When the Wings and Wheels Museum closed in December 1981, it was sold at auction and acquired by the Science Museum. After the trans-Atlantic ferry-flight 29-30 July 1982, it was flown into the Science Museum's out-station at Wroughton on 3 August 1982.

Ex NC13340 (United Airlines). Preserved at Wroughton since 1982.

Initially delivered to United Airlines (NC13340) in 1933, N18E was the oldest Boeing Airliner still flying when pictured at Oshkosh. Wings and Wheels Museum acquired the Boeing 247 in 1977. After the museum closed it's doors in 1981, the aircraft was bought at auction and moved to the UK in 1982 for store / display at the Science Museum's out station in Wroughton.

Delivered to United Air Lines in 1933 as NC13340, first as a Boeing 247, converted to 247D in July 1935. To the CAA (predecessor of the FAA) in 1942 as NC18. Sold in 1947, to N18 in 1949, and served with various companies. Reregistered as N18E in 1953. Acquired by the Wings and Wheels Museum at Orlando, FL in 1977. The museum closed in December 1981, and the Boeing was bought by the Science Museum in a Christie's auction. An epic delivery flight then took this rare aircraft through Reykjavik, Dublin and Cardiff on 29/30 July 1982. The final leg to Wroughton was flown on 3 August 1982.

The end of another long day!

Delivered to United Air Lines (via National Air Transport) in 1933 as NC13340, first as a Boeing 247, converted to 247D in July 1935. To the CAA (predecessor of the FAA) in 1942 as NC18. Sold in 1947, to N18 in 1949, and served with various companies. Reregistered as N18E in 1953. Acquired by the Wings and Wheels Museum at Orlando, FL in 1977. The museum closed in Dec 1981, and acquired by the Science Museum in a Christie's auction. An epic delivery flight then took this rare Boeing 247 through Reykjavik, Dublin and Cardiff on 29/30 Jul 1982. The final leg to Wroughton was flown on 3 Aug 1982.