Lodestar

[Kdmoo]

I was going through an old box and found a CAF program from a summer 1987 airshow in Terrell, Texas.

In leafing through I found an entry on the Lodestar in Coastal Command markings. Question: Does this Lodestar still exist as pictured? I'm familiar with Lady Lodestar and wondered if she evolved from from this one?

Here is the pic:


Thanks-

[T J Johansen]

Didn't that one crash a couple of years ago?

T J

[Glen]

Terrell Was a Great Air Show ! Texas Raiders was coming off of a Rebuild, that was the first show that she showed up to ! Chuckie was their too ! back then two B-17 in one place was Awsome ( Still is )

[Randy Wilson]

The DFW Wing put on or help put on the show in Terrell in 1987 and I had my Triplane there, if I remember correctly. The photo of the Hudson (Lodestar) is also published in the History of the Ghost Squadron book and there I can just make out the N-number on the tail as N30N. At that time, it was based in the San Antonio area, I think, but later was reassigned to the Old Dominion Wing in Virginia and was repainted OD and renamed Lady Lodestar. Hope that helps.

Randy

[Kdmoo]

Thanks for the replies. I remember that show fairly well. My friend dished out the then steep price of $75.00 to ride in Chuckie.
He looked a little green when they returned having bounced around in the back of a hot bomber for an hour.

I also seem to remember a really nice PV-1(2)? from that show called "Fat Cat"?

Good stuff!

Kevin

[Obergrafeter]

Fat Cat I caught fire and burned at Conroe a few years later. If that is the Lodestar (Howard 250) tht was in San Antonio then it is the one that went to Colorado and cartwheeled at Airsho 3 years ago.

[planenutti]

Kevin,
Randy is correct that the pictured Lodestar is N30N in the disquise of a Hudson back in the day. She is currently on the mend from having the gear collapse after coming in contact with a drainage ditch at her home field in VA. The airplane vs ditch situation occurred due to a loss of hydraulics on short final. Money and time will see Her back in the air, but like everyone else we are short on both accounts.
I saw Fat Cat when I was stationed down in TN at the West Memphis airport as part of the Memphis Belle air show ythat lasted I think all of 2 years. I remember hearing that it was lost but can't remember why.
Bob
Lady Lodestar 2nd Mech
ODS/CAF

[Randy Wilson]

The Loadstar that crashed and burned departing from AIRSHO 2005 was N6371C based in Colorado.

The story I heard on the PV-2 Fat Cat's fire and loss was that it was a Monday after a weekend air show, perhaps in Louisiana, not sure, and a starter solenoid hung after startup and a fire started in the engine accessory area while they were still on the ramp. Their was no fire equipment at the airport and the crew could not get to the source of the fire with their hand held extinguishers. By the time equipment arrived from the local town, the aircraft was consumed by the fire. That's what I remember hearing.

Randy

[Kdmoo]

Thanks again for the replies. I'm able to piece the puzzle together now. That's a shame about Fat Cat. Just relieved to hear no one was hurt.

We had just left Airsho 2004 when N6371C did the cartwheel. With Lady Lodestar grounded for the time being it would seem Lockheed twins are in short supply.


A couple of pics we took-

N6371C the day before the accident:


Lady Lodestar marking her territory:



Best,
Kevin

[planenutti]

Kevin,
Thanks for the pics. I hate that number 2 engine, we have chased oil leaks on that one for every year that I have been with the "Lady". Maybe when they do the tear down inspection the folks in the shop can point us in the right direction to fix that bomb. West Houston has a Lodestar as well but I don't think they have her ready for the circuit yet. Spanner might have a better clue as to when they will get her flying.
I noticed one clue that I missed the first tiome I looked at the photo you posted. The nose of 30N is the location of the pitot tubes, a one of a kind placement by Howard.
Bob

[michael luther]

After "fat cat 2" had the gear up, I was told the owner started to fix the damage but gave up after 2 years or so and pushed it out side. What has happened to the aircraft after that?

The other caf loadstar in TX. Is that the one that is green and mostly original? When will it fly?

[mjkroksh]

Miss Lodestar of the VA ghost squadron still exists minus engines at the Hampton Roads airfield in VA

[Marauderman26]

Miss Lodestar of the VA ghost squadron still exists minus engines at the Hampton Roads airfield in VA

And can be yours for $12, 500 http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/Current ... 20Spec.htm