Here is a picture of XR143 taken at Lincoln Nebraska 15/05/93. I have recorded it as N1403Z but I do not know why. I also have it in 1994 as G-BFVT still at Lincoln. I believe that this is the one that went to Sioux City.
Glyn
Both the Argosies in question were owned by Duncan Aviation of Lincoln Nebraska.
N1403Z, formally XP447(c/n6779), was a T.2, part of the RAF’s cancelled Varsity replacement project. It was used by Duncan Aviation from 1976 to 1991. In December 1991 it was donated to the Museum of Flight, Santa Monica, , where the intention was to maintain it in operational condition. It was Later moved to Fox Field where it remains (latest photo on Airliners.net is dated 10/06/05).
G-BFVT, formally XR143(c/n6798), was an E.1. It was aquired by Duncan Aviation in 1978 for spares, and was therefore never given a US registration. It remained at Lincoln until a couple of years ago when it was transferred in several large pieces slung beneth large military helicopters, to Sioux City.
The third Argosy preserved in the US is as has already been stated the original prototype, N896U, formally G-AOZZ(c/n6651). It’s original owner was BEA who operated it until 1965. In 1968 it was sold to Universal. In 1971 it was leased to Duncan Aviation who bought it 1973. They operated it until it’s retirement in 1991, when it moved to it’s current location at Willow Run
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