudson pages thanks to Kevin Pavlich who served with Adastra Aerial Surveys as a camera operator and navigator from 1956 to 1963. In addition to maintaining a log of his flights with Adastra, Kevin also took some very useful colour transparencies! Black and white photos of Hudson VH-AGX with red cowls. VH-AGS & VH-AGX with cowling adornments. VH-SMM at Carnegie Homestead in W.A. in 1960. VH-SMM outside the Adastra hangar with Anson BLF and Catalina AGB. Thank you Kevin for sharing this priceless material with us! On the subject of priceless material, we are privileged to share in some magnificent photos by Alex Whitworth who also served with Adastra. Here is a small selection of Alex's work which includes an ultra-rare aerial photo of an Adastra Hudson: VH-AGS attempting to keep formation with a Cessna. VH-AGS being refuelled in the outback. VH-AGX taxying amongst some typical Australian scenery. I have also added a few Hudson images from other friends and from my own collection: VH-AGS stripped of paint. Thanks to Matthew Denning for this image. VH-AGP camouflaged. Photo by the late Mike Madden. VH-AGJ displayed at Strathallan. Photo by the late Barry Flood. VH-AGP post rhinoplasty. VH-AGX cockpit. VH-SMO at Brisbane in 1965. Given the amount of material that is coming to light about Adastra, I am hoping to add a greatly expanded section on this most charismatic company in the near future. In the meantime, I have been able to update the page on Adastra Liveries as well as adding a new page devoted entirely to the esoteric subject of Adastra Hudson engine cowling markings. These updates were made possible by the wonderful new material provided by Kevin Pavlich. Adastra Hudson Liveries Adastra Hudson Cowling Adornments |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAN - 11 November 2002 Thanks to Kevin Pavlich I have added a very nice colour image of VH-EAN "Southern Tide" at Mascot in March 1960. Thank you Kevin. VH-EAN |
| HERCULES
- 05 November 2002 Thanks to Bob Daley I have added an image of the former A97-208 as TT-PAA with the Chad Air Force. Many thanks Bob! TT-PAA |
| HERCULES
- 05 November 2002 I have added two images of C-130A A97-215 in RAAF service. These are from black and white negatives which I rediscovered in my own collection! A97-215 RAAF - rear three quarter A97-215 RAAF - Close-up of nose |
| HERCULES
- 14 October 2002 Thanks to Don Rogers and Bob Daley in the United States I have been able to add several interesting images of ex-RAAF N4469P Herc Airlift Corp N4469P Being scrapped at Fort Lauderdale N4469P Being scrapped at Fort Lauderdale RP-C3206 In Aboitiz livery |
| L-188
ELECTRA G-LOFA - 14 October 2002 Thanks to Ulrich Hoppe I have added two very recent images of the mortal remains of the former G-LOFA On the Coventry fire dump G-LOFA The stripped cockpit |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB "LADY SOUTHERN CROSS" - 22 September 2002 Thanks to Tim Kalina in Chicago, I have been able to add another 9 images of Smithy and the "Lady Southern Cross". Ironically, Tim sourced these images from the National Library of Australia who have given permission for me to reproduce them on "The Lockheed File". Included is a wonderfully detailed image of a Pioneer Instruments fuel flow gauge from the "Lady Southern Cross". This instrument is held by the National Library of Australia in Canberra. The photo was commissioned by Tim (i.e. he paid for it!) so special thanks are due to Tim for sharing the image with us. This now brings to 50 the number of "Lady Southern Cross" images on this site, probably more than anywhere else, with the exception of Tim's own personal collection! Many thanks Tim! If any reader can identify the personnel in the two photos of the undercarriage unit, Tim and I will be pleased to hear from you. On the deck of the Mariposa Arriving Perth Smithy and P.G. Taylor in Hawaii Arriving Oakland Smithy and P.G. Taylor in Oakland Smithy's Lunch Un-restored Undercarriage Restored Undercarriage Fuel Flow Gauge |
| C-130A
HERCULES N131EC - 22 September 2002 Thanks to Gordon Reid for this very recent image of what was once A97-212. Now N131EC, the aircraft is used to carry palm trees from Costa Rica but it also serves as a parachute jump ship. At the time Gordon photographed it they were squeezing in 130 jumpers who were being urged to "Get your crack on the track!" Many thanks Gordon for the photo and the report. N131EC Charlie 130 Corporation |
| L-749
CONSTELLATION VH-EAD - 22 September 2002 This wonderful image comes from the collection of Air-Britain Constellation specialist, Peter Marson. It depicts VH-EAD at an unknown location doing what appears to be a fly by. If any reader can identify the location and/or the circumstances please let us hear from you. VH-EAD Fly by |
| L-188
ELECTRA - 20 September 2002 Thanks to Peter Gates I have added 7 new images of Electras: N359AC International Airways (ex VH-ECA) N356Q Hunting Cargo (ex VH-RMA) N356Q Amerer Air (ex VH-RMA) VH-RMC Ansett white tail N188LC Holiday Airlines (ex VH-TLC) N5538 Evergreen (ex VH-RMG) N360WS Air Bridge (ex VH-CHM) Many thanks Peter for this outstanding contribution. |
| HUDSON
VH-AGE - 20 September 2002 Thanks to Doug Morrison for supplying an image (by Maurie Miller) of Adastra's Hudson VH-AGE |
| SUPER
ELECTRAS VH-ADS & VH-ADT - 20 September 2002 Thanks to Ed Coates I have added images of both of W.R. Carpenter's Super Electras. These would appear to have been taken at Mascot in 1941 not long after the aircraft were imported. Many thanks Ed! VH-ADS VH-ADT |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 06 September 2002 I have added three new images of Connie. With John Travolta's Boeing 707. Arrival in Sydney on delivery. The crew disembarking. Special thanks to Gary Squire of HARS for his wonderful photo of Connie with John Travolta's ex-Qantas Boeing |
| HUDSON
VH-KOY - 04 September 2002 Thanks to Tony Arbon for this very recent image of Hudson VH-KOY masquerading as USAAF "889" for an appearance in the movie "The Great Raid". Many thanks Tony! "889" |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-TLC - 15 August 2002 Thanks to Peter Gates the image of VH-TLC in the final TAA Electra livery is now in colour. Peter has also provided a lovely colour shot of the same aeroplane as OB-M-1328. Many thanks Peter! VH-TLC OB-M-1328 |
| L-10
ELECTRA VH-ABW - 15 August 2002 Thanks to Ed Coates for another shot of VH-ABW. Thanks Ed! VH-ABW |
| C-130E
HERCULES - 11 August 2002 Thanks to Ralph Pettersen I have added images of all 7 ex RAAF C-130E Hercules stored at Georgetown, Delaware, USA. These photos were taken as recently as April 2002. Thanks Ralph for this comprehensive coverage. Hercules Album |
| C-130
HERCULES - 11 August 2002 I have added 4 new Hercules images from my own collection. A97-205 A97-214 A97-167 A97-181 |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N7776C - 11 August 2002 Thanks to Ralph Pettersen I have added an image of the former VH-EAM stored at Fort Lauderdale in April 1972. Sadly, the aeroplane was flown to the breaker's yard just several months later. Thanks Ralph for this rare photo. N7776C |
| ELECTRA
VH-RMA - 11 August 2002 Thanks to Peter Gates I have added improved images of this aircraft in the colours of Ansett Air Freight and Renown Aviation. VH-RMA Ansett N356Q Renown |
| L-10
ELECTRA VH-UZO - 11 August 2002 Thanks to Ed Coates I have added an early image of VH-UZO in Ansett Airways livery. VH-UZO |
| ELECTRA
VH-RMG - 29 July 2002 Thanks to Jorge Nuńez Padin in Argentina, I have added two additional images of Electron 6-P-101 6-P-101 |
| LIGHTNING
- 26 July 2002 Thanks to Terry Geary in the United States, we now know that P-38 Geoff Atherton's Log |
| ELECTRA
VH-RMG - 26 July 2002 Thanks to Jorge Nuńez Padin in Argentina for this wonderful image of our old friend VH-RMG in service with the Argentine Navy as 6-P-101. Jorge has promised several larger images of this aircraft so watch this space! Thanks also to Lance Fishman for introducing me to Jorge. 6-P-101 |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION N11SR - 26 July 2002 Thanks to Bill Larkins for this shot of N11SR at Concord, California in June 1971. N11SR |
| ORION
A9-296 - 26 July 2002 Thanks to Dean Norman for this dramatic image of A9-296 on fire at Moffett Field NAS after its undercarriage collapse on 11th April 1968. A9-296 |
| NEPTUNE
VH-IOY - 26 July 2002 Thanks to Roderick Eime I have added a wonderful airborne photo of the HARS Neptune. VH-IOY |
| HUDSON
VH-AGE - 22 July 2002 Photos of Adastra's VH-AGE in the green colour scheme are hard to come by so I have added one of my own if for no other reason than to taunt others into coming up with a better one! If nothing else, it's a living testament to the ghastliness of Prinzcolor Film! (This image was subsequently removed). |
| HUDSON
VH-ASV - 07 July 2002 Thanks to Graham Orphan at Classic Wings Downunder magazine, I have added a very rare photo of VH-ASV |
| SUPER
CONSTELLATION VH-EAE - 07 July 2002 Thanks to Rod Eime I have added a colour image of VH-EAE taken at Nadi, Fiji in 1958 by Rod's father, Mervin. Many thanks Rod. VH-EAE |
| ORION
A9-754 - 07 July 2002 Thanks to Dieter Gerhard on Cocos Islands, I have added an image of A9-754 being salvaged on the beach at Cocos. While viewing this image it should be remembered that an RAAF serviceman lost his life in this accident. A9-754 |
| HUDSON
VH-KOY - 07 July 2002 Thanks to Denis Hersey I have added a magnificent aerial portrait of Malcolm Long's VH-KOY. Thanks Denis! VH-KOY |
| HUDSON
VH-EWA - 26 June 2002 Ed Coates keeps finding them! This gem shows East-West's flagship VH-EWA being loaded at Mascot in the early fifties. Note the open nose compartment door. Thanks Ed! VH-EWA |
| LIONEL
VAN PRAAG - 20 June 2002 One name which was synonymous with Adastra and the Hudson was Lionel Van Praag. Thanks to Alex Whitworth for this wonderful portrait of the man. Lionel |
| ALTAIR
- 19 June 2002 Thanks to Ed Coates I have added another image of the "Lady Southern Cross" in Australia. VH-USB |
| HUDSON
- 19 June 2002 Thanks to Ed Coates I have added two early images of Adastra Hudsons in the grey scheme. VH-AGS VH-AGX |
| ELECTRA
OE-ILB - 14 June 2002 News from Europe is that the former VH-RMA, now OE-ILB of Amerer Air, is for sale. Thanks to Ulrich Hoppe, I have added two recent images of the aeroplane. |
| MIKE
MIKE'S ENIGMATIC PROBOSCIS - 09 June 2002 Where did you get that nose? Ever wondered about the peculiar nose glazing configuration on Hudson |
| L-10
ELECTRA VH-UXI - 07 June 2002 Since its first issue, the page for VH-UXI has been without a photo. Thanks to Ed Coates this has now been rectified. VH-UXI. |
| ADASTRA
HUDSONS - 05 June 2002 Added some more gems from Ed Coates. Highlight is a rare photo of VH-SMM Sepal. VH-SMM Adastra. |
| ADASTRA
HUDSONS - 04 June 2002 Airborne photos of Adastra Hudsons are very rare so we are grateful to Bruce Beale for contributing three wonderful shots of |
| GUINEA
AIR TRADERS HUDSON - 04 June 2002 Another rarity is Guinea Air Traders |
| ADASTRA
HUDSONS - 29 May 2002 I have just uploaded an in-depth study of the liveries carried by Adastra Hudsons from 1951 until 1973. See it here. |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB - 24 May 2002 I have added another gem from Tim Kalina's collection. This recently discovered image shows Smithy in the cockpit of the "Lady Southern Cross" at Wheeler Field. View the image here. |
| LODESTAR
N2786Y - 08 May 2002 Thanks to John Vogel in California, I have added an image of Lodestar N2786Y (the former VH-GRB) which was taken at Albuquerque, New Mexico as recently as April 2002. |
| HUDSON
- 20 March 2002 Thanks to John Laming I have been able to add several images of Herald Flying Services Hudsons. Although the image of |
| VENTURA
- 19 March 2002 Thanks to Phil Herdman in Gove, I have added quite a number of code letters to the list of 13 Sqn Venturas. I have also added to the list two Venturas not previously thought to have been on strength with 13 Sqn. |
| WEB
HOSTING - 05 March 2002 Since its inception "The Lockheed File" has been hosted on servers here in Brisbane. Effective from this date, the site is now hosted on servers in Silicon Valley, USA. |
| ALTAIR
PHOTO GALLERY - 05 March 2002 Thanks to Tim Kalina of Chicago, I have greatly expanded the Altair Photo Gallery which now features 33 images of the "Lady Southern Cross". Special highlights are: Image 9 Smithy inspecting the shiny new Altair "ANZAC" Image 10 A poignant photo of Smithy inspecting the starboard undercarriage of the Altair. This undercarriage unit is all that remains of the "Lady Southern Cross". Image 19 A series of photos showing repairs to the Altair's main fuel tank at Wheeler Field in Hawaii during the Pacific flight. These photos were recently acquired by Tim Kalina and are published here for the first time anywhere. Image 35 This wonderful photo shows the "Lady Southern Cross" taxying at Wheeler Field with P.G. Taylor practically standing in the rear cockpit. Image 27 Those who have read P.G. Taylor's wonderful book "Pacific Flight" may remember his fondness for the Hawaiian music which accompanied their departure from Wheeler Field. Thanks to this image from Tim Kalina's collection, we now know where this music was coming from. Thanks Tim for sharing these gems with us. |
| THE
WEEPING WOMBAT - 22 December 2001 Thanks to Roger McDonald I have added an image of the weeping wombat nose art on Ansett Electra VH-RMA photographed at Tullamarine one week after its last service. Thanks Roger. |
| LIGHTNING
- 20 December 2001 Noted Australian aviation artist, Juanita Franzi, has prepared a magnificent colour profile of F-4 Lightning |
| L-12A
ELECTRA VH-FMS - 12 December 2001 Thanks to Mark Clayton of AMOF for this photo of VH-FMS arriving at Nowra where it is displayed on loan to Australia's Museum of Flight. |
| L-10A
ELECTRA VH-UZO - 12 December 2001 Laurie Ogle's magnificent Electra VH-UZO is now based at Nowra where it is displayed on loan to Australia's Museum of Flight. Thanks to Mark Clayton of AMOF for this photo. |
| IMAGES
- 12 December 2001 As there are now almost 400 images on the site, the simple alphabetical listing on the "Images" page was becoming too cumbersome. Accordingly, I have reorganised the page into sections by aircraft type with a linked index at the top. This added functionality should make it easier for visitors to browse the images. |
| ALTAIR
- 10 December 2001 In the light of recent discoveries about the colour of the "Lady Southern Cross", Ivo Ostyn has re-drawn his profiles in colour. These drawings can be viewed and ordered here. |
| IMAGES
- 10 December 2001 Some colour images originally scanned from 35mm transparencies were of poor quality because of the limited equipment available. Thanks to Peter Gates, all of these images have been re-scanned to a much higher resolution. I have also been able to include images of many of the P2V-7 Neptunes which were previously not illustrated. Thanks Peter! |
| RAAF
LIGHTNINGS - 19 November 2001 I believe that the provisional identities I had assigned to |
| TRISTAR
VR-HOF - 14 November 2001 I have added a new page linked from the Oddities page which features a series of ten photographs of the scrapping of TriStar VR-HOF at Avalon. Be warned, you may not like what you see! Thanks to Simon M. for these images. Go to the Oddities Page and click on the "Restricted" icon at the foot of the page. You have been warned! |
| GENERAL
HOUSEKEEPING - 04 November 2001 Many of the pages for the Constellation, Electra, Hercules, Neptune, Lodestar, Ventura and AL-60 have been generally tidied up. Please report any difficulties. |
| AL-60
VH-ELI - 04 November 2001 Both images of VH-ELI have been enlarged and improved. |
| VENTURA
- 04 November 2001 All of the Ventura images have been enlarged and improved. |
| ELECTRA
TWINS - 04 November 2001 All of the images for the L-10, L-12 and L-14 have been enlarged and improved. |
| MAIN
MENU - 02 November 2001 I have reworked the Main Menu so that it should now load faster without any loss of functionality. Please report any difficulties. Given that "The Lockheed File" has been on the Web for over four years now, I paused to contemplate its humble beginnings and compare them with its present humble state. Accordingly, I have added a new page called "Statistics". Read it here. |
| LODESTAR
- 02 November 2001 All of the Lodestar images have been enlarged and improved. I have added an image of Intercontinental Air Tours Lodestar G-AGBU thanks to Geoff Goodall. |
| HUDSON
VH-ASV - 01 November 2001 Thanks to Geoff Goodall I have added four wonderful images of Intercontinental Air Tours Hudson VH-ASV. Enjoy! |
| RON'S
LOCKHEED MUSEUM - 01 November 2001 The page for my Lockheed collection has been completely refurbished and the images enlarged and improved. Check it out. |
| VEGA
VH-UVK - 31 October 2001 The images on the page for Australia's sole Vega have been enlarged and improved. View the images here. |
| HUDSON
- 24 October 2001 At the recent Caboolture Air Spectacular, Hudson VH-KOY demonstrated the effectiveness of its camouflage against some typical Australian scenery. Click here to see the demonstration. The second image may take a while to load, so to get the full effect you may need to cycle back and forth a few times after both images have loaded. I realise that this is coming perilously close to being "cool", something that I usually try to avoid! I hope you enjoy it anyway. |
| HUDSON
- 18 October 2001 It's been long overdue but I have finally updated all of the images on the Hudson pages. Many of these images dated from the very first days of "The Lockheed File". Most were too small and the scan quality left a lot to be desired. The pages themselves have been tidied up as well. |
| L-10A
ELECTRA VH-UXH - 13 October 2001 Thanks to Pete Clukey I have added three wonderful pre-delivery images of VH-UXH. View them here. |
| LIGHTNINGS
IN THE RAAF - 30 September 2001 The Lightning pages have undergone a major update. Included is a new page on the history of the Lightning in the RAAF. This page introduces much new information on the two F-4 Lightnings loaned to 75 Squadron towards the end of 1943. It also attempts to address the unresolved confusion over the identities of the three F-4 Lightnings taken on charge by the RAAF's 1PRU. It is regretted that there are still a few loose ends in the story, but for the time being at least, it seems that information has dried up. Any additional information will be most welcome! |
| ALTAIR
VH-USB "LADY SOUTHERN CROSS" - 20 September 2001 We established some time ago that the colour of Smithy's Altair was "Consolidated Blue" but the exact shade has been a puzzle until now. Thanks to Tim Kalina in Chicago we now know that the blue on the "Lady Southern Cross" was nothing like Royal Blue which is how the colour is often reported. Check out the special page on Consolidated Blue and if you ask nicely Tim will even send you a colour chip! |
| L-12A
ELECTRA JUNIOR N12EJ - 15 August 2001 Thanks to Pete Clukey I have added two glorious images of the ex-Sidney Cotton Electra Junior which was photographed at Oshkosh this year. Find them on the Oddities page. |
| P-3C
ORION A9-754 - 08 August 2001 Thanks to Dieter Gerhard who owns Cocos Dive, we have a report on the disposition of the wreckage of A9-754. |
| L-1011
TRISTAR VR-HOF - 24 July 2001 Thanks to Peter O'Connell I have added four images of TriStar VR-HOF which was scrapped at Avalon in 1995. I have also recorded the date of the ferry flight thanks to Curt Johnston who was the First Officer. You will find the photos at the foot of the Oddities page |
| L-188
ELECTRA VH-ECC - 23 July 2001 The former VH-ECC and N1968R has been registered in Canada as C-GHZI. |
| P-3
ORION - 14 July 2001 Thanks to Dean Norman I have added three new images which throw new light on the identity of the P-3 fin displayed at RAAF Edinburgh. This fin was originally believed to have come from the P-3C A9-754 which ditched at Cocos Islands. Subsequently it was claimed that the fin had come from the P-3B A9-300 which was damaged by fire. Some excellent detective work from Dean has resulted in the discovery of the fin from A9-300 elsewhere on the base. Therefore the displayed fin cannot be from A9-300 either! It is now believed that the displayed fin must have come from the parted-out P-3B 152760 which it can be seen from the accompanying photo is without a fin. Thanks for your contribution Dean. Please refer to the Orion page. |
| CONSTELLATION
- 24 June 2001 Thanks to Gordon Reid we now have a possible explanation for persistent reports that VH-EAK was also named "Southern Moon" and VH-EAE was also named "Southern Sea". It's complicated though! More details. |
| HERCULES
- 24 June 2001 It is reported in "Aviation Letter" (415/55 June 2001) that N207GM (A97-207) and N216CR (A97-216) were sighted at Alverca, Portugal on 4th May 2001 in complete but poor condition and that both aircraft are expected to be scrapped. |
| HERCULES
- 31 May 2001 It is reported in "Aviation Letter" (414/59 May 2001) that seven ex-RAAF C-130E now owned by Lockheed Martin are stored at Georgetown Sussex County Airport, Delaware. The aircraft are A97-159, 171, 177, 178, 180, 181 and 189. |
| HUDSON
- 16 April 2001 Hudson A16-105 ("VH-FXF") has been sold to the Australian War Memorial. Malcolm Long has confirmed that the date of sale was 15th January 2001. |
| ODDITIES
- 23 March 2001 As the introduction says: "An eclectic collection of Lockheed aeroplanes which would not normally qualify for inclusion in 'The Lockheed File' because they did not take up an Australian identity. It comprises itinerants, might-have-beens, some that came to Australia to die and some that were just simply irresistable." If you can add any that I overlooked or if you have better photos of these aircraft I will be very pleased to hear from you. If you are into the esoteric and off-beat, you should enjoy Oddities. |
| L-188
Electra - 23 March 2001 The Electra pages have undergone a long overdue major update. All of the original images have been improved and enlarged and many new images have been added thanks to Peter Gates. Thanks to Pete Clukey I have added the dates in and out of LEAP for each Electra. There is also a new page on LEAP and this page also includes a table of LEAP particulars of all the Australian Electras. Much new material has been added thanks to Gordon Reid, Fred Niven and John Wilson. If you would like to know why the Electra doesn't have a squared off fin, read " |
| C-130
Hercules and P-3 Orion - 05 March 2001 Thanks to Alf Batchelder and Mark Richardson I have added several Hercules images. Thanks to Mick Jansen and Mark Richardson I have added several Orion images. Thanks to Mathew Hawkins I have been able to update the disposition of the C-130E fleet. |
| Constellation
- 23 February 2001 All of the images on the Constellation pages have been increased in size (most are now 750 pixels wide) in response to readers' requests. I have also re-scanned some of the earlier images as they were looking decidely tired. Please let me have your opinions as I will be giving all the other types similar treatment as time becomes available. I have also added two wonderful photos of Air India's VT-CQS which later became VH-EAF. Thanks to Pete Clukey for these. |
| Orion
- 20 February 2001 Added one image of Orion A9-300. |
| Neptune
- 20 February 2001 Thanks to John Hopton, Bob Livingstone, Tony Arbon and Ben Dannecker I have been able to add a large number of Neptune images, mainly P2V-5s. Thanks guys! |
| Orion
- 13 February 2001 Thanks to Fergal Goodman in Dublin, we now know that P-3B N4007A (ex A9-295) was logged at Burbank in October 1987. This confirms that 295 DID go to Burbank. It also raises the possibility that the registration N4003G was never applied to this aircraft and that the reference to N4007Z was indeed a typo. |
| Hercules
- 13 February 2001 Thanks to Fergal Goodman in Dublin, we now know that C-130A N207GM (ex A97-207) was logged at Shannon en route to Alverca, Portugal on 22 November 1992. |
| L14
Super Electra VH-ADT - 03 February 2001 Thanks to William T. Larkins I have been able to add a wonderful photo of VH-ADT which Bill discovered in the (U.S.) National Archives. It shows the aeroplane partially stripped of camouflage, probably operating a charter flight on behalf of the U.S. military. Here is the photo. Thanks Bill! |
| P-3C
Orion - 25 January 2001 Thanks to Mick Jansen I have been able to update the Orion page with the latest AP-3C conversions. Mick also tells me that the fin displayed at RAAF Edinburgh is actually from A9-300, the aircraft damaged by fire, and not from A9-754 which ditched at Cocos Islands. Come to think of it, it never made much sense lugging a fin assembly all the way from Cocos Islands when most of the aircraft had to be abandoned there! |
| Electra
G-LOFA ex VH-ECA - 19 January 2001 Another sad photo I'm afraid. Thanks to Paul Middleton of Oldprops I have added a photo of the stripped remains of Qantas' first Electra VH-ECA which now serves as a parts source for Atlantic Airlines. Here's the photo. Oldprops is exactly what the name says. Check it out for some interesting photos and listings. |
| Almost
an Australian Connie - 18 January 2001 Having recently acquired an excellent photo of the sad remains of C-121C Super Constellation HI-548CT, I felt compelled to use it on the site. I decided that the best way of utilising the photo would be to record the story of how this same aeroplane almost became an Australian Connie. Read it - and weep! The Story - The Photo |
| Google
Search - 14 January 2001 Recently I had cause to use the Google search engine. To say that I was impressed with the results would be an understatement. I found that all of my pages had been indexed already by Google's omnivorous Web crawler and that even a search for a specific aircraft registration would produce the desired result. In fact, I haven't been able to stump it so far! Accordingly I have added the Google free search facility to my site. You will need to select the "adastron.com" radio button to search just this site, otherwise Google defaults to searching the entire Web. I have retained the FrontPage® search facility as this could be useful for searching any new pages which have not been indexed by Google. You will find the search engine here. |
| L188
Electra N1968R - 13 January 2001 Readers may be aware that Reeve Aleutian Airways ceased operations late last year. Included in their fleet was one of the last L188 Electra airliners (i.e. with passenger seats) still in service, an aeroplane which is better known to us as VH-ECC. This aeroplane, as its current registration N1968R implies, entered service with Reeve Aleutian in 1968 and thus was in continuous service with the same operator for more than 30 years! Thanks to Pete Clukey at Lockheed, we now know that N1968R has been acquired by the Canadian operator Air Spray. This company recently lost an Electra tanker and several A-26 tankers in a disastrous hangar fire. Sadly, it appears that N1968R will be stripped out and converted to a tanker. |
| General
Housekeeping - 12 January 2001 All of the pages of "The Lockheed File" have been given a new look as per the above example. Also I have updated the aircraft menu pages so that most of the information is available on one screen. The previous menus involved a lot of scrolling which was a legacy from the old frames version. |
| Hudson
Images Added and Updated - 08 January 2001 I have added two new images of Malcolm Long's wonderful Hudson VH-KOY. Also some of the images from the very early days of "The Lockheed File" have been re-scanned, as they really offended my eye! (VH-SMK and VH-FXF refer). |
| Links
Page Updated - 05 January 2001 The Links page has been greatly expanded with the addition of many new links. I had previously intended to include a "Merchandise" page listing vendors of Lockheed related items but I have now decided to include this information on the Links page. |
| Search
Engine Added - 28 December 2000 I have added a search engine which will search the entire adastron.com site. It's a standard Microsoft FrontPage® search engine and it would appear not to lend itself to searches for aircraft registrations. Therefore for registration searches (if you know the aircraft type) it's better to stick with my skilfully designed menus :-) If you are searching for a word or phrase the search facility should be quite useful. If you want to road test it, try words like Mariposa, Wackett or Tamworth and do let me know if you strike any problems or can suggest any improvements. You will find the search engine here. |
| Altair
- 15 December 2000 Thanks to Trevor Boughton, who has done a lot of digging in the National Archives of Australia, we now have new information on the extra tanks added by Sir Lawrence Wackett. I am currently working on a major update to the Altair page which should be uploaded before the year ends. While some latter day historians tend to downplay, and indeed denigrate, the significance of the first eastbound crossing of the Pacific Ocean (in a single engined aeroplane no less!) it has just dawned on me that the three main architects of this truly outstanding achievement, Smithy, Taylor and Wackett, all received (albeit for different reasons) knighthoods. As it should be! |
| Guest
Book - 28 November 2000 I have added a Guest Book to the site. Please add your comments and suggestions, even if you have abused me previously! Not all advertised features are fully functional yet, so please advise me if you have any difficulties. The jury is still out on this particular Guest Book program, which is a freebie add-on, so I will welcome feedback from anyone with experience in Guest Books. Click here to view the Guest Book. |
| Constellation
and Super Constellation - September 2000 Thanks to Eric Favelle, the pages for the L749 Constellations now feature greater detail. Eric's work also features prominently on the pages for the Super Connies. Thanks to Peter Marson, I have added images for Super Connies VH-EAE, EAF, EAH in Qantas colours and N442LM (ex EAB) in Wings Inc livery. There is also a clearer black and white shot of the "Conniecorde" (ex EAP). Another recent addition is an image of VH-EAK while still in service, courtesy of John Hopton. There is now at least one image of every Qantas Connie on the site. |
| Neptune
A89-281 - August 2000 The Australian Flying Museum have sold Neptune A89-281 to AeroCorp of Perth for conversion to a fire bomber. |
| AL60
Santa Maria VH-ELI - August 2000 This obscure little aeroplane has been the subject of much recent discussion. Thanks to ongoing contributions from John Davis, Geoff Goodall, Chris O'Neill and Tony Arbon, the page for VH-ELI is now up to issue #11. Please note that this aeroplane is not a LASA-60 but rather an AL60 and that the U.S. registration previously attributed to this aeroplane in fact relates to another aircraft. |
| ALTAIR
- July 2000 Listen up, this is Sirius. Thanks to Pete Clukey at Lockheed, I have added an image of Sirius NR118W. The fuselage of this aeroplane was later incorporated into Smithy's Altair "Lady Southern Cross". |
| C-130E
HERCULES - July 2000 Thanks to Darren Crick, I have added some retirement dates for the C-130E fleet. If you are interested in Australian military aircraft, Darren's site has a lot of up-to-date information. Find it at www.derwood.com/adf/ |
| GENERAL
HOUSEKEEPING - July 2000 I have reworked the main menu for the site and I hope that this will prove more attractive and user-friendly. In the interests of cutting down on maintenance, I have euthanased the frames version of the site, as having to maintain two sets of files was becoming too onerous. I trust that none of my readers will be particularly aggrieved by the loss of the frames version! Please do let me know if the surgery has resulted in any broken links or other anomalies. As all Australian Lockheeds are now represented on the site, I have decided to discontinue "Ron's Page". Any future communiques of a personal or administrivia nature will now appear on this page. Under construction is a "Merchandise" page. This is not a "get-rich-quick" scheme on my part, but rather a free service to readers. As anyone who does a search for "Lockheed" usually gravitates to my site, I get many enquiries for plans, models and manuals relating to Lockheed aircraft. Accordingly, I will be presenting a number of links to various sources of such material. If you know of any suppliers who should be represented, please let me know. I will not be seeking commissions on any sales made via these links as it is intended solely as a service to readers (noble isn't it?) |
|
CONSTELLATION
- July 2000
The "Conniecorde", the former VH-EAP masquerading as an SST for a movie. The longest surviving Qantas Super Connie, VH-EAB is now depicted with 9 images. The page for HARS VH-EAG now includes photos of her Air National Guard service. |
| ALTAIR
- July 2000 Have you ever tried to figure out how much fuel Smithy could uplift in the Altair? Check out this table and let me have your comments. |
| ADASTRON
- May 2000 If you are reading this, you would be aware that "The Lockheed File" has moved to www.adastron.com - Don't forget to update your Favorites/Bookmarks and please let me know if you had any difficulty finding the new domain. |
| LIGHTNING
- May 2000 Pages for the RAAF's three P-38 (F-4) Lightnings have been uploaded. Please note that there is some uncertainty about their previous identities. By my reckoning, all Australian Lockheeds are now present on "The Lockheed File"! |
| CONSTELLATION
- March 2000 At last the Constellations and Super Constellations have been added! Don't miss the special pages: "Racer" - the full story of the Connie Racer with extremely rare photos. "Engines" - a line engineer's account of "Living with the DA3". "Names" - when Qantas cared about naming its aeroplanes! See the pages for Constellations VH-EAA and VH-EAB and Super Constellation VH-EAG #1 for some beautiful Lockheed photos graciously supplied by Pete Clukey. See the page for Super Connie VH-EAB for the enigmatic story of the longest surviving Qantas Connie. |
| VENTURA
- March 2000 All of the RAAF Venturas have been added in tabular form. |
| HERCULES
- March 2000 Thanks to Paul Howard we now have photos of three of the ex RAAF C-130A Hercules which went to Aboitiz Air Transport in the Philippines. |
| NEPTUNE
- March 2000 VH-NEP has flown and most of A89-302 has now been moved from Wagga to Laverton and Point Cook. |
| LODESTAR
- March 2000 Thanks to Doug Fawcett we have two extremely rare photos of Stan Godden's Lodestar VH-BFZ. Although these images show only tantalisingly small sections of the aeroplane, their rarity is such that they are presented without apology! |
| HUDSON
- March 2000 Thanks to Bruce Winley there are four extremely rare images of Curtis Madsen Hudsons VH-BKY and VH-JCM. Thanks to Chris O'Neill for unearthing these gems. |
| HUDSON
- March 2000 Thanks again to Doug Fawcett for supplying a photograph of Hudson VH-BDN "Petunia" burning after its crash at Lae. |
| ELECTRA
- March 2000 Finally all of the lovely Twins are present with the addition of the L10 Electras, L12 Electra Juniors and the L14 Super Electras. Thanks again to Geoff Goodall for his trail-blazing research in this area. |
| HUDSON
- December 1999 Three extremely rare images of Hudson VH-BDN have been added. We now know that this aeroplane was named "Petunia". Thanks to Doug Fawcett. |
| LODESTAR
- December 1999 One image of Lodestar VH-GRB has been added. Thanks to Doug Fawcett. |
| LODESTAR
- December 1999 Five images of N56LH/VH-XUS, including some lovely air-to-airs, have been added. Thanks to Bob Livingstone. |
| ELECTRA
- December 1999 Two images of VH-UZO have been added. Thanks to Bob Livingstone. |
| ELECTRA
- December 1999 An in-flight image of VH-UZO masquerading as Sidney Cotton's L12 G-AFTL has been added. Thanks to Jeff Watson. |
| LIGHTNING
- October 1999 Three images of 42-66841 have been added. Thanks to Bob Jarrett. |
| NEPTUNE
- October 1999 Two images of VH-IOY have been added. Thanks to Trevor Dean. |
| HUDSON
- September 1999 Some wreckage from Hudson A16-198 has been brought up in fishing nets. Read the full newspaper report. |
| LIGHTNING
- August 1999 Thanks to Bob Jarrett, we now have confirmation that the P-38 Lightning recently imported from PNG is P-38H-5-LO 42-66841. |
| VEGA
- August 1999 Australia's only Vega has been added to the site, along with three rare images. |
| LODESTAR
- August 1999 A glorious photograph of VH-ARY of Aircrafts Pty Ltd has been added. |
| HUDSON
- August 1999 A rather inglorious photo of VH-AGX after its accident at Horn Island has been added. |
| LIGHTNING
- August 1999 Bob Jarrett's P-38 has now arrived in Australia. Actual arrival dates have been added to the site although confirmation of its real identity is still awaited. |
| ORION
- August 1999 An official Lockheed photo of the Prototype P-3B AEW&C N91LC (ex A9-299) now appears on the P-3B page. The actual delivery date of the third and last TAP-3B has been added. |
| ALTAIR
- June 1999 Smithy's lovely Altair "Lady Southern Cross" has been added, along with a comprehensive selection of photographs. |
| NEPTUNE
- May 1999 The Perth-based Neptune N54317 came on to the Australian Register on 22FEB99 - as VH-NEP! This has necessitated some rejigging of the Neptune pages, as this registration had previously been reserved for A89-281 and was indeed painted on the aeroplane. Consequently, the page for N54317 is now VH-NEP and the page for VH-NEP (NTU) reverts to A89-281. |
| NEPTUNE
- May 1999 The Neptune has now received the retrospective treatment. All 12 P2V-5 and all 12 P2V-7 are now listed in tabular form. |
| LODESTAR
- April 1999 All Lodestars which took up an Australian identity or which "ended their days" on Australian soil have been added. There are individual pages for those aircraft with an Australasian post-war history. |
| IMAGES
- March 1999 There is now an IMAGES button on the main menu to facilitate browsing through all of the photographs on the site. |
| ELECTRA
- November 1998 The Electra pages now include a full listing of all 13 L188 Electras. |
| LASA-60
VH-ELI - October 1998 Has been sold to a new owner in Gunnedah, NSW. See the page for details. |
| HERCULES
- October 1998 The Hercules pages now include a full listing of all 12 C-130A plus the sole civil Hercules, Cargomasters' VH-CYO. |
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