As for the TriStar... a very nice aeroplane.
Cue 411A...
You called?
Having flown all TriStar varients over the last 31 years, my favorite is the Delta-modified -250...same all up weight as the -500 (510,000 pounds) active ailerons not required, standard body (not short, like the -500), and seemingly (although, not quite) the long range.
The -524B402 engine is superb...never a problem with any of them.
The -200 was also very reliable, with -524B02 engines.
The RAF problems stem mostly (I believe) from poor funding and their inability to find the needed spares, as there are plenty of serviceable spares available...now.
However, these are going fast, so the RAF had better act, in quick time.
Hardly likely, it seems.
