Was surprised to learn today that the Lockheed 10a Electra hanging up in the ‘Making of the modern world’ gallery at the Science Museum was formerly registered in the UK, G-LIOA – it was registered in 1983 and de-registered in 2003 – whilst it had been hanging up in South Kensington for at least three years. Does anyone know the reason for it being registered in the UK by the Science Museum back in 1983 – was it flying at all during that time or just in storage at Wroughton? Anyone know why it wasn’t deregistered until it had been on public display for a number of years?
By: Rlangham - 5th March 2010 at 00:11
Thanks James, have picked a copy up off the Air Britain website for £15 with postage – certainly an improvement on the £37 copy I had a quick glance at in Motor Books last week. I’ve put up a few more interesting Lockheed 10 pictures on the British Airways thread for anyone interested
By: JDK - 4th March 2010 at 22:19
Hi Martin, thanks for the information – interesting to know that it was used in Airline service, shame there’s no markings on it. Interesting to see that it’s down as a 10B on airliners.net, but presumably the CAA entry is more correct
The Air Britain book Lockheed Twins has it listed as being built as a 10B. C/No 1035 and prior aircraft are down as 10As, while 1036 – 1040 are 10Bs and 1041 onwards as 10E.
As the suffix reflects engine type, Lockheeds could change from one to another if the engine types were changed, as did happen in service.
I don’t have any solid evidence that it flew in the UK, the Farnborough appearance noted as potentially supporting the idea, but I’d be interested to see more, particularly as I’d presume it would go against the Science Museum’s policy. [EDIT: But see Consul’s just prior post!]
Rob, see if you can get access to a copy of Peter J Marson’s book I mention above (ISBN 085130284X).
Regards,
By: Consul - 4th March 2010 at 22:08
The Science Museum’s Lockheed was as Pogno says flown into Farnborough where it was displayed in the static during an SBAC show. I can’t recall if it did any other flights within the UK after delivery but before preservation – I think that was the only one. However, as a UK registration was reserved but it never graduated to having a UK CofA (or Permit as far as I know) it presumably made that within -UK flight while still having valid US paperwork.
Tim
By: wieesso - 4th March 2010 at 21:54
Hi Martin, thanks for the information – interesting to know that it was used in Airline service, shame there’s no markings on it. Interesting to see that it’s down as a 10B on airliners.net, but presumably the CAA entry is more correct
Nice photo of a BA L10A G-AEPN
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2231311418_fe77f5b15f_o.jpg
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March 3, 2010 at 9:51 pm