A group of committed volunteers at Chino’s Planes of Fame Air Museum are continuing to make good progress on the restoration of Lockheed L-18 Lodestar 18-2622
The aircraft – which is thought to have been President Lyndon B Johnson’s executive transport in the 1960s – has been receiving attention at the Californian attraction since 2017. The former USAAF machine had several civilian appointments after World War Two, flying as NC44899, NC1000B and N1000B.
Notably, it was modified for executive use with a customised cabin and an extended nose housing a baggage compartment – much of the recent refurbishment has focused on the latter. Working primarily on Saturdays and with limited resources, the aircraft is now at the stage where visitors can climb aboard. With thanks to Frank B Mormillo
