Oh those wonderful days at Heathrow, or LAP, as we knew it, when there were no terrorist threats and the roof gardens could be enjoyed to the full with no need for a telephoto lens as whistling Viscounts screamed up close to you or you caught the whiff of smoke from a starting DC-6 or DC-7…..ah those were the days and here I am aged 11 taking a break between filling in my Ian Allan Civil Aircraft Markings book.

Oh dear, this aircraft is not only mega-rare but also beautifully restored.
Really hope it is found.
Report states ‘one of only four in the world’. There are actually eight survivors, of which six are airworthy (including VH-UXG)

Adrian just asked a good question,
who are the pilots in the colour photo, IWM only names one of them.

Ther caption in the original photo says these are pilots of the Poachers team. As they are stood if front of a JP painted grey and dayglo, that dates the photo as 1968 before their aircraft received special markings. I’m sure David Watkins could supply further info?

So apart from the ‘100 models’ what are the ‘eight active service aircraft’ there?

At least we will see DC-6 G-APSA fly again here in UK and in Eagle Airways colours. Would be great to see the Starliner and DC-6 together some day.

thank you adrian,

look forward to it, my email is [email]sagindragin@gmail.com[/email]

Pics inbound! 😉

The aircraft in the colour photo is the Wing Commander’s aircraft at the RAF College which was XS181. I have a slide of this aircraft and also slides of the Vipers JPs which I will sort out and scan for you.

I think the Sea Princes at the Gatwick museum have always been well cared for and have always looked good on each visit I have made, unlike the Whirlwind behind that looks like it needs attention. Well done Peter – must be time for another visit!