Lodestar at Rantoul Kansas

Guest · **Posted:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:44 pm

Anyone have any images of Lodestar N555H derelict at Rantoul Kansas?

aerovin · **Posted:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:24 pm

Here's one:

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

If it is important to you, I can go to Rantoul and see if I can get you some photos. (like I need a real excuse to go!!)

Saludos,

Tulio

david j burke · **Posted:** Mon Aug 30, 2004 1:49 pm

Cheers guys! I have a soft spot for the type and it's a pity there are still a number in the 'twilight zone' ! If you fancy looking at some there were two at Texarkana with May Air Express. One is even ex Free French Africa service during WW11 - so a real warbird!

Thanks again guys!

Don Martin · **Posted:** Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:15 pm

Does anyone remember what I think was a Loadstar sitting on the ramp at the old Clinton-Sherman AFB, Okla in the late 70's or early 80's? It was right next to the highway and I passed it several times going the back way from Altus to OKC. Of course I was young, dumb and............ well I took no photos anyway!

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

Went this afternoon to Rantoul, KS:

Lodestar N-555H is still there, similar to what the photo above shows.

There were also, the following:

Convair 580 (??) N-43941, ex-USAF, 53-7801
"Big Sky ?????" Montana.

Douglas C-54s / DC-4s (Firebombers):

102 N-816D 27376
105 N-96454 10864
146 N-67061 10560

There was also a DC-3, with the faded United Nations lettering; no other markings visible, but I didn't look too close, since the 2-3" long spiders discouraged me from getting any closer. This DC-3 looks fairly complete, although the wings have been removed.

Of interest, inside the hangar there is an AT-11, wingless, but complete; the owner of the place was working on an aileron, and said this airplane will move by the end of the month to California, where the owner resides. It will be fully restored.

Also of interest, across the road, Dodd Aviation's compound with hundreds of fuselages and aircraft parts; I don't know if they allow visits (even if I had to pay) but looks really interesting.

Saludos!

Tulio

a26invader · **Posted:** Fri Sep 10, 2004 12:54 pm

Thanks Tulio for that interesting log.

The DC-3 might be N3753N c/n 33604/16856. However the info I have on this a/c indicates that it is undergoing a restoration (earliest reported July 1999).

Did you manage to take any photos at all?

Did you visit the Dodson facility? (or is that what you mention as "Dodd Aviation"?)

Thanks again

Kind regards

Nicolai

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

Yes!!! It looks like some restoration work has been carried on it.

Wings though, are on the ground, some weeds growing around them. Too many spiders indicate to me that no one has been close to that airplane for a while.

The rudder seems to have new fabric on it.

Photos will be sent to you.

Now, DODSON, that is the correct name. No, I did not visit, since it was late in the day, and I did not know if they allow visitors. Since I am looking into buying an airplane, probably this place would be a good start.

I plan to contact them and ask if they will let me visit.

Saludos,

Tulio

Steven M. Dennis · **Posted:** Sat Sep 11, 2004 7:41 pm

Tulio,

I buy parts from Dodson all the time for the repair station at the FBO that pays me to play for a living. I have a pretty good relationship with them, so if you need a contact there, give me a shout off board and I can hook you up for a tour or whatever...... Just let me know.

Have a GREAT rest of the weekend my friend!

Steve :wink:

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

Thank you for your kind offer, Steven.

I have already PM'd you.

Saludos!

Tulio

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Lodestar at Rantoul Kansas

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