Lockheed Hudson

[Julien]

Pics and notes thanks to Trevor.

These photos are of Lockheed Hudson mk.IIIA A16-199/G-BEOX. Formerly at the Strathallan collection in Scotland, it is the only example of the type in Europe and is currently on display in the RAF Museum in Hendon.

As a reference source it is a classic example of the real thing not being accurate enough. Last operated by Ad Astra Airways in Australia, in essence it is a post-war, modified and civilianised machine dressed up in military markings and has several non-standard features. From the nose they are:

- Gloss paint scheme

- None standard nose glazing

- Modified cockpit glazing by the plating over of the dorsal glazing

- No dorsal BoultonPaul turret

- Bomb bay secured shut with fasteners

- Ventral DF loop housing

- Modified ventral gun housing. From the mk.III onwards there was a hatch (off set to starboard) housing one 0.303 machine gun. The housing on this example has been widened for other purposes (photography?)

- As a mk.III, it should be powered by Wright Cyclones. This example was re-en gined with Pratt and Whitney Twin Wasps when operated by Ad Astra for common ality with the rest of its fleet. Even so the cowlings are non-standard in t hat the rear of the cowlings are flared.

- The undercarriage legs are not sheathed.