F-35A LIGHTNING II - 30NOV24 A35-066, 070 and 072 arrived at Williamtown on 29NOV24.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 27NOV24 Updated the Photo Album and Deliveries.

HUDSON - 26NOV24 Phil Herdman has contributed a list of movements through Milingimbi. Most are Hudsons but there are other types as well. Please note that this table is broken over two pages. Please use the row numbers to locate the corresponding second page.

VENTURA - 26NOV24 Phil Herdman has contributed the following lists of 13SQN Ventura movements: Labuan and Morotai Canberra, Camden, Coffs Harbour & Cooktown Gove Thanks Phil for another major contribution.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 22NOV24 Added five images from the Tim Kalina collection. The first image is juxtaposed with a similar existing image for comparison. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 21NOV24 Added a magnificent colour image of VH-EAG taxying at Eagle Farm in the late fifties. Thanks to Chris Ross whose father Eric took the photo.

VENTURA - 08NOV24 Phil Herdman has updated his histories of Venturas A59-65, 85, 95 and 104. Phil compiles these histories from primary sources so they are the most detailed you will find anywhere. Thanks Phil.

P-38 LIGHTNING - 06NOV24 Sick of interpolating serial numbers? This list of all 10,037 P-38s built provides a convenient cross reference to MSNs and corresponding USAAC/USAAF serial numbers. (PDF, 6MB, 243 pages)

ELECTRA JUNIOR G-AFTL - 08OCT24 Added four recent images of the aircraft flying in the UK thanks to Alan Flett.

VEGA VH-UVK - 06SEP24 The page on Australia's only Vega has undergone a major update. There are an additional 24 images of the aircraft as G-ABGK. For this I thank Simon Kidston, nephew of Glen Kidston who originally owned the aeroplane. Thanks also to Tim Kalina for his assistance.

T-33 SHOOTING STAR N33HW - 26AUG24 Added a new page on the T-33 that is visiting Australia for airshow appearances.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 21AUG24 Added another SLNSW image of Smithy supervising repairs to the undercarriage.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 20AUG24 Added eight remarkable images from the State Library of NSW Sam Hood Collection. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8

P2V-5 NEPTUNE A89-592 - 12AUG24 Added an image of the aircraft wearing its original serial number thanks to Phil Vabre of the CAHS.

CONSTELLATION VH-EAE - 06AUG24 This aircraft was thought to have been scrapped many years ago but recent reports indicate that parts of the fuselage survive in Alaska. Thanks to Ralph Pettersen for this report.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 06AUG24 Added four remarkable images from the State Library of NSW Sam Hood Collection depicting the cowling repairs at Mascot. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Added an SLNSW image of the aircraft on a barge en route to Anderson Park. Added an SLNSW image of the Altair outside the KSAS hangar at Mascot.

LODESTAR - 21JUL24 Added an image of what is believed to be the Learstar production line at Santa Monica in the early fifties.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 10JUL24 Added an image of A35-033 thanks to Phil Vabre.

F-22A RAPTOR - 10JUL24 Added an image of 03-4051 thanks to Phil Vabre.

CF-104D STARFIGHTER 104644 - 27JUN24 Added an image of the aircraft as instructional airframe 852C thanks to Dino van Doorn and the IFS.

CF-104D STARFIGHTER 104644 - 10MAY24 Added an image of the data plates attached to the right wing thanks to Lindsay Tremethick.

L-188A ELECTRA VH-TLA - 24APR24 Added an image of the aircraft in the USA prior to delivery thanks to Peter Gates.

L-188A ELECTRA VH-TLB - 31MAR24 Added an image of the aircraft in service with TAA thanks to Peter Gates.

F-4 LIGHTNING - 28MAR24 Added a remarkable photo of the first four aircraft of the 8th PRS on the wharf at Melbourne. (Scroll down)

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAG (#2) - 22MAR24 Added three recent pictures of the HARS Connie thanks to Phil Vabre. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

CF-104D STARFIGHTER 104644 - 19MAR24 Added an image of the fuselage at the Canadian Air Sea Land Museum at Markham thanks to Ray Barber.

ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-FMS - 12MAR24 Added two images of the aircraft in service with Flying Medical Services thanks to the South Australian Aviation Museum John Smith Collection. Image 1 Image 2

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAF - 12MAR24 Added a colour image thanks to Peter Gates.

LODESTAR A67-1 - 27FEB24 Added an image of the aircraft as N789F at Detroit in the fifties thanks to Jim Orlando.

LODESTAR VH-XUS - 25FEB24 Added Bob Livingstone's first-hand account of the Engine Failure over the Tasman. Also added five recent images of the aircraft on display at the NTTM, Wanaka.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 24JAN24 Added an unusual rear view of the aircraft thanks to Tim Kalina.

CF-104D STARFIGHTER 104644 - 24JAN24 Added three images of the aircraft in service with the Canadian Armed Forces thanks to Harry Prins of the International F-104 Society. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Added an image of the vertical stabilizer that was incorporated in the rebuild thanks to Steve Alex and Pete Clukey. Added an image of F-104D 57-1332, the vertical stabilizer of which was used in the rebuild of 104644.

CF-104D STARFIGHTER 104644 - 23JAN24 Added images of the data plates attached to the wings thanks to Lindsay Tremethick.

AP-3C(EW) ORION - 22JAN24 Added details and images of the last official flights by the two remaining Orions. Thanks to Nigel Daw of South Australian Air Journal for the details and to Dean Sperandio for the images. A9-657 A9-660

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-FMS - 13JAN24 Added two images of the aircraft with both engines fitted.

CF-104D STARFIGHTER 104644 - 06JAN24 Added an update on the project thanks to Lindsay Tremethick.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 02JAN24 Added details and images of A35-047, 051, 054, 062, 063.

L-9A ORION SPECIAL THE SPIRIT OF FUN - 30DEC23 Added a flown cover carried on the aircraft.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 28DEC23 Added something quite remarkable. Thanks to Tim Kalina we can now view the actual passenger list of Voyage #16 of the S.S. Mariposa which brought Smithy, Mary and the Altair to Australia.

VENTURA VH-SFF - 28DEC23 Added an image thanks to Maurice Austin.

L-9A ORION SPECIAL THE SPIRIT OF FUN - 27DEC23 Although this aeroplane never took up an Australian identity, it has been covered in great detail because it was the first American-registered aircraft to fly in Australia and because its arrival in Australia was to serve as a dress rehearsal for the arrival of Smithy's Altair VH-USB two years later. Indeed Smithy is reported to have flown the Orion during its short time in Australia. Although it does not meet the usual requirements for inclusion, it has been added to The Lockheed File in the spirit of fun! Thanks to Tim Kalina and Mick Raftery for their assistance with the research. The aircraft can be found on the Oddities page or directly here.

AP-3C(EW) ORION - 09DEC23 The RAAF's last two Orions operated their last official flights on 05DEC23.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 04DEC23 Added an image that suggests that paparazzi were active in 1934 when Smithy was attempting to enjoy his breakfast after the long flight from Fiji to Hawaii. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

HUDSON AMBULANCES - 27NOV23 Added a new page on the eight RAAF Hudson Ambulances. One of these aircraft, A16-177, later served as an advertising sign.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 23NOV23 Added an image of a bottle of Berryloid Consolidated Blue paint thanks to Tim Kalina.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 16NOV23 Added an image of P.G. Taylor in the rear cockpit as they prepared to depart from Sydney on the Pacific flight. Added an image of the aircraft being brought ashore at Allhallows in the U.K.

CONSTELLATION VH-EAA - 10NOV23 Added an image of VH-EAA thanks to Phil Vabre of the CAHS.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAL - 07NOV23 Added an image of VH-EAL thanks to Maurice Austin of the CAHS.

VENTURA - 31OCT23 Updated the pages for A59-67, 70, 78 and 98 thanks to Phil Herdman.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 22OCT23 Added a new page on a proposed flight to Japan by Smithy in the Lady Southern Cross. Thanks to Mick Raftery.

L-12 ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ASG - 15OCT23 Added four images of the aircraft in service with Malaysia Air Charter as 9M-ANK. Thanks to Chris Mellor for supplying these photos which were taken by his late father Bruce Mellor. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 06OCT23 Added an image of Smithy and P.G. Taylor bedecked with leis at Wheeler Field, Hawaii. The original print from the Tim Kalina Collection is autographed by Smithy and P.G. Taylor.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 26SEP23 Added an image of Smithy and Mary arriving in Los Angeles on the S.S. Monterey on 19 May 1934. Also added an image of Smithy with actress Myrna Loy and Paramount executive Al Kaufman during a studio visit in December 1934. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

ALTAIR VH-USB LADY SOUTHERN CROSS - 18AUG23 Details of Smithy's movements after the Pacific flight have been greatly expanded thanks to Mick Raftery. This covers the period from 5 November 1934 to 28 January 1935 when Smithy returned to Australia on the S.S. Monterey.

L-14 SUPER ELECTRA VH-ADS - 07AUG23 Added a superb image of VH-ADS as NC17392 with Continental Airlines. Thanks to the Denver City Library and David Carter.

L-188 ELECTRA VH-RMA - 07AUG23 Added two images of VH-RMA in ANSETT-ANA markings thanks to the Civil Aviation Historical Society. Image 1 Image 2

SP-2H NEPTUNE - 11JUL23 Added six images thanks to Maurice Ritchie. A89-270 A89-270 A89-271 A89-271 A89-275 A89-275

AP-3C ORION - 30JUN23 Added an explanation of the names allocated to Orions in the Middle East Area of Operations thanks to Glen Bridger.

C-130A HERCULES A97-215 - 06JUN23 Added three images of former RAAF C-130A A97-215 as N4469P thanks to Ken Watson. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

C-130A HERCULES - 13MAY23 Added two images of former RAAF C-130As. N4469P (ex A97-215) N216CR (ex A97-216) Thanks to Geoff Goodall.

C-130A HERCULES A97-214 - 09MAY23 Added no fewer than nine images thanks to Maurice Austin.

NEPTUNE THE TURTLE - TRUCULENT OR OTHERWISE - 02MAY23 Added a new page on the first Neptune to visit Australia. This page provides an in-depth look at the record flight of The Turtle from Perth to Columbus, Ohio.

LODESTAR VH-BAG - 28APR23 Added an image of the aircraft at Coffs Harbour just three days before it crashed at Coolangatta. Thanks to David Carter.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 17APR23 Added another fine selection of images from the collection of Tim Kalina. Smithy with the Altair at Burbank. Loading the Altair on to the S.S. Mariposa at Long Beach. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Smithy being interviewed on radio at Wheeler Field. The Altair undergoing fuel tank repairs at Wheeler Field. Smithy and P.G. Taylor with the Mayor of Honolulu. The Altair departing Wheeler Field for Oakland. Thanks Tim.

SP-2H NEPTUNE VH-IOY - 25MAR23 Added three images thanks to Geoff Goodall. Image 1Image 2 Image 3

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR - 22FEB23 The page listing the Dutch Lockheed 12As that came to Australia has been expanded and updated thanks to Peter Boer.

F-104 STARFIGHTER 104644 - 31JAN23 Added a recent image thanks to the International F-104 Society.

L-188 ELECTRA VH-ECD - 01JAN23 Added images of VH-ECD and ZK-TED thanks to Peter Gates.

CIVIL HUDSON CONVERSIONS - 26DEC22 Added a new page describing the post-war conversions of Hudsons back into airliners.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 22DEC22 Added scans of a remarkable item which was carried, probably on Smithy's person, on the trans-Pacific flight of the Lady Southern Cross. Thanks to Tim Kalina for this treasure.

RAUSCH HUDSTAR - 07DEC22 Added another image of the unique Hudstar.

IMAGE SLIDESHOWS - 03DEC22 As a result of a request from one of my long-time supporters, I have begun adding a slideshow for each Lockheed type. This will be done progressively as time permits. The slideshow will enable readers to scroll through all of the images for each type. For detailed captions you will still need to click on the relevant thumbnail on each page. As of 29DEC22 all types have slideshows except the F-35A: L-8 Altair L-10 Electra L-12 Electra Junior L-14 Super Electra L-414 Hudson (other than Adastra) L-18 Lodestar PV-1 Ventura F-4 Lightning L-749 Constellation L-1049 Super Constellation P2V-5 Neptune P2V-7 Neptune L-188 Electra II C-130A Hercules C-130E Hercules C-130H Hercules C-130J Hercules P-3B Orion P-3C Orion AL60 Santa Maria

AP-3C ORION VH-ORI (A9-753) - 24NOV22 Added an image of the nose art on VH-ORI thanks to Joe Plemenuk.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 23NOV22 Added four images taken at Wings Over Illawarra thanks to Phil Vabre. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4

AP-3C ORION VH-ORI (A9-753) - 22NOV22 Added three images taken at Wings Over Illawarra thanks to Phil Vabre. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

VENTURA - 06NOV22 Added extensive notes on all Venturas operated by No 13 Squadron RAAF. Thanks to Phil Herdman.

ISRAELI HUDSONS - 06NOV22 Added two images of former Australian Hudsons in service with the Israeli Air Force. Thanks to Yehonatan Last.

F-104 STARFIGHTER 104644 - 01NOV22 It's only taken 62 years but after the RAAF evaluated the Starfighter as a Sabre replacement in 1960, Australia finally has a Starfighter! This welcome addition has necessitated a redesign of the navigation buttons on the home page. The Search facility now appears under the Notices tab. That's right, I'm making you search for the search facility!

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 14OCT22 Updated F-35 deliveries and expanded coverage of the image gallery.

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR - 26SEP22 Added a new page listing the Dutch Lockheed 12As that came to Australia.

LODESTAR - 25SEP22 Updated the wartime radio callsigns allocated to Lodestars.

NEPTUNE A89-307 - 21SEP22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

NEPTUNE A89-304 - 21SEP22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ASV - 21SEP22 Added four images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-DMC - 21SEP22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-10B ELECTRA VH-CHD - 21SEP22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAH - 21SEP22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAF - 21SEP22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAA - 21SEP22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

P-3B ORION A9-300 - 07SEP22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-188 ELECTRA VISITORS - 11AUG22 Added three images thanks to Eric Allen.

P2V NEPTUNE VISITORS - 11AUG22 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen.

C-141 STARLIFTER VISITORS - 11AUG22 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen.

C-130 HERCULES VISITORS - 11AUG22 Added four images thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VISITORS - 11AUG22 Added seven images thanks to Eric Allen.

SANTA MARIA VH-ELI - 11AUG22 Added four images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4

SUPER CONSTELLATION NASA 20 - 10AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

C-130A HERCULES A97-215 - 10AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

C-130A HERCULES A97-214 - 10AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

C-130A HERCULES A97-213 - 10AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

C-130A HERCULES A97-208 - 10AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

C-130A HERCULES A97-207 - 10AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

C-130A HERCULES A97-206 - 10AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

NEPTUNE A89-276 - 09AUG22 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2

NEPTUNE A89-310 - 09AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

NEPTUNE A89-309 - 09AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

NEPTUNE A89-307 - 09AUG22 Added three images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

NEPTUNE A89-304 - 09AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

NEPTUNE A89-303 - 09AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

NEPTUNE A89-302 - 09AUG22 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2

L-188 ELECTRA VH-RMC - 06AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-188 ELECTRA VH-TLC - 06AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-188 ELECTRA VH-TLB - 06AUG22 Added three images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

L-188 ELECTRA VH-TLA - 06AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-188 ELECTRA VH-RMB - 06AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-188 ELECTRA VH-ECC - 05AUG22 Added an image of the aircraft as ZK-CLX thanks to Eric Allen.

L-188 ELECTRA VH-RMA - 05AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-188 ELECTRA VH-ECD - 04AUG22 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2

L-188 ELECTRA VH-ECA - 04AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAO - 04AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAK - 04AUG22 Added an image of the aircraft with all Qantas markings removed. Thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAN - 03AUG22 Added an image of the aircraft with all Qantas markings removed. Thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAF - 03AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAA - 03AUG22 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAD - 03AUG22 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ASG - 03AUG22 Added an image thanks to Eric Allen.

L-10B ELECTRA VH-CHD - 02AUG22 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2

ALTAIR VH-USB - 18JUL22 Added an image of Smithy waving from the cockpit on arrival at the Lockheed factory at Burbank. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

L-18 LODESTAR - 13JUL22 The Lodestar pages have undergone a major update. Included are three new pages: Doug Fawcett and the Lodestar Tocumwal Lodestars and Fuel Tank Resealing Lodestar Conundrums

P-3C ORION A9-754 - 04JUL22 Added an image of the Memorial in the Sergeants' Mess at RAAF Edinburgh.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 17JUN22 Updated the 1935 chronology.

L-10A ELECTRA VH-UXI - 05JUN22 Added two images thanks to David Vincent. Image 1 Image 2

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 31MAY22 Updated the F-35 deliveries and album.

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-HID - 18MAY22 VH-HID has been sold in New Zealand.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 13MAY22 Added a lovely image of the Lady Southern Cross three days after it was placed on the British Register as G-ADUS. Thanks to Mick Raftery for sponsoring this addition.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 11MAY22 Added a remarkable image of the Lady Southern Cross being prepared for her final fateful flight at Burbank in August 1935.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAC - 09MAY22 Added an image by John Wilson of the aircraft at Essendon at the time of the 1956 Olympic Games. Thanks to Phil Vabre of the CAHS.

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR G-AFTL - 03APR22 Sidney Cotton's famous Lockheed 12 has returned to the UK for restoration under its original registration G-AFTL. Image

ALTAIR VH-USB - 01APR22 Added an image of Smithy and P.G. Taylor being welcomed at Oakland. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

AP-3C ORION - 26MAR22 Added an update on the MHD-Rockland Orions thanks to Ralph Pettersen.

C-130A HERCULES A97-214 - 25MAR22 A97-214 has been broken up with the nose section being preserved at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum.

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-FMS - 18MAR22 The aircraft has been raised on its wheels. Added two images thanks to Mike De La Hunty. Image 1 Image 2

NEPTUNE - 27JAN22 Added an image of a P2V-5 Mk 1 Neptune believed to be A89-595 arriving at Laverton on delivery from the USA. Thanks to Ken Watson.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAI - 26JAN22 Added a glorious SLNSW image of VH-EAI in the wash bay at Mascot.

P-3B ORION A9-291 - 20JAN22 As NZ4206, the former A9-291 was retired by the RNZAF on this date and stored at Woodbourne where it will be parted out.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 24DEC21 Added descriptions of the navigation and wireless equipment fitted to the Lady Southern Cross for the Pacific flight.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 23DEC21 Despite having a very comprehensive history of the aeroplane on this website there has been no concise schedule of its flying during its short time in Australia. This has now been rectified. Flights in Australia by VH-USB

ALTAIR VH-USB - 15DEC21 Although there is no aeroplane in this picture of Smithy it is a sobering reminder that he flew the Pacific with only the clothes he wore. Thanks to Tim Kalina for another remarkable photo.

L-10 ELECTRA VH-UXI - 13DEC21 Added an image from the State Library of NSW.

L-10 ELECTRA VH-ABW - 13DEC21 Added a glorious portrait of VH-ABW from the State Library of NSW.

L-14 SUPER ELECTRA VH-ABI - 12DEC21 Added four images of VH-ABI from the State Library of NSW.

C-130A HERCULES - 12DEC21 Added a paper on RAAF C-130A DayGlo markings thanks to John Bennett.

VENTURA - 09DEC21 Added a sixty-one page study on RAAF Ventura colours and markings. This in-depth study was written by John Bennett for the ADF-Serials website. It is reproduced here by kind permission of the author. Thank you John.

LODESTAR VH-FAC - 03DEC21 Added an image from the State Library of NSW showing that the aircraft was named Wewak Star.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 30NOV21 Added three images thanks again to Tim Kalina. 1. Smithy and P.G. Taylor at Mascot. 2. Smithy on arrival at Oakland. 3. A particularly poignant portrait of Smithy at Oakland.

SUPER CONSTELLATION N9723C - 25NOV21 Added two images of the former VH-EAP modified as the Condor SST for a movie appearance. Thanks to Paul Zogg of Zoggavia. Image 1 Image 2

L-10A ELECTRA VH-UXH - 19NOV21 Added an image from the State Library of NSW.

NEPTUNE - 19NOV21 Added an image from the State Library of NSW of an RAF Vulcan arriving at Richmond with three P2V-5 Neptunes in the background.

CONSTELLATION & SUPER CONSTELLATION - 18NOV21 Added six images from the State Library of NSW. VH-EAA VH-EAC VH-EAC VH-EAM VH-EAM VH-EAM

ALTAIR VH-USB - 18NOV21 Added an image of Smithy and P.G. Taylor arriving at Wheeler Field, Hawaii on 29 October 1934. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

L-10A ELECTRA VH-AEC - 16NOV21 (Qantas is 101 today) Added four images of VH-AEC at Mascot on the day of its first test flight. Sourced from the State Library of NSW thanks to Bob Livingstone. Also added an image of the aircraft after its crash at Condamine.

ORION A9-754 - 15NOV21 Added an image of the aircraft beside the airship hangar at Moffett Field in California. Thanks to Maurice Ritchie.

NEPTUNE A89-279 - 15NOV21 Added an image of the aircraft immediately after its last flight to Laverton for storage. Thanks to Maurice Ritchie.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 14NOV21 Added an image of Smithy arriving in Los Angeles on the S.S. Monterey in August 1935 to collect the Lady Southern Cross. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

L-188 ELECTRA - 07NOV21 Added a lovely atmospheric image of VH-RMC at Brisbane Eagle Farm thanks to Peter Gates.

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-FMS - 05NOV21 Added 6 images of VH-FMS in storage at Jerilderie in 1974. Thanks to Phil Vabre and Maurice Austin of the CAHS. Also added two images thanks to Geoff Goodall.

L-10A ELECTRA VH-AEC - 04NOV21 Added an image of a flown cover which was carried on the inaugural Qantas service Brisbane-Darwin which was operated by this aircraft. Also added further details of the inaugural flight and a photo of Qantas officials farewelling the aircraft. Thanks to Phil Vabre.

P2V-5 NEPTUNE - 03NOV21 Revised the references to the various Neptune modifications to address an anomaly arising out of incorrect records regarding the Mark 2 Mod.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 20OCT21 Added an image of Smithy addressing the American nation on radio from Los Angeles on 4 November 1934. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

HUDSON A16-22 - 15OCT21 The history of this aircraft has been given a major update.

L-10 ELECTRA - 29JUN21 Added an image of VH-ASM and an image of VH-UZO thanks to Alan Flett.

L-188 ELECTRA - 25MAY21 Added a separate page on TAA's DayGlo livery.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAO - 25MAY21 Added an image of VH-EAO wearing tip tanks with DayGlo markings. Thanks to Ben Dannecker.

AL60-B2 SANTA MARIA VH-ELI - 07MAY21 Added an image of the aircraft in ANSETT-MAL livery thanks to Graham Bennett and Fred Niven. Added a 1963 colour image from the John Hopton Collection thanks to Geoff Goodall.

AL60-B2 SANTA MARIA VH-ELI - 06MAY21 Added six images and elaborated on the use of VH-ELI by Western Air Courier. Thanks to David Eyre and Greg Weir.

CONSTELLATION VH-EAA - 15APR21 Added a Flight Progress Report from a flight on 08DEC50. Thanks to Roger McDonald.

LODESTARS VH-BFZ & VH-FAD - 12APR21 Updated the pages for VH-BFZ and VH-FAD from the log book of Warren Penny. Thanks to Greg Weir.

HUDSONS VH-ASV & VH-BIH - 12APR21 Updated the pages for VH-ASV and VH-BIH from the log book of Warren Penny. Thanks to Greg Weir.

L-10B ELECTRA VH-WAO - 10APR21 Added a rare colour image by Warren Penny showing the aircraft in Westernair markings. Thanks to Greg Weir.

SUPER ELECTRA VH-ADS & VH-ADT - 08APR21 Updated the histories of VH-ADS and VH-ADT with thanks to Geoff Goodall and the late Greg Banfield.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAO - 30JAN21 Added a remarkable image of VH-EAO after it shed a propeller in August 1959. Thanks to Amanda Louise Curran whose father Kenneth John Tubbs took the photo.

SUPER CONSTELLATION - 29JAN21 Added a series of images of the tip tank from the former VH-EAB thanks to Tom Harwood, Curator of the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach. The history of the tank has also been expanded.

SUPER CONSTELLATION - 19JAN21 The Super Constellation tip tank recently recovered from the wreck of the former VH-EAB in Kuwait has been identified as having come from a TWA L-1049G.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 07DEC20 Updated F-35 deliveries and expanded coverage of the image gallery.

C-130 HERCULES - 06DEC20 Added three Hercules images thanks to Eric Allen. A97-177 A97-010 A97-010

THE MONEGEETTA MONSTER - 25NOV20 Added a new page to the Ventura section with thanks to Phil Vabre. Monegeetta Monster

VENTURA AMBULANCE - 24NOV20 Added a stand-alone page on the Ventura Ambulance.

NEPTUNE A89-302 - 24NOV20 The sole remaining RAAF P2V-5 Neptune A89-302 is now externally complete at Parkes. Picture

NEPTUNE - 11NOV20 Added another fine selection of Neptune images thanks to Eric Allen. Please scroll down to the updates table on each page for links to the new images. A89-307 A89-276 A89-278 A89-280

C-130A HERCULES - 28JUL20 Added images of A97-207 and A97-210 thanks to Phil Vabre.

NEPTUNE - 30MAY20 Added a magnificent image of Neptune A89-279 thanks to Eric Allen.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 13MAY20 Added details of A35-021 to A35-033.

ORION - 24APR20 Added images of the following Orions thanks to Maurice Ritchie. A9-605 A9-659 A9-755

NEPTUNE - 24APR20 Added images of the following Neptunes thanks to Maurice Ritchie. A89-273 A89-275 A89-276 A89-280 A89-281

HERCULES - 24APR20 Added an image of A97-001 thanks to Maurice Ritchie.

C-5 GALAXY - 27MAR20 Added a new page on C-5 Galaxy visitors.

C-141 STARLIFTER - 22MAR20 Added eight new images to the StarLifter page.

L-1011 TRISTAR - 26JAN20 Added an image of a model TriStar in the Qantas ochre livery. Also added an examination of the rumoured Qantas intention to order the TriStar.

HERCULES - 26JAN20 On Australia Day added an image of Coulson Aviation's Bomber 134 N134CG with a tribute to the crew who perished with the aircraft on 23JAN20.

L-1011 TRISTAR - 20JAN20 Several references to the TriStar on the Oddities page have been consolidated into a single page dedicated to the TriStar.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 20DEC19 Added images of A35-011 to A35-016 to the Album.

WHO INVENTED C/N? - 22NOV19 Added a new page on the origins of the terms Constructor's Number and Manufacturer's Serial Number.

L-188 ELECTRA - 19NOV19 Added a description of TAA's DayGlo livery to the pages for VH-TLA, VH-TLB, VH-TLC and VH-ECD.

L-10A ELECTRA VH-UZO - 06NOV19 Added thirteen images of VH-UZO under restoration and during early test flying thanks to Bob Livingstone.

L-188 ELECTRA - 03OCT19 Added a new page on Electra Visitors to Australia.

L-188 ELECTRA - 28SEP19 Added two colour images of the former VH-ECC as ZK-CLX in Qantas colours but with Air New Zealand titles. Thanks to Eric Allen.

VEGA - 19SEP19 Added a superb colour painting of Vega VH-UVK in its earlier incarnation as G-ABGK. Thanks to Balázs Bálint.

LODESTAR - 18SEP19 Added a wonderful story with thanks to Greg Otterson. Some Good Ole Boys, a John Deere Tractor, Palouse Wheatfields and an Australian Lodestar

HERCULES - 01SEP19 Added a page of photos of Hercules visitors.

U-2 - 22AUG19 Added two photographs thanks to Eric Allen.

L-9 ORION NC12229 - 18AUG19 Added another photo of NC12229.

CONSTELLATION - 15AUG19 Added a page of photos of visiting Connies. Special thanks to Eric Allen.

L-18 LEARSTAR - 02AUG19 Added a page on a Learstar visitor to Australia.

C-141 STARLIFTER - 26JUL19 Added a page on unusual StarLifter visitors to Australia.

L-1329 JETSTAR - 26JUL19 Added a page on JetStar visitors to Australia.

US-3A VIKING - 26JUL19 Added a page on S-3 Viking visitors to Brisbane.

F-22A RAPTOR AND F-35B LIGHTNING II - 22JUL19 For the purpose of recording first visits by these types I have made additions to the Oddities page with a section on the F-22A and the F-35B. The Oddities page now has an index.

SP-2H NEPTUNE - 19JUL19 Added a page on Aeronavale Neptune visitors to Brisbane.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 16JUN19 Added an image of the aeroplane on the sports deck of the Mariposa in Sydney Harbour. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

L-10 ELECTRA VH-UZO - 12 JUN19 Added seven new images to the page for VH-UZO which was moved to the Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre at RAAF Base Amberley on 27MAY19.

C-130A HERCULES - 11JUN19 Added two images thanks to Eric Allen. A97-207 A97-212

P-2E NEPTUNE - 10JUN19 Added a table of names applied to some of the P-2E Neptunes.

P2V-5 NEPTUNE - 08JUN19 Added 14 images depicting every aircraft except A89-308, 309 and 310 thanks to Eric Allen. Please see the P2V-5 history pages.

C-130 HERCULES - 08JUN19 Added an image of the cockpit of C-130E A97-189 thanks to Eric Allen.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 02JUN19 Added another two images from the Tim Kalina Collection: VH-USB in Albert Park, Suva VH-USB at the Lockheed plant in Burbank Thanks Tim.

L-188 ELECTRA - 28MAY19 Added four new Electra images thanks to Eric Allen. VH-ECB VH-ECD VH-TLB VH-TLC

U-2 - 28MAY19 Added a new page on U-2 Operations in Australia.

HUDSON - 24APR19 Added an Index of all Australian Hudsons.

L-188 ELECTRA - 21APR19 Added a new list of subsequent identities for all Australian L-188 Electras.

LODESTAR - 19APR19 Added a new list of subsequent identities for all Australian Lodestars.

AP-3C ORION - 17APR19 Added recent images of the five Orions sold to MHD Rockland at Keystone Heights, Florida thanks to Ralph Pettersen. N656T N661MK N662JD N664SD N665BD Be sure to visit Ralph's new Propliners website.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 10APR19 The list has been updated and reformatted.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 07MAR19 Few sources record departure and arrival times for the Pacific flight of 1934 and indeed P.G. Taylor does not record all of them in his book. After referencing contemporary press reports I have compiled a schedule for the flight from Brisbane to Oakland.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 05MAR19 Added two images of lei bedecked Smithy and P.G. Taylor arriving at Wheeler Field, Hawaii on 29 October 1934. Thanks to Tim Kalina. Image 1 Image 2

HUDSON - 19FEB19 The tables of RAAF Hudson serial numbers have been updated. Also, the page on Hudson Nose Numbers has been rewritten.

P-3B ORION - 15FEB19 Added an image of the wings from the fire damaged A9-300 being fitted to a US Navy P-3C. Thanks to Joe Hattley.

P-3B ORION - 29DEC18 Added 6 images of P-3B Orions some with RAAF markings removed and some in service with the Portuguese Air Force. Thanks to Paul and Nigel Daw and to Daniel Tanner.

C-130J HERCULES - 22DEC18 Added 22 images to the Hercules Album.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 18DEC18 With the recent delivery of the first two F-35A, I thought it timely to update the pages for this aircraft.

HERCULES & ORION HISTORY PAGES - 16DEC18 The history pages for the C-130 (except C-130A) and P-3 no longer have linked images for each aircraft. Instead, the history pages each have a link to the respective image album. Navigation within the albums has been significantly improved such that individual aircraft are easily located. Hercules Album Orion Album

C-130 HERCULES - 16DEC18 Added no fewer than 11 images to the Hercules Album thank to Daniel Tanner.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAB - 15DEC18 The page on VH-EAB has been updated with details and photos of the recent expedition to Kuwait to recover artefacts for display at the QFM in Longreach.

P-3 ORION - 13DEC18 The Orion Album has been greatly expanded with the addition of 49 images from Nigel Daw and 21 images from Daniel Tanner. Thank you gentlemen.

L-12A ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-ASG - 08DEC18 Added new material and several new images of VH-ASG. Thanks to Geoff Goodall.

P2V-5 NEPTUNE A89-302 - 28NOV18 Added three images of A89-302 being dismantled and loaded at Point Cook.

ALTAIR VH-USB - 29OCT18 Added an image of the Lady Southern Cross undergoing fuel tank repairs at Wheeler Field in October 1934. Thanks to Tim Kalina.

SUPER CONSTELLATION - 25AUG18 Added an article from Qantas News of July 1957 about the Super Constellation procedures trainer VH-EAQ Southern Myth. Thanks to Peter Hobbins.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAC - 13AUG18 Added a lovely image of VH-EAC Southern Wave, probably not long before the aircraft crashed at Mauritius.

SUPER CONSTELLATION N4247K - 18JUL18 The Qantas Founders Museum Super Constellation N4247K has been reassembled and painted to represent VH-EAM Southern Spray.

P2V-5 NEPTUNE A89-302 - 05 JUL 18 The RAAF have gifted this aircraft to HARS who will undertake a static restoration. HARS are anxious to hear from anyone who has components from A89-302.

SUPER CONSTELLATION - 23 JUN 18 Added a page on the NASA Super Constellations that visited Australia as part of the Apollo programme.

P-3 ORION A9-760 - 13 JUN 18 Orion A9-760 was officially handed over to the Queensland Air Museum on 11 June 2018.

P-3 ORION - 09 APR 18 The page on Orion colours and markings has had another major update.

SUPER CONSTELLATION - 25MAR 18 The Qantas Founders Museum Super Constellation N4247K has been painted as shown by this image thanks to Greg Weir.

P-3 ORION - 18 MAR 18 Many photos have been added thanks to Nigel Daw. Included are photos of the first three P-3Bs to arrive in Australia. These photos were taken by Nigel's late brother Paul. There are too many new images to list individually so please visit the P-3B Page and the P-3C Page.

P-3 ORION - 08 MAR 18 There is a new page on Orion Colours and Markings.

TAP-3B ORION - 26 FEB 18 The page on the TAP-3B trainer/transport has been updated.

CENSUS - 11 FEB 18 The Census has been updated and reformatted.

P-3C ORION A9-753 - 25 JAN 18 A9-753 was added to the Australian register as VH-ORI on 25JAN18.

P-3C ORION A9-756 - 08 JAN 18 Added 9 new images thanks to Nigel Daw and Mike Milln. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

L-10A ELECTRA VH-ABW - 17 DEC 17 Added 4 new images thanks to Geoff Goodall. 1 2 3 4

L-10A ELECTRA VH-ABV - 17 DEC 17 Added 5 new images thanks to Geoff Goodall. 1 2 3 4 5

P-3C ORION A9-751 - 16 DEC 17 Added 6 new images thanks to Nigel Daw. 1 2 3 4 5 6

NEPTUNE - 16 DEC 17 Added 4 new images thanks to Bob Howe. 1 2 3 4

ALTAIR VH-USB - 16 DEC 17 Added 8 new images thanks to Tim Kalina. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

LIGHTNING 41-2220 - 3 DEC 17 Added an image of F-4 Lightning 41-2220 in RAAF markings at Rockhampton. Thanks to Judith Salecich.

ELECTRA 10A VH-AEC - 1 DEC 17 Added two images of the aircraft as NC14749. Thanks to Bill Diebold.

CONSTELLATION - 31 OCT 17 Added an interesting document from a Qantas Constellation flight in 1951. Your Travelling Companions was distributed amongst the passengers and it listed the names of all the passengers and crew! Impossible today.

ELECTRA ZK-CLX - 11 OCT 17 Added an image of the former VH-ECC in full Air New Zealand/TEAL livery. Thanks to Peter Gates.

LODESTAR VH-CAB - 30 SEP 17 Added an image of Lodestar VH-CAB with DCA. Thanks to Phil Vabre.

HERCULES N108AK - 30 SEP 17 Added an image of Hercules N108AK prior to its lease to Cargomasters as VH-CYO.

NEPTUNE A89-272 - 03SEP 17 Neptune A89-272 has been delivered to HARS at Parkes. Three images have been added thanks to Erik Lensson.

ORION 9A SPECIAL NC12229 - 04 JUL 17 Added an image of the aircraft thanks to the Civil Aviation Historical Society, Terry Martin Collection and Phil Vabre.

NEPTUNE A89-307 - 04 JUL 17 Added two images of Neptune A89-307 wearing the name Thunderballs.

SUPER CONSTELLATION N4247K - 25 JUNE 17 Added five images of the interior of the aircraft. Thanks to Tom Harwood, Curator of the Qantas Founders Museum.

ELECTRA - 19 JUNE 17 Added three recent images of the former VH-RMA as a tanker with Buffalo Airways. Thanks to John Olafson.

SUPER CONSTELLATION N4247K - 14 JUNE 17 Added ten images of the arrival at Longreach. Thanks to Tom Harwood, Curator of the Qantas Founders Museum.

ELECTRA - 23 APR 17 Added an image of Electra VH-RMC after the completion of LEAP modifications at Burbank in 1961. Thanks to Pete Clukey of Lockheed Martin.

VENTURA - 26 JAN 17 The list of all RAAF Venturas has been further updated to show details of the various RAAF units that operated Venturas.

VENTURA - 17 JAN 17 The list of all RAAF Venturas has been further updated to show individual aircraft histories in greater detail.

VENTURA - 24 DEC 16 The page on Ventura operations by No 13 Squadron has undergone a major revision. The list of all RAAF Venturas has also been updated.

F-4 LIGHTNING - 04 NOV 16 Added six images of A55-1 in gleaming polished metal. Some were probably taken just days before the aeroplane was destroyed by fire in a landing accident and others show the accident itself. These magnificent images come from the collection of CPL Cecil Harry Wright who served with 1PRU at Coomalie Creek. We thank David Devenish, Archivist of the Mosquito Aircraft Association of Australia for sharing them with us. Two of the images were shown previously but in poor quality.

ELECTRA - 30 OCT 16 Added a colour image of Electra VH-RMC in the Ansett Delta colour scheme but with the Number 1 engine still in Ansett-ANA markings. Thanks to Peter Gates.

ELECTRA - 10 SEP 16 When I created this website almost twenty years ago, I did not anticipate how it might grow. One consequence of this was a decision to group all of the Electras (10, 12, 14 & 188) in the one folder. Twenty years later that folder has an extreme case of the bloats, so much so that I bit the bullet and created separate folders for each model Electra. Hopefully the changes will be transparent to readers although any bookmarks will now have broken links. For this I apologise. If you find any broken links on the Electra pages please advise the Webmaster.

ELECTRA - 08 SEP 16 Added a seating configuration drawing for the Qantas L-188C Electra. Thanks to Robert Phillips.

ELECTRA - 12 JUL16 Added images of VH-RMA and VH-RMC towards the end of their service with Ansett. Thanks to Geoff Goodall.

HERCULES EL-AJM - 12 JUL16 Added a close-up image of the nose art on The Wizard of Oz formerly A97-207. Thanks to Geoff Goodall.

VENTURA N159U - 12 JUL16 Added three images of the future VH-SFF arriving at Point Cook on delivery from the US. Thanks to Geoff Goodall.

NEPTUNE N54317 - 12 JUL 16 Added three images of the future VH-NEP arriving in Perth on delivery from the US. Thanks to Geoff Goodall.

HUDSON - 11 JUL 16 Added an image of Hudson VH-ASV undergoing civil conversion at Mascot in 1946.

LODESTAR - 03 APR 16 The Lodestar pages have been refreshed with no changes to data.

VENTURA - 31 MAR 16 The Ventura pages have been refreshed. Also added an image of Ventura VH-SFF after its forced landing.

VEGA - 31 MAR 16 The page for Vega VH-UVK has been reformatted and all the images refreshed.

SUPER CONSTELLATION VH-EAG - 25 MAR 16 The history of the HARS Connie VH-EAG has been expanded with information from the Air Force Historical Research Agency via Air Mobility Command sourced by Doug Boleyn.

NEPTUNE - 02 MAR 16 Thanks to Eric Allen for another wonderful set of images of P2V-5 Neptunes. A89-304 A89-307 A89-307 A89-309 A89-309 A89-312

NEPTUNE - 27 FEB 16 Thanks to Maurice Ritchie for a wonderful set of images of P2V-5 Neptunes. Refer to the update table at the foot of each page for links to the images: A89-302 A89-303 A89-304 A89-305 A89-307 A89-308 A89-309

CONSTELLATION - 25 FEB 16 All of the Constellation pages have been further refreshed with greater emphasis on Lockheed model numbers. There is also a new page titled Connie Model Numbers - What do they mean?

ALTAIR - 17FEB 16 All of the images in the Lady Southern Cross photo gallery have been refreshed.

NEPTUNE - 05 FEB 16 A89-272 has been gifted to HARS by the RAAF.

ALTAIR - 16JAN 16 Added 12 new images of the Lady Southern Cross during the stopover in Hawaii in 1934. Thanks to Tim Kalina for these wonderful photographs. Thanks also to Roger Holden for identifying the USAAC aircraft in some of these images. The new images appear at the bottom of the Hawaii section and are numbered 130 to 141.

CONSTELLATION - 04 JAN 16 The page Almost an Australian Connie has been updated. Read all about a Super Constellation flight simulator which incorporates parts from an aeroplane which almost came to Australia for the Bicentennial in 1988.

CONSTELLATION - 27 DEC 15 Added a new page on the Speedpak which was fitted to Qantas L-749 Constellations.

CONSTELLATION - 26 DEC 15 The Constellation pages now include many new images from the Qantas Heritage Collection.

CONSTELLATION - 21 DEC 15 All of the Constellation pages have been refreshed. The presentation of images has been improved.

NEPTUNE - 18 NOV15 A lot of new material has been added to the Neptune pages. The page, "Neptune in Australian Service" has been expanded and a new page, "RAAF Neptune Colours" has been added.

L-188 ELECTRA - 26 SEP 15 All of the Electra pages have been refreshed. The presentation of images has been improved.

LODESTAR - 18 SEP 15 All of the Lodestar pages have been refreshed. The presentation of images has been improved.

ORION - 11 SEP 15 All of the Orion pages have been refreshed. The presentation of images has been improved and some previously unillustrated aircraft now have images.

HERCULES - 09 SEP 15 All of the Hercules pages have been refreshed. The presentation of images has been improved and some previously unillustrated aircraft now have images.

NEPTUNE - 29 AUG 15 All of the Neptune pages have been refreshed. The presentation of images has been improved and some previously unillustrated aircraft now have images.

L-14 SUPER ELECTRA - 27 AUG 15 Added new images to the pages for the following: VHCXI VHCXK

L-14 SUPER ELECTRA - 26 AUG 15 Added new images to the pages for the following: VH-ABI VH-ADT VH-AEW VHCXI

HOUSEKEEPING - 14 AUG 15 The Lockheed File has undergone a major refurbishment. The most noticeable change will be a completely revised home page which features a new navigation system and a slideshow of several Australian Lockheeds. The only significant change to the site structure is that the various Electra types now have their own menus. Please advise the Webmaster if you experience any difficulties, particularly with broken links.

SUPER CONSTELLATION - 20 APR 15 Thanks to Chris Nelson and Geoff Reichelt I have added a selection of images of C-121J Super Constellation N4247K being dismantled in Manila during March/April 2015.

F-35A LIGHTNING II - 22 NOV 14 Added a new page.

P-3 ORION - 31 OCT 14 Added a new page Itinerant Orions depicting several special Orions that have visited Australia.

P-38 LIGHTNING - 15 OCT 14 The P-38H formerly displayed at the Classic Jets Fighter Museum in Adelaide has been sighted in the UK. The page on P-38 restoration projects in Australia has been updated thanks to Robert Greinert.

AP-3C ORION - 11 OCT 14 The AP-3C Orion page has been updated to reflect the fact that at least three aircraft have been withdrawn from service and are being prepared for scrapping.

LODESTAR A67-1 - 04 OCT 14 The page for Lodestar A67-1 has been completely updated. Also added an image of the aircraft after its conversion to a Learstar.

SUPER CONSTELLATION - 25 SEP 14 The Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach have acquired the C-121J Super Constellation N4247K which has been stored in Manila since 1988.

C-130H HERCULES - 25 SEP 14 The C-130H page has been updated to reflect deliveries to Indonesia. RAAF C-130H operations ended on 30NOV12.

F-4 LIGHTNING - 07 SEP 14 The section on the RAAF F-4 Lightnings has undergone another major revision. There are several new pages on No. 1 PRU.

F-4 LIGHTNING - 24 MAY 14 The section on the RAAF F-4 Lightnings has undergone a major revision.The most significant change is that A55-3 is now believed to have been formerly 42-2144 and not 41-2122 as stated in most references.

L-12 ELECTRA JUNIOR VH-FMS - 22 JAN 14 Ownership of this aircraft has passed from Museum Victoria to HARS.

ELECTRA VH-MMD - 29 DEC 13 Added two images of the aircraft on display at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida. Thanks to John Vogel. Image 1 Image 2

LODESTAR VH-BAG - 17 JUL 13 Added two images of the aircraft at Casino in 1948. Thanks to Alan Sheppard. Image 1 Image 2

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.

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 There has been a significant expansion of the pages on the F-4 Lightnings operated by the RAAF and the USAAF 8PRS. Iain Robilliard has kindly supplied extracts from the log book of his father Flt Lt F.H.W. Robilliard who flew Lightnings with 1PRU. Iain has also supplied a series of air-to-air photos of A55-3, some of which will be familiar to readers. Extracts from Flt Lt Robilliard's log book now give us a clue as to when and under what circumstances these familiar photographs were taken. Please see the following pages for the photos and log book extracts. Thank you Iain. A55-1 A55-3 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. 8PRS 41-2130 41-2139 41-2156 41-2220 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 Have you ever wondered what happened to all those ex-RAAF C-130As which gravitated to Manila? Thanks to Col Tigwell, we now know that they have all been scrapped. The pages for the following aircraft have been updated accordingly: A97-206 A97-210 A97-211 A97-213 Similarly, the two aircraft which were stored in Portugal have also been scrapped: A97-207 A97-216 The trainaid airframe which was badly damaged in a storm in December 2001 was buried at Richmond soon after: A97-209 We are also advised that C-130J A97-465 which had been damaged, has been repaired and returned to service. Thanks Col for all this information.

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 I have added two images of the HARS Connie taken at Bundaberg in 2005 by Phil Vabre. Many thanks Phil. VH-EAG Sunset VH-EAG Flyby

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 VH-UZN with Ansett Airways VH-UZN after the hangar fire

L-188 ELECTRA - 23 October 2004 Thanks to Ralph Pettersen I have added two recent photos of ex-Australian Electras operating with Air Spray in Canada. Many thanks Ralph. C-GYVI the former Charrak Air Electra C-GZVM the former VH-IOB

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 C-130E Hercules A97-190 basking in the sun after a rain shower. 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. Many thanks Graham! 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 C-130As which now include details of their service histories drawn from the RAAF status cards. In addition, there are 12 new images, many of which depict the aircraft with post-RAAF civil registrations. All of the Hercules images are now displayed on a single page with thumbnails to make browsing easier. Special thanks to Darren Crick for his assistance with these pages. 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 G-LOFA, the former VH-ECA, was completely broken up at Coventry by the end of October 2002.

ELECTRA - 21 December 2002 Thanks to Gil White for advice that the former VH-TLB was named "Pangeran Diponegoro" while in service with TACA. The former VH-TLC was un-named during its service with TACA.

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 P2V-5s and all P2V-7s, now includes several tables which attempt to address the confusing subject of Neptune modifications. Thanks to Darren Crick for assistance with the status cards. The Neptune Page

HUDSON VH-AGE - 19 November 2002 My plea for a better colour photo of Adastra's VH-AGE in the green scheme has been answered by Ian Smart. Ian has sent me a fine image of VH-AGE running up its port engine at Tennant Creek. Sadly there is a poignant side to this image for it was taken on 22nd September 1966, just two days before the aeroplane crashed at Tennant Creek with the loss of all on board. Ian lived in Tennant Creek at the time and he befriended many of the Adastra crews. He was one of the first on the scene after the crash. One of his photos of the crash scene has also been added to the site. Many thanks Ian for your contribution. 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 have always suggested that there was something different about the embellishments on the engine cowlings when compared with similar markings on VH-AGS. Thanks to Kevin we now know the reason for this. They were red! Also thanks to Kevin, we now know that Adastra Hudsons were wearing the Green Scheme as early as 1959, which is approximately four years earlier than I previously believed. Check out Kevin's photos: 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 C-130A Hercules. Thanks guys! Some time ago I queried whether or not A97-206 actually took up the registration RP-C3206. Thanks to one of Don's photos we now know that the Philippines registration was at least painted on the aeroplane. Don also advises that the former VH-CYO is now N404LC with Lynden Air Cargo. Curiously, one of her sisters, N405LC recently visited Brisbane. 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 VH-ECA on the fire dump at Coventry. Thanks Ulrich! 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 taken at St George, Qld in the early sixties. This image confirms that the aeroplane initially entered service with only a transparent nose cone and that the single nose window must have been added later. 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 707-138B N707JT.

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 Nuņez Padin in Argentina, I have added two additional images of Electron 6-P-101 (formerly VH-RMG). Jorge advises that these air-to-air images were taken on 6th October 1988 over the Trelew area (Patagonia, Argentina). Jorge can even identify the camera ship as Beech 80 Queen Air 6-G-82. Jorge also advises that the Argentine Navy Electra was known as the Electron (as a contraction of Electra and Orion). Many thanks Jorge for all your valuable input. 6-P-101 6-P-101

LIGHTNING - 26 July 2002 Thanks to Terry Geary in the United States, we now know that P-38 41-2117 was written off in the States in August 1942 and therefore could not have been flown in New Guinea by Geoff Atherton in August 1943. This confirms previous suspicions that the serial number recorded in Geoff Atherton's logbook under 15th August 1943 is incorrect. Geoff Atherton's Log

ELECTRA VH-RMG - 26 July 2002 Thanks to Jorge Nuņez 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 probably taken at Mascot in the early stages of its civil conversion. Note that the aeroplane still retains standard Hudson nose glazing. Many thanks for this gem Graham! 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 VH-SMM later VH-AGJ? This new page attempts to track the changes during Mike Mike's twenty year survey career. Please let me know if you can add anything.

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 in joint Sepal / World Wide Aerial Surveys markings (Sepal was an Adastra subsidiary). Another early view of VH-SMM shows the aeroplane in an intermediate nose glazing configuration before the installation of the two small windows in the top forward position. These windows were unique to VH-SMM. Thanks again Ed! 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 VH-AGX over the Burdekin River near Ayr and doing a fly by at Tennant Creek. Many thanks for these Bruce! See the photos here.

GUINEA AIR TRADERS HUDSON - 04 June 2002 Another rarity is Guinea Air Traders VH-BLA "The Silver Bullet". This 1948 photo is courtesy of Ed Coates in the United States. See the photo here.

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 VH-SML is of poor quality, its rarity demands that it be included. It may well be the only photo in existence of VH-SML. View the photos here: VH-SMK VH-SML

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 41-2156 which will appear in a forthcoming book on No 75 Squadron RAAF. Juanita has given special permission for her drawing to appear on "The Lockheed File" and it can be viewed here. Thank you Juanita.

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 A55-1 and A55-2 have been validated. The USAAF Aircraft History Cards for 41-2158 and 41-2159 are endorsed "diverted to Australia 25 Aug 42". As none of the other seven F-4s erected by CAC have this notation, I think it reasonable to accept that these were the two aeroplanes delivered to the RAAF. As we know from the status card for A55-1 that it was previously 41-2158 there now seems little doubt that A55-2 was indeed 41-2159. Thanks to Terry Geary in the US for checking the Aircraft History Cards. Unfortunately the previous identity of A55-3 remains unresolved.

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 "Tale of a Tail". Thanks to all my contributors. Here is the Electra Menu. Enjoy!

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 I have added many photos to the Connie pages thanks to Peter Marson in the U.K. Peter is the Air Britain Constellation specialist and a world authority on the subject. The additional images are too numerous to list but they include: The sad remains of VH-EAK "Southern Mist" in a Burbank wrecker's yard. 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. And there's more to come!

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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