This was originally posted to the Survivors List thread, but it really belongs here.
Ric,
POTENTAL SOURCES OF L-10 DRAWINGS, BLUEPRINTS, PARTS LISTS, etc.
First source: the FAA N-list of OWNERS
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Inquiry.aspxthis tells you who to ask.
***An example:***
S/N 1026, N38BB - Originally delivered to Braniff Airways as NC14937. The N-list will give:
Owner
Frederick W. Patterson III
2 Entrada Cir.
American Canyon CA
you have to go add the zip code from elsewhere 94503-3111
same with phone.
Then, go to the successor of Braniff. From Wikipedia we find: “The remains of the original Braniff—including Braniff Airways original Tax ID number (FEIN)—are retained by a company named "Asworth" in Dallas. Asworth was formed out of the old "Dalfort" corporation and is responsible for paying pilot pensions according to the Braniff Retired Pilots Group, B.I.S.E.”
There were several other companies that operated this aircraft, and I suspect that Patterson will tell you which they were. It also had a different N number when operated by during earlier owners Provincetown-Boston Airlines – N38PB.
Then, go to Provincetown-Boston Airlines.
Many probably had several N numbers over the years. The FAA permits changes for whatever reason the owner has.
Some entries in the FAA Nlist show corporate, or partnership names. You have to search the financial and state company data for real persons involved.
***End of example.***
Second, See Operators under
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Model_10_ElectraFor each US, UK, AUS, NZ, RSA, FR, and Canadian company, or its successor, have your volunteer locate the name of the current company HISTORIAN or ARCHIVIST. Write, or better, call, and ask if their records include the resources used by their maintenance departments, just for Lockheed L-10 aircraft, and if so, can you have a copy. If no historian or archivist, check SEC filings 10K etc., for names of directors – look for contacts.
Third, Air Museums
For all Air Museums that have an L-10, call by phone and ask for the name, address, and phone of the CREW CHIEF of the L-10. Then either call or write that crew chief person and say you are seeking blueprints, drawings, all illustrations for the L-10, and if they have some, can you have a copy. Note, AMs often have ex-military as staff – treat accordingly.
Fourth, South America
Find a person whose mother tongue is W. Hemi Spanish, and have them compose the same for Latin American historical carriers who used L-10s. If you have members in Chile, Argentina & Brazil, enlist them for research and tracking of L-10 graphics..
Fifth. Other Overseas
Because you have members in CAN, AUS & NZ you might ask for volunteers to follow up those airplanes. I do not know if they have public access to data as in US.
Sixth. The wrecks
Leave until last because tracking is difficult UNLESS there is a signpost in the data. See e.g., S/N 1216 in the survivors list. For earlier wrecks, TIGHAR may have a list from when it did the Alaska wreck.