It's surprising that she stayed in service as long she did. Even with the fuel tank revamping and anti collision avoidance system installations it was evident she was way too long in the tooth. Hardly a week went by that I did not hear Speedbird 1 or 2 calling up Shanwick or Gander on HF ssb for lower flight levels as the air intake doors had problems. The passenger cabin was hardly more comfortable than that of a Dash 8 but the prestige and service was unrivalled and just listening on T2 spectators roof at Heathrow to the Olympus engine whine on taxying or the roar on take-off from R27 after she jumped the long queue will never be surpassed or seen again.
