I always liked the Tri-Star. In tech school we studied her systems and design features. System redundancy and fail operational design features were well thought out and elegant. It was well ahead of other designs of the era. I only rode on one once and remember the experience being pleasant enough. But then I was on my way home having just completed my term of Army service!
The DC-10 was demanded in greater numbers for several reasons related to airline cost/profitability metrics. Additionally, the RB-211 being the only engine option on the L-1011 undoubtedly soured some potential airframe sales. The comparative accident record does indeed speak for itself. And EAL 401 was much more of a CRM lesson than a design lesson even though the lack of A/P mode reversion warning WAS ill thought out. (though not really an airplane design issue per se)
But all that said, time rolls on and Lockheed's only entry into the civil jet airliner market is relegated to history along with all their other great civilian planes. Lockheed was a great company in it's time, but that time is in the history books. What remains of the company today bears little relation to the one that produced all those revolutionary designs.
So let's appreciate the achievements of the past with due reverence while recognizing that new market entrants must be just that: NEW! Newly evolved designs utilizing modern materials technology and construction techniques which optimize profitability for builders and airlines alike. It's all about payload revenue versus cost of delivery and old designs were not optimized for the kind of efficiencies that rule today's market. Fuel prices, labor costs and myriad other differences between today and yesterday demand lighter and more performance efficiency optimized design.The design of the aircraft must incorporate features which recognize that maintenance tasks must be simplified to accommodate an ever decreasing maintenance workforce comprised of ever less capable technicians making ever less wages. Kost Kontrol is King! (but assuming HUGE acquisition burdens is somehow okay due to evolved tax liability and accounting methodology)
Anyway, so long to the Tri-Star, Connie and Lodestar. And not to forget the Jetstar, an airplane which paid for most of my pilot ratings by requiring I work allot of overtime as an A&P mechanic! So long and fare thee well old friends. I'll visit you in a museum and relive some good memories after parking the next generation disposable plastic jet at the FBO!