Short Sandringham
Aircraft registrations are G-AKCO, VH-APG, F-OBIP.
This aircraft had a long history, starting with service in the RAF from 1943 to 1947, and after that with BOAC for 2-3 years. It was then purchased by Sir Gordon Taylor, named the "Frigate Bird III" and used for air cruises around the South Pacific. From 1958 to 1970, this aircraft was operated by RAI for services around Tahiti. The aircraft was then preserved in Paris, until it was severely damaged by a storm around 1984. No information beyond that date.
This aircraft was featured on a book by Sir Gordon called "Bird of the Islands".
Info from Queensland Air Museum website.
Aircraft in RAI livery.
Source Queensland Air Museum website.
Poster for air cruise services featuring this aircraft
Source Queensland Air Museum website.
Sikorsky S-42
Aircraft registration was NC16734, and was named the Samoan Clipper.
The Samoan Clipper was one of 10 Pan Am S-42 flying boats. On January 11, 1938, this aircraft exploded while dumping excess fuel before an emergency landing. It was piloted by Pan Am's chief pilot at that time Ed Musick and a crew of 6, all of whom died in the accident.
Info from Pan Am Historical Foundation website.
Hawker Siddeley HS 748
Aircraft registration was 5W-FAN, operated by Polynesian Airlines.
This specific aircraft was purchased new by Polynesian in early 1972, and used for flights until 1981. The aircraft changed hands and registration several times since then, and was in operating condition until 2013.
Info from the following sources (will open in new tab).
1. Yesterday's Airlines website.
2. Planelogger.com.
Douglas DC-1
Aircraft registration was NC223Y, developed as a prototype and operated by TWA.
This was the first and only DC-1 constructed. This was developed in response to a requirement from TWA for an all-metal airliner. The DC-1 was developed as a prototype in 1933, and after half an year of testing and over 200 test flights, TWA placed an order for 20 aircraft of the next version, which was the DC-2. This aircraft remained with TWA until 1938, after which it changed hands multiple times. It was destroyed during a forced landing in 1940.
Info from Wikipedia.
