I worked on P3s in Greenville, SC and now work on them in Waco, TX for the Navy. To be able to see an actual civilian Electra is awesome. Thank you for the video. They just don't build them like they used to. I'm sure they could make it to where the P3s never die and the P8s can kiss my ass.
omg when it turns around an i saw that it was a Atlantic airlines i was amazed cus this morning i went past Bournemouth air port a saw it in there but when i came back it was gone i wish i saw it take off but its still wear how i got hear to see it again :)
Vintage aircraft of that period have personality--all of us who are aviation fans to the core of our being know what I mean. The piercing compressor scream and the harmonics of the prop blades just scream character. Every vintage engine has a unique sound, and each aircraft has its own handling characteristics. Put them together, and nobody can convince me that the machine doesn't come alive. Thanks for this amazing video.
I can't stop commenting on the beauty of both sight and sound of this video. There are alot of L188/P3 videos out there, start-ups, shut-downs, in-flights, etc., but none of them even come close to this one in purity of sound and beauty of the picture. Please thank your wife for getting mad at you. We all owe her a debt of gratutide. :)
I remember as a kid living 9 miles north of DTW, hearing CV-580s on approach all the time with their unmistakeable turbo-prop whistle. On rare occasions, I'd see/hear an L-188 going into Willow Run (about 10 miles west of DTW). Same whistle but much louder than the Convair. That's a sound I will never forget. I wish all prop-jets sounded like this. Beautiful video! Pity that SAS truck driver spoils the shot by lingering in front of the camera!
The Electra never really got a fair shake when it first came out in the late 50's. It debuted shortly before Boeing's 707, which ended up taking commercial aviation into the jet age, making the then-new Electra dated before it ever became fully viable. Beautiful plane, though.
Hard to believe they're still flying Electras. I remember them coming into our air base back in the early '80s and they seemed old then. VERY impressive aircraft though. Once they off-loaded their cargo, they did an extremely impressive take-off. It seemed straight up, but that may be a bit of an exaggeration.....but not far from the truth. That plane is a hot rod.
Never.....EVER....hook-up the power-cart to the truck until the power cart is unplugged from the aircraft. Guess why? It's happened many many times. Many power receptacles have been ripped out by the guts because the driver drove off while the cart was still plugged into the aircraft. Again, NEVER hook up to the external power cart while it is still plugged into the plane. The only one who should hook the cart up to the truck is the one who unplugged it from the plane. Procedures.
Very lovely aircraft, once they fixed that little wing-ripping-off-in-flight problem. Rode Braniff's Electras from Houston to OKC and Chicago many times in the 60s.
When this aircraft and it's sister C-FIJV operated in Canada, they operated for NWT AIr with 3 other Electra's. IJV and IJR were configured as combi aircraft, NWT Air also had two straight freight configured L-188's NWC, NWD. They also a full Pax version L-188 and all operated in the Canadian Arctic based in Yellowknife as well as scheduled & charter freighter runs across Canada. I had the pleasure of flying in every one of them at various times in my 2+ years with NWT Air
@RailcarFerrostaal. T-56 to 501-D13/D15. 1) Gear ratio in reduction box lowered from 12.50 to 13.54:1. Slows prop, reduces noise. 2) Low ground idle speed added. Turbine speed lowered from 13,820 to 10,000 rpm. 3) Fuel & ignition systems modified to allow use of kerosene instead of JP-4. Higher flash point deemed safer. 4) Prop synchronization system added to eliminate harmonic 'beat' frequencies generated when multiple props turn at slightly different speeds. 5) Added safety devices.
@mistersmith6000. Each Allison has a pneumatic (air driven) starter. Air is sourced from an electric compressor, an external cart, or any running engine (air is taken from the engine compressor's 14th stage air bleed fitting). Pneumatic starters are used because they are small, light, reliable, and powerful. If an electric motor were used, it would be huge and heavy. The turbine must be spun to 6000 rpm before fuel is introduced and the ignitors are lite. Hope this helps.
@BobNWFA Yep. We used to get reworked parts from Lockheed every once & awhile that originally came from Electra's. Haha. That was always a big topic of discussion in the shop whenever they showed up from supply, as to whether they'd fit or not. Some of the old "Orion Digest" magazines even talked about interchangeability. Have you ever seen those magazines? They're really neat to browse through, & have lots of useful tech info in them.
No, I haven't seen "Orion Digest". I'm sure you know a lot more about this than I do. I know that the props are different, and the fuselage is shorter on the P-3. Civilian or military, these Lockheeds are gorgeous!
@BobNWFA Yeah, look on eBay, & you can buy entire sets for really cheap. The wings on a P-3 are shorter also. Everything else is basically the same externally though, except for the MAD boom on the tail. the basic airframe, hydraulic system, & landing gear are darn near identical also.
This brings back so many memories when I was a kid riding my bike around Long Beach Airport (KLGB), when Western Airlines (The classic red and white 'Indian Head' livery) was using these babies, and 'Gate 3' was a open walk to the tarmac starting with a chain link fence on either side of you.... :)
And the near by Douglas Aircraft plant had changed it's name to McDonnell Douglas and seeing the first DC-10 takeoff from RWY 30....
I remember a Convair with Allison engines very similar to these. I remember they started one engine without the propeller and ran it like a jet for about 15 mins, presumably to charge the battery. Very interesting.
Allison engine with the Electra, the pilot was not able to decouple the engine from the prop. There was a decoupler, but it was used as an automatic fail-safe device during catastrophic engine/prop failures. It had to be replaced after each use. We used to call it a 'mechanical fuse'. I think the answer is you were flying on a Convair 640, equipped with Rolls Royce Dart engines. It is possible that they were capable of running without the prop turning.
No it definitely had Allison engines due to the huge wide propeller blades. The aircraft was LN-BWG, used at that time by Air Executive. I knew a Convair was coming in from Norway that day, but I was hoping to see a piston engined 440. However, it was interesting!
You know, I have almost 200 vintage airliner videos uploaded, but this...to see & hear this in 2008 is surreal. This is the BEST Electra video on YT PERIOD.
@mcdonnell220: Video is flawless, except for the jerk SAS ground truck driver, who seems to linger in front of the camera shot just to spoil the scene.
Once more on the 'upside down engine' issue. The main reason for this is to make room for the stowed landing gear in number 2 and 3 engine housings. In the C-130, the engine centerline and the intake/exhaust ducting is below the prop centerline. There is no room for the landing gear! It's just an issue of packaging. An added bonus is the high mount intake is less likely to ingest runway trash.
On the upside down engine issue. Allison flipped the gear box from above the engine center line as on the C-130 to below as on the L188/P-3 . This was to keep the prop shaft center line as close to the wing as possible while the engine itself was stuffed under or over the wing as needed. I flew with the -10W and -14 engines, i seem to remember 4600 shp and TIT of 1010c as the normal Max limits. I was told that a light weight P-3 could beat an F-4 Phantom to 10,000 ft. from a standing start.
Back in 1968 when my fiance was headed home for Christmas vacation I took her to the airport. We were early so we sat down for a coffee & danish. When the Electra taxied up I told her the story about the wings falling off the plane in it's early days and how they had fixed it. Smart move, she was a nervous flier anyway and she roundly cursed me when she got back. Said she damn near pissed her pants every time they hit any turbulance on the trip. She married me anyway, be 40 yrs in December. :-)
Thanks for the video, I too could smell the burnt kerosene as it taxied out. I only had a couple of flights in the Electra, Braniff I think, but 4000 hours in the back of a P-3 running sonar & radar. A most wonderful airplane. It will be a sad day for aviation when they're gone for good.
My dad used to take me to then National airport in Virginia in the 60's to watch aircraft. Really nice to hear the sound of an Electra. I saw those DC-4's6's and 7's along with Connie's, Convair's. Thanks for the history lesson!
Funny thing about the Electra. They lost a few because of structural issues early on. Once those were remedied, that plane has flown for money for more than 50 years. As a kid, we'd stand on the observation deck at what is now Reagan National Airport and watch the Electras from American, Eastern and National make their milk runs. Brings a tear to the eye.
As it turned and taxied I could almost smell the burnt fuel......I used to like seeing them as they departed from here in Norfolk,back in the day operated by National airlines
WE had them here in virginia, operated by national airlines, they flew from here to chs,to, jfk,jax,and to mco .I flew on one from ord to msn northwest and I loved it, that rapid acceration at take off and then rapid decceration at landing is something else.Just cant beat that jet prop power.
I believe the reason the engines are "upside down" so that way companies would be able to distinquish factory allison 501's from a rebuilt or older military spec allison 501 aka T56. thats my guess dont know if its right but it seem logical since T56 in takes are on underside usually.
we had eastern electras flying into chattanooga when i was a kid back in the sixties. i dont know how i remembered this but the starting sequence was engine 3, then 1, 2 and 4. 3 would start and then the stairs would be raised. we usually had at least 2 to 3 flights per day going to charlotte nc if i remember correctly,
Hes using the high rpm on engine one to give power to the rest of the engines for starting each one. Think of it as giving a battery jump start to a car with a low battery. :)
I flew many times between Rio and Sao Paulo on the shuttle service. That was a very beatiful flight over mountains and the sea. I also once flew on the cockpit from Sao Paulo to Rio. It was fantastic to see the sea coming close on Santos Dumont landing in Rio. For the record, there were 14 Electras on the shuttle, and each one flew approximately 50.000 flights. We missed a great airplane
Thanx for all your comments. It was truely amazing standing there for 9 minutes fliming thisone. Even when she turned an dI got the jetblast directly into my eyes . But who cares. The result was perfect
There have been many times electras operated out of Norfolk by National Airlines that as they left the gate I too got hit by jet blast, so as the plane departed I was swept back to those days and I almost could smell the fuel..
I spent several years of my early aviation career working on the Convair 580 with the Allison 501D13 engine and the Aeroproducts propellor. The 4000 Horsepower and bite the props take was always impressive. When you are out doing a horsepower run and the plane is bouncing trying to break free....I miss that old feeling. What an engine!
5 * rating well done Loved your video ..I am Vanguard Man but Electra is great second best . Do you know that the Electra may be out off service here by 2010 because of noise restrictions I just flown with ex-pilot of Atlantic (now BA) informed me ...GUYS we need more videos ..top quality like this to save for the future. This will surely be the last Big 4 turboprop airliner flying ..If we blink it will be gone :o(
Awesome, 16 000hp combined there, no slouch, in fact with good power ratio they can beat a jet for timing on short haul, go upstairs fast and down again.
Plane could do with a wash! Was this taken at Coventry? Wondering what has happened with Reeve Aleution liveried N2RK, ex 178RV, is she still there? She's an ex Air NZ Electra.
You'd have only been a tot, I myself remember Viscounts, F27s etc in NAC days as a boy. Been trying to get something going to save ex and re-patriate ZK-TEB, perfect use for possible ad-hoc freight work, (since it was done as a combi in Reeve days) maybe corporate charter flightseeing, money all going towards its eventual retirement and static preservation, as a piece of our heritage. She's the last operable pax config Electra in the world, too good an opportunity to pass by!
What can I say? Just amazing, five stars. I had the privilege to fly on that lady when Varig operated them on shuttle service between Rio and Sao Paulo.
very good video, 5 stars. I used to fly on these up until 2001 because it was the only passenger plane to fly out into the bering sea in Alaska. Hope to see a video of it landing and using reverse thrust on here. One of the best sounds in the aviation world.
im working at the airport in vienna. the lockheed electra from atlantic airlines comes to vienna nearly daily. this plane is, along with the old antonov freighters, my favorite plane visiting vienna. i like it even more then the jumbo jet.
the sound is simply awesome by these old propeller airplanes. and pollution? who gives a shit!
great vid tyvm.....
OberstGenosse 5 days ago
Cool video!! nice old airliner..
TheGentleman4u 1 week ago
I worked on P3s in Greenville, SC and now work on them in Waco, TX for the Navy. To be able to see an actual civilian Electra is awesome. Thank you for the video. They just don't build them like they used to. I'm sure they could make it to where the P3s never die and the P8s can kiss my ass.
TrAkMan83 1 week ago
omg when it turns around an i saw that it was a Atlantic airlines i was amazed cus this morning i went past Bournemouth air port a saw it in there but when i came back it was gone i wish i saw it take off but its still wear how i got hear to see it again :)
TheJcole14 1 month ago
Vintage aircraft of that period have personality--all of us who are aviation fans to the core of our being know what I mean. The piercing compressor scream and the harmonics of the prop blades just scream character. Every vintage engine has a unique sound, and each aircraft has its own handling characteristics. Put them together, and nobody can convince me that the machine doesn't come alive. Thanks for this amazing video.
Coaljet 1 month ago
I can't stop commenting on the beauty of both sight and sound of this video. There are alot of L188/P3 videos out there, start-ups, shut-downs, in-flights, etc., but none of them even come close to this one in purity of sound and beauty of the picture. Please thank your wife for getting mad at you. We all owe her a debt of gratutide. :)
SSD99 1 month ago
omg ...how beautiful does this sound ........
pvccat1 2 months ago
i used to park, unload and launch saturn air 188s at GAFB, In back in the 70s (LOG Air)
tubelib 2 months ago
Wasn't that bought by Buffalo Airways of Canada?
sdrawkcab96 2 months ago
Thank you for sharing ... it makes me miss Mandala Airlines' LOE that I was used to see in early 1990s @ CGK
TheHawaiianDragon 2 months ago
Thank to my wife who let met alone to watch this with a glass of wine..
TroisCarres 3 months ago
It's sound like classical music...
TroisCarres 3 months ago
I spent a lot of time on 'Orions' and 'Electras'.
This video is like coming home.
The "Orion"/"Electra" is probably my favorite all time aircraft.
Awesome acceleration.
Awesome climb-out.
Unbelievable reliability.
Always a thrill.
The only aircraft in commercial service that could out climb the 'Electra' on takeoff was the Boeing 727.
And the Military (P3) pilots I flew with KNEW this fact and used it.
The houses got small real fast when flying out of NAS North Island or Lindberg in San Diego.
hammerogod 3 months ago
AWESOME VIDEO! The Electra is one of my favorite planes after the 727.
AirplaneVideos1 6 months ago
I remember as a kid living 9 miles north of DTW, hearing CV-580s on approach all the time with their unmistakeable turbo-prop whistle. On rare occasions, I'd see/hear an L-188 going into Willow Run (about 10 miles west of DTW). Same whistle but much louder than the Convair. That's a sound I will never forget. I wish all prop-jets sounded like this. Beautiful video! Pity that SAS truck driver spoils the shot by lingering in front of the camera!
SSD99 6 months ago
Comment removed
SSD99 6 months ago
Comment removed
SSD99 6 months ago
music
walkandlookup 6 months ago
I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to fly on one of these back in 1965. Western Airlines from Stapleton (Denver) to Sioux Falls, SD.
1956MercM260 6 months ago
My gawd, they could serve a full lunch aboard in the time it takes to get the thing runnng.
Peter78730 6 months ago
I LOVE THAT SOUND!!!!!
osdiniz 7 months ago
The Electra never really got a fair shake when it first came out in the late 50's. It debuted shortly before Boeing's 707, which ended up taking commercial aviation into the jet age, making the then-new Electra dated before it ever became fully viable. Beautiful plane, though.
synthuser 8 months ago
I ike Radial's but the Allison 501's really wail too,
Less to go wrong in the long run.
kirkconway 9 months ago
line service at it's best!!
huckins81 10 months ago
Just watching and listening to the engines, I can kinda see how harmonic resonance was a problem in earlier 188s.
madnavigator 10 months ago
Hard to believe they're still flying Electras. I remember them coming into our air base back in the early '80s and they seemed old then. VERY impressive aircraft though. Once they off-loaded their cargo, they did an extremely impressive take-off. It seemed straight up, but that may be a bit of an exaggeration.....but not far from the truth. That plane is a hot rod.
JetMechMA 11 months ago
Never.....EVER....hook-up the power-cart to the truck until the power cart is unplugged from the aircraft. Guess why? It's happened many many times. Many power receptacles have been ripped out by the guts because the driver drove off while the cart was still plugged into the aircraft. Again, NEVER hook up to the external power cart while it is still plugged into the plane. The only one who should hook the cart up to the truck is the one who unplugged it from the plane. Procedures.
JetMechMA 11 months ago
Very lovely aircraft, once they fixed that little wing-ripping-off-in-flight problem. Rode Braniff's Electras from Houston to OKC and Chicago many times in the 60s.
v1ckers 11 months ago
what was the orange cord that the ground crew disconnected from the aircraft?
Jakekellogg1 11 months ago
Does it really take 10 minutes just to start all four engines on the L-188?
br76892 11 months ago
electra varig from brazil, I miss you.....
wagnercaminhoes001 1 year ago
vaya mierdaca!
diiegorondiilla 1 year ago
I love airplane noise.
bagelboi66 1 year ago
I love this so much!
katie10310 1 year ago
Mesmerizing
grooteschuur62 1 year ago 2
hats off to ur wife for making the flight plan on that beast
wheelingdude12 1 year ago
When this aircraft and it's sister C-FIJV operated in Canada, they operated for NWT AIr with 3 other Electra's. IJV and IJR were configured as combi aircraft, NWT Air also had two straight freight configured L-188's NWC, NWD. They also a full Pax version L-188 and all operated in the Canadian Arctic based in Yellowknife as well as scheduled & charter freighter runs across Canada. I had the pleasure of flying in every one of them at various times in my 2+ years with NWT Air
ddandpink 1 year ago
fond memories of 188's of PSA flying out of San Diego and LA and Burbank,
Never forget the whine of those 501's,
and the aeroproduct's four blade prop's,
They have almost a crying sound out of the exhaust when they come in on final,
kirkconway 1 year ago
Everything Lockheed's ever made contained two scoops of awesome.
twal1011 1 year ago
BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TO MY EARS.
MrDanieldb 1 year ago
God what a beautiful sound...
sscs045 1 year ago
Warum hat man den Start nicht mehr gezeigt ?
Hasenkatze8 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This plane is used for aerosol operations against the public
MartinHDJ 1 year ago
@MartinHDJ: Uh oh! Better go tell the pilots of the Black helicopters (ya know, the ones w/o any tail-numbers) over at the New World order! :)
SSD99 9 months ago
@SSD99 Love aircraft, hate chemtrails.
Educate yourself.
MartinHDJ 9 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
If my research is correct this plane is involved with aerosol work over the UK. Chemtrails whatever you want ti call them.
MartinHDJ 1 year ago
Id love a ride in one, or even to just see one.
TheMythfox 1 year ago
I just love the sound of C-130's and Electras on the tarmac and taxing!! Nothing else like it!!!
pulgabros 1 year ago
What's the difference between Allyson T-56 from Herks and L-188 despite the props?
RailcarFerrostaal 1 year ago
@RailcarFerrostaal. T-56 to 501-D13/D15. 1) Gear ratio in reduction box lowered from 12.50 to 13.54:1. Slows prop, reduces noise. 2) Low ground idle speed added. Turbine speed lowered from 13,820 to 10,000 rpm. 3) Fuel & ignition systems modified to allow use of kerosene instead of JP-4. Higher flash point deemed safer. 4) Prop synchronization system added to eliminate harmonic 'beat' frequencies generated when multiple props turn at slightly different speeds. 5) Added safety devices.
quaterpulp 1 year ago
Coool video. But no different than any other turbo prop cranking over.
tbearcooper 1 year ago
Hunky-lookin ramp attendant! HAWT!
mickbrown3621 1 year ago
Your video is so good!....
Thank you for kerozene smell in 7:29...hushushus...
harpsinth 1 year ago
wow the props are so wide!
Aviationnation10 1 year ago
There's an Air Atlantic Electra flying daily out of Jersey C.I at the moment (freight) - Awsome to see in these days of modern twin turboprops !
potheadpixi 2 years ago
How do they start them. Is there an electric motor that starts the turbine?
mistersmith6000 2 years ago
@mistersmith6000. Each Allison has a pneumatic (air driven) starter. Air is sourced from an electric compressor, an external cart, or any running engine (air is taken from the engine compressor's 14th stage air bleed fitting). Pneumatic starters are used because they are small, light, reliable, and powerful. If an electric motor were used, it would be huge and heavy. The turbine must be spun to 6000 rpm before fuel is introduced and the ignitors are lite. Hope this helps.
quaterpulp 2 years ago 6
@mistersmith6000 Its a 40psi boost from the ground power unit that turns the turbine.
schnellguy 1 year ago
This video so kicks a**, and there is nothing more to say, period.
Conversation is so over now, and let the Allison's purr.
mcdonnell220 2 years ago
Civilian version of the P-3 Orion right there.
GP9railfan 2 years ago
Actually, the P-3 is the military variant of the Lockheed Electra L-188 airliner!
BobNWFA 2 years ago
@BobNWFA Yep. We used to get reworked parts from Lockheed every once & awhile that originally came from Electra's. Haha. That was always a big topic of discussion in the shop whenever they showed up from supply, as to whether they'd fit or not. Some of the old "Orion Digest" magazines even talked about interchangeability. Have you ever seen those magazines? They're really neat to browse through, & have lots of useful tech info in them.
GP9railfan 2 years ago
No, I haven't seen "Orion Digest". I'm sure you know a lot more about this than I do. I know that the props are different, and the fuselage is shorter on the P-3. Civilian or military, these Lockheeds are gorgeous!
BobNWFA 2 years ago
@BobNWFA Yeah, look on eBay, & you can buy entire sets for really cheap. The wings on a P-3 are shorter also. Everything else is basically the same externally though, except for the MAD boom on the tail. the basic airframe, hydraulic system, & landing gear are darn near identical also.
GP9railfan 2 years ago
Oh man, what a beautiful noise!
This brings back so many memories when I was a kid riding my bike around Long Beach Airport (KLGB), when Western Airlines (The classic red and white 'Indian Head' livery) was using these babies, and 'Gate 3' was a open walk to the tarmac starting with a chain link fence on either side of you.... :)
And the near by Douglas Aircraft plant had changed it's name to McDonnell Douglas and seeing the first DC-10 takeoff from RWY 30....
TYVM for the upload! :>
foxtype1973 2 years ago
Comment removed
quaterpulp 2 years ago
I remember a Convair with Allison engines very similar to these. I remember they started one engine without the propeller and ran it like a jet for about 15 mins, presumably to charge the battery. Very interesting.
TommyWylie 2 years ago
While the Convair 580 shared the
Allison engine with the Electra, the pilot was not able to decouple the engine from the prop. There was a decoupler, but it was used as an automatic fail-safe device during catastrophic engine/prop failures. It had to be replaced after each use. We used to call it a 'mechanical fuse'. I think the answer is you were flying on a Convair 640, equipped with Rolls Royce Dart engines. It is possible that they were capable of running without the prop turning.
quaterpulp 2 years ago
No it definitely had Allison engines due to the huge wide propeller blades. The aircraft was LN-BWG, used at that time by Air Executive. I knew a Convair was coming in from Norway that day, but I was hoping to see a piston engined 440. However, it was interesting!
TommyWylie 2 years ago
Don't try to tell that Electra it's the jet age. She doesn't mind getting up and going to work! What a great video of a fantastic aircraft!
redcarsarasota 2 years ago
You know, I have almost 200 vintage airliner videos uploaded, but this...to see & hear this in 2008 is surreal. This is the BEST Electra video on YT PERIOD.
Discussion is over!
mcdonnell220 2 years ago 19
This video wouldnt have been possibly if my wife and me didnt have a big fight that day. SO thnaks to her :)
leorim 2 years ago 10
I'll be darned...please thank her for me! ;-)
mcdonnell220 2 years ago
@mcdonnell220: Video is flawless, except for the jerk SAS ground truck driver, who seems to linger in front of the camera shot just to spoil the scene.
SSD99 11 months ago
@mcdonnell220
Mannn,,,, you got that right,
totally!!!!!
kirkconway 6 months ago
Once more on the 'upside down engine' issue. The main reason for this is to make room for the stowed landing gear in number 2 and 3 engine housings. In the C-130, the engine centerline and the intake/exhaust ducting is below the prop centerline. There is no room for the landing gear! It's just an issue of packaging. An added bonus is the high mount intake is less likely to ingest runway trash.
quaterpulp 2 years ago 2
On the upside down engine issue. Allison flipped the gear box from above the engine center line as on the C-130 to below as on the L188/P-3 . This was to keep the prop shaft center line as close to the wing as possible while the engine itself was stuffed under or over the wing as needed. I flew with the -10W and -14 engines, i seem to remember 4600 shp and TIT of 1010c as the normal Max limits. I was told that a light weight P-3 could beat an F-4 Phantom to 10,000 ft. from a standing start.
mightaswellbe 2 years ago
Back in 1968 when my fiance was headed home for Christmas vacation I took her to the airport. We were early so we sat down for a coffee & danish. When the Electra taxied up I told her the story about the wings falling off the plane in it's early days and how they had fixed it. Smart move, she was a nervous flier anyway and she roundly cursed me when she got back. Said she damn near pissed her pants every time they hit any turbulance on the trip. She married me anyway, be 40 yrs in December. :-)
mightaswellbe 2 years ago
bravo congrats sir
yamahonkawazuki 2 years ago
Thanks for the video, I too could smell the burnt kerosene as it taxied out. I only had a couple of flights in the Electra, Braniff I think, but 4000 hours in the back of a P-3 running sonar & radar. A most wonderful airplane. It will be a sad day for aviation when they're gone for good.
mightaswellbe 2 years ago
My dad used to take me to then National airport in Virginia in the 60's to watch aircraft. Really nice to hear the sound of an Electra. I saw those DC-4's6's and 7's along with Connie's, Convair's. Thanks for the history lesson!
ckfsr 2 years ago
Funny thing about the Electra. They lost a few because of structural issues early on. Once those were remedied, that plane has flown for money for more than 50 years. As a kid, we'd stand on the observation deck at what is now Reagan National Airport and watch the Electras from American, Eastern and National make their milk runs. Brings a tear to the eye.
shnewsman 2 years ago
Thanks for this video! Great aircraft and great sound :)
FrankClautier 2 years ago 2
As it turned and taxied I could almost smell the burnt fuel......I used to like seeing them as they departed from here in Norfolk,back in the day operated by National airlines
mauricemva 2 years ago
WE had them here in virginia, operated by national airlines, they flew from here to chs,to, jfk,jax,and to mco .I flew on one from ord to msn northwest and I loved it, that rapid acceration at take off and then rapid decceration at landing is something else.Just cant beat that jet prop power.
mauricemva 2 years ago
I believe the reason the engines are "upside down" so that way companies would be able to distinquish factory allison 501's from a rebuilt or older military spec allison 501 aka T56. thats my guess dont know if its right but it seem logical since T56 in takes are on underside usually.
aheartattack1 2 years ago
That's loud!
intertr0ns 2 years ago
we had eastern electras flying into chattanooga when i was a kid back in the sixties. i dont know how i remembered this but the starting sequence was engine 3, then 1, 2 and 4. 3 would start and then the stairs would be raised. we usually had at least 2 to 3 flights per day going to charlotte nc if i remember correctly,
borderking59 2 years ago
Comment removed
quaterpulp 2 years ago
Hes using the high rpm on engine one to give power to the rest of the engines for starting each one. Think of it as giving a battery jump start to a car with a low battery. :)
merculiv 2 years ago
Comment removed
quaterpulp 2 years ago
Beauty! (Pity Lockheed put the engines on upside down!)
adjn1973 2 years ago
the most bealtyfull sound engine ever!!!
sivadepilif 2 years ago
That's a beauty right there. Old is gold
ariucr 2 years ago
The next time this beauty visits us, I intend to be there for the departure and get it on film again
leorim 2 years ago
great video any chance of an add on?
I would love to see this magnificent aircraft take off
thanks again.
avroken 2 years ago
I flew many times between Rio and Sao Paulo on the shuttle service. That was a very beatiful flight over mountains and the sea. I also once flew on the cockpit from Sao Paulo to Rio. It was fantastic to see the sea coming close on Santos Dumont landing in Rio. For the record, there were 14 Electras on the shuttle, and each one flew approximately 50.000 flights. We missed a great airplane
memonteiro195 2 years ago
Thanx for all your comments. It was truely amazing standing there for 9 minutes fliming thisone. Even when she turned an dI got the jetblast directly into my eyes . But who cares. The result was perfect
leorim 2 years ago
There have been many times electras operated out of Norfolk by National Airlines that as they left the gate I too got hit by jet blast, so as the plane departed I was swept back to those days and I almost could smell the fuel..
mauricemva 2 years ago
@leorim Jetblast? Oh yeah, been there done that. Nothing like the fumes of aviation kerosene in your face. lol. Great video of a classic plane.
WC3POchannel10A 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing. Outstanding capture, great memories.
areshermestop 2 years ago
Old girl is in good shape!
-drl
antimatterXXXIII 2 years ago
I spent several years of my early aviation career working on the Convair 580 with the Allison 501D13 engine and the Aeroproducts propellor. The 4000 Horsepower and bite the props take was always impressive. When you are out doing a horsepower run and the plane is bouncing trying to break free....I miss that old feeling. What an engine!
scottyp82 2 years ago
Wonderful sound ! I use to spent some time at Santos Dumont airport in Rio watching these wonderful aircrafts...
protholz 3 years ago
5 * rating well done Loved your video ..I am Vanguard Man but Electra is great second best . Do you know that the Electra may be out off service here by 2010 because of noise restrictions I just flown with ex-pilot of Atlantic (now BA) informed me ...GUYS we need more videos ..top quality like this to save for the future. This will surely be the last Big 4 turboprop airliner flying ..If we blink it will be gone :o(
jez952 3 years ago 3
I love the L188 and in a freighter configuration is as good as it gets.Great start up!
schnellguy 3 years ago
Thank you!
denberg2 3 years ago
GREAT!!
Thanks os much,
Christian
craviola880 3 years ago
Long ago...I heard these sounds every day. Wonderful sounds. Brings back fond memories.
redletterchurch 3 years ago
Awesome, 16 000hp combined there, no slouch, in fact with good power ratio they can beat a jet for timing on short haul, go upstairs fast and down again.
Plane could do with a wash! Was this taken at Coventry? Wondering what has happened with Reeve Aleution liveried N2RK, ex 178RV, is she still there? She's an ex Air NZ Electra.
Pullisto 3 years ago
And not to mention the engines also had 800 lbs of residual jet thrust each, which helps.
TheOwl 3 years ago
i used to watch them In Wellington NZ
tablatom 3 years ago
You'd have only been a tot, I myself remember Viscounts, F27s etc in NAC days as a boy. Been trying to get something going to save ex and re-patriate ZK-TEB, perfect use for possible ad-hoc freight work, (since it was done as a combi in Reeve days) maybe corporate charter flightseeing, money all going towards its eventual retirement and static preservation, as a piece of our heritage. She's the last operable pax config Electra in the world, too good an opportunity to pass by!
Pullisto 3 years ago
Departurwe time of this bird is at 2045 CET, Its pretty dark by that. Have to wait for next spring. Hopefully they will still fly these old machines
leorim 3 years ago
Brilliant! Would love to see a take off included. Thanks for posting this footage :)
hotelgulf718 3 years ago
The most beautiful sound there ever was in aviation!
abcaster 3 years ago
I have really fond memories of the Electra And Ive flown in the PSA ones yrs ago,
I was in a Convair 640 yrs ago going to Denver from Hays Ks,
But it was nothing compared to the Electra,
The sound of those Allison 501's is really something,
You just wanna sit there and listen to them,
Ahhhhh ,,,, What a Noise,
And the Aero productrs 4 blade props with their square tips and paddle blades makes it even more special,
One Sweet Airplane!
kirkconway 3 years ago
What can I say? Just amazing, five stars. I had the privilege to fly on that lady when Varig operated them on shuttle service between Rio and Sao Paulo.
albareis 3 years ago
Ahh, what a sweet sound. Love the Electra!
BoeingMD11 3 years ago
Real Airplane, Real pilots.........The last of a generation!
soyuzpilot 3 years ago
love the sound from the Allison engine. 5*
flysobo737 3 years ago
Ditto that! I LOVE the spooky whistle when they fly over too!
TheOwl 3 years ago
If only someone could tell me when its arriving here next time I could film the landing. Normally we get TNT Bae146 here
leorim 3 years ago
very good video, 5 stars. I used to fly on these up until 2001 because it was the only passenger plane to fly out into the bering sea in Alaska. Hope to see a video of it landing and using reverse thrust on here. One of the best sounds in the aviation world.
Deadmeat996 3 years ago
im working at the airport in vienna. the lockheed electra from atlantic airlines comes to vienna nearly daily. this plane is, along with the old antonov freighters, my favorite plane visiting vienna. i like it even more then the jumbo jet.
the sound is simply awesome by these old propeller airplanes. and pollution? who gives a shit!
philipp22101988 3 years ago
I would rather fly in an electra than any other plane...lol But with good maintenance I think these planes can last a long long time.
merculiv 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I can't believe this is this flying. It is so old that it is to dangerous to fly. And what about the polution and noise!
gijssa227 3 years ago
Its still flying, I saw it myself. It would be stopped if the polution was too bad
leorim 3 years ago
No! It is not dangerous. Screw the enviroment. I love old aircraft!
BoeingMD11 3 years ago 4
Meget bra.
kkllnmo 3 years ago
Thanks for posting! Do you have any clips from the inside on this aircraft? I have never seen a startup from the cockpit yet.
merculiv 3 years ago
I think filming from inside will be very difficult, SInce doors are closed and the start up has already started. But I will try to get inside once.
leorim 3 years ago