Note the "Loadstar" title! This has since been corrected to "Lodestar".

Following a varied civil career (since 1949, lastly as N505R), this Lodestar was acquired by the museum in August 1983. It was initially painted in fake USAAC markings as '833538', but by 2000 it was restored in these somewhat unrealistic US Navy markings with its actual former serial 12473.

Built for US Navy as R50-5 Bu12473. Civilianised as N505R, later N1210 and N1210L. Preserved in the March AFB Museum, initially wearing spurious USAF markings as '833538' as seen here.

Built as US Navy R5O-5, to civil registry N3968B, N1210. Converted to 18-08. To N1210L, to N505R. in 1984 it went to the March AFB Museum, where it was falsely painted as USAAF 833538. Later repainted in correct US Navy colours.

Nicely preserved at the March Field Air Museum

Delivered to the USN in February 1943 as BuNo 12473. Surplused by the Navy in 1949, the aircraft passed through many owners before being stored at Greybull, WY in 1973. Ferried to the museum in 1983 where it is currently on display. The aircraft still has the Howard modifications it received many years ago, such as the squared wingtips. Was previously falsely painted as USAF "833538". It is seen here shortly before being painted in US Navy markings as 12473.