Lockheed R5O-5 Lodestar 12481 is close to completion at the Pima Air and Space Museum following a typically thorough restoration

As it’s due to go on outdoor display at the Tucson Arizona attraction, staff have finished the machine in silver paint (instead of polished aluminium) and have installed protective panels in the windows and windshield. There is also anti-bird spikes and mesh in the engine nacelles, but to all intents and purposes the aircraft looks just as it did when assigned to the US Navy at NAS Anacostia in Washington DC. It also bears the name ‘Anacostia’ on its immaculate fuselage.

Originally delivered to the Navy in May 1943, Lodestar 12481 flew as a transport for high-ranking officials. When retired from military service shortly after World War Two it was sold as surplus to Bell Aviation and used for a while in South Africa. After a stint with US-based State Airlines it was acquired by the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. However, it was stored by Pima on behalf of the Smithsonian until 1985 when it was officially donated to the Arizona attraction. Restoration began in the autumn of 2021, with the aircraft’s provenance a priority.

The team at Pima has a few more details to complete on the Lodestar, which may have been finished by the time these words are read, after which the gleaming Lockheed is due to be rolled out.