cleaning in process for display in the sadly short-lived Air Classic aviation collection

This Viking was built in 1946 and flew for BEA as G-AGRW. Around 1957 it flew with the temporary RAF serial XF640 for a trooping contract as civilain aircraft were not allowed in the Suez Canal zone. It then joined Hunting-Clan, Overseas Aviation and Autair before being preserved at a cafe in the Netherlands, on the roof of the old terminal at VIE and at a McDonalds (in fake Austrian Airlines colours) nearby. Later moved to at Bad Voslau (LOAV) and stored outdoors for many years. The frame was acquired by the Blackbushe Heritage Trust and arrived at Blackbushe on 2 May 2023. It is now undergoing restoration for eventual static display.

from my collection, photographer unknown

Painted as "D-BABY" for museum display

Being prepared for Air Classic's museum display. Still has the name "Marinus van Meel" on the nose.

being prepared for the Air Classic Museum, still retaining its Autair cheatline without visible registration; was reregistered to D-BABY and painted into old LTU colours later

in late summer 1979 this Viking arrived in parts from the Netherlands in a pitiful condition, but was soon rebuilt and cleaned up for static display in the local Air Classic Museum. Name "Marinus van Meel" can still be read on the nose.

former Autair Viking G-AHPB wearing old LTU c/s being preserved for a couple of months close to the LTU hangar with TriStar D-AERM in background representing two generations of civil air transport

Parked on the top of the old terminal building. Now placed at Bad Vöslau.

Built in 1946 for BEA and here with Pegasus from 1958 to 1965. From 1965 to 1969 it flew with Invicta Airways, after which it was scrapped.

Built for British European Airways in 1946 then moved over to Hunting-Clan from 1951 to 1958. Overseas retired it and it was cancelled as withdrawn from use on 28 August 1962.

Overseas Aviation, without titles

This Viking was originally TOC by the RAF as XF640. In civilian life it flew with Overseas Aviation and Autair before being preserved at a cafe in the Netherlands, on the roof of the old Schwechat terminal and then (in fake Austrian Airlines colours) at a McDonalds neat the airport. It still battles on, now being part of the Austrian Aviation Museum at Bad Voslau with the remnants of the Austrian livery still visible.

One of three Vikings in the play-park attached to restaurant cafe Avio Resto. This aircraft is currently preserved in Vienna, Austria. It was converted from Vickers 498 Viking 1A in 1957.

Pegasus Airlines were a short-lived operator based at various airports in the London area between May 1958 and closure in October 1961. G-AHOY served them throughout their existence and is seen arriving on a charter flight at Manchester Ringway in summer 1959.