Lockheed 12 Electra Junior - non-flying

[Der Rote Baron]

Hello there, I know this is not a shot in the dark but a black hole. However, I am so curious I just have to ask. A recent article in the UK magazine Flyer about a fabulous, drool inducing Lockheed 12 stated that only 8 or so Electra Juniors around the world are still flying.

My question, therefore, is: does anyone know whether there are Lockheed 12s out there that are not operational right now but could possibly be brought back to flying condition?

[treadigraph]

Are you including preserved aircraft? The Science Museum Reserve Collection at Wroughton has one which was flown across the Atlantic in 1982 (and made an appearance in the static at Fanrborough as I recall...) by Mike Woodley. I expect it could easily be flown again with a bit of care, attention and - here's the important bit - cash!

Well known French journalist Bernard Chabbert has one which was damaged in a gear collapse incident several years ago - presume it will fly again, though I've heard nothing more since Bernard's article about the incident appeared in Pilot.

[Planemike]

The aircraft in the Science Museum is in fact a Lockheed 10A Electra. Agree it should be capable of being made airworthy, always been under cover.

The OP says he is looking for a 12 Electra Junior. Checked in "Survivors" of 2002 (latest I have), apparently 28 known survivors of which then, there were 14 airworthy. 2 in Canada, 2 in Australia, one each in Holland, Indonesia and Sweeden. The rest are distributed around the USA.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Here's one I saw in New Zealand. It may well be flying again.

Lockheed 12A Electra Junior, N14999 (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1249325/)

[DaveReidUK]

It may well be flying again.Indeed it is.

https://photos.flightaware.com/photos/retriever/2c8f63330316675774628cc098b293b567f59e70

[Der Rote Baron]

As always, many thanks to everyone for being so kind to make an effort and post these replies. It is very encouraging to see that a decent number of these gorgeous planes is still around. All the more reason to pursue the mammon relentlessly and play the lottery ;)

[Brian Abraham]

Story of the restoration of one.

http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/101/2804-full.html?ET=avweb:e2804:244160a:&st=email#222041

Lovely aircraft, spent a few hours as a pax in this one, which is still flying in the hands of a private owner.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m56/babraham227/abh.jpg

[Wander00]

Grew up under Northolt's circuit in the 50s and early 60s - Beech 18s, Ansons, Flamants, Devons - magic, but the sound of the Beech 18s was special. Don't remember any Lockheed 12s though

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

G-AHLH was quite active in the 50s, owned by a titled gentleman. I logged it at Croydon Airport in 1957 and it was transferred to the Irish register - possibly as EI-ALV which I saw at Toussus-le-Noble in 1965..

[dhavillandpilot]

Fond memories, I use to own a share in this aircraft in the mid 1970's.

Did my initial tail wheel and initial twin endorsement on it with only 150 hours TT.

A real handful in the beginning, but the aircraft grew on you.

Always remembered, you had to have someone outside when starting to put out the induction fire that could happen with over priming.

When John Love bought it the transformation from old and tired into pristine polished metal with original stripes was great