Tracking 'missing' Lockheed 14 / Hudson N21771

[JDK]

Hi folks,
I'm trying to see what can be found about a Lockheed 14 that was taken from the Hudson line and converted to a civil Lockheed 14 by Lockheed, sold to Sperry Gyroscope Co. on 1 Mar 1940 for use as a flying lab.

When being used by the Uni of S California, the CofA expired in Nov 55, and there's a sale registered to a 'James R Sharer' on 23rd May 1962. My understanding, from what I've been told and the FAA site that this sale wasn't completed.

It has a rash of associated numbers, being built as Hudson C/No 1854, given a model 14 serial as 1930, registered N21771, then NC21771, then NX21771. It's listed as a 14-H2 Experimental/B-14 in the Air Britain Lockheed Twins book.

The FAA website doesn't help a lot further, and confuses the matter by calling it a Model 18.

Anyone got it in their yard?

[JDK]

Bump. Anyone got any ideas?
TIA

[bdk]

Any idea what it was being used for at USC? Maybe someone has some records over there (student reports on file, etc.).

[Swiss Mustangs]

James

IIRC I've got some photographs of this ship.... will check soonest

cordially
Martin

[muddyboots]

I might be able to hit USC and find out more...Let me check.

[JDK]

Hi guys, the help would be appreciated.

The Lockheed twins book has: "WFS Mar 46. Donated to USC at Santa Maria 11 Jul 47, tf Santa Maria Junior College Dist 22 Apr 55. Used for R&D ops until CofA expriry Nove 55. Sold to James R Sharer 23 May 62. Fate uk."

So the Jnr College used it for just seven months.

As to what it was used for, post Sperry, no info.

TIA

[muddyboots]

Found James Sharer. I'll call in the morning and find out what's the dealio.

[JDK]

Found James Sharer. I'll call in the morning and find out what's the dealio.

That would be terrific. Feel free to PM me if he doesn't want to be on a public forum.

[muddyboots]

I would do that anyway, just to preserve his privacy. I think he might be a retired lawyer from what I could find. At least if it's him he would have an explanation for why he didn't buy it, maybe where it went in the end, or how to contact the school to track it down.

[muddyboots]

Mr. Sharer is unfortunately, 80 and "in no condition to help." However, his son kindly provided me with a couple of names which might be of assistance. I'll try to look them up today. One is gone west, he isn't sure of the other. I will also be calling USC Santa Maria to see what their records say. Give me some time, James. I've nothing but that lately so I can afford to do a bit of research for you. Any other stuff over here I can assist with, pm me.

The son was around back then, and was positive that he never owned your hudson. We'll find it

I get half the finders fee lol!