Warbird Information Exchange

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?

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

Bump. Anyone got any ideas?
TIA

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

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

James

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

cordially
Martin

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Flying is easy: just learn how to throw yourself at the ground and miss

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

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"I knew the jig was up when I saw the P-51D-20-NA Mustang blue-nosed bastards from Bodney, and by the way the blue was more of a royal blue than an indigo and the inner landing gear interiors were NOT green, over Berlin."

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

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

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

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"I knew the jig was up when I saw the P-51D-20-NA Mustang blue-nosed bastards from Bodney, and by the way the blue was more of a royal blue than an indigo and the inner landing gear interiors were NOT green, over Berlin."

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

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

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.

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"I knew the jig was up when I saw the P-51D-20-NA Mustang blue-nosed bastards from Bodney, and by the way the blue was more of a royal blue than an indigo and the inner landing gear interiors were NOT green, over Berlin."

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!

_________________
"I knew the jig was up when I saw the P-51D-20-NA Mustang blue-nosed bastards from Bodney, and by the way the blue was more of a royal blue than an indigo and the inner landing gear interiors were NOT green, over Berlin."