This is a VC-131D acquired from Rovos Rail in South Africa, ferried to HARS in August 2016. Built in 1954 as a 44-passenger transport for the USAF, it was effectively a militarised CV-340 and was allocated 54-2820. Stored at MASDC from 1988, it later became CP-2237 and YV-914C before sale as ZS-ARV in 2001. On acquisition by HARS, painted at Wonderboom in the colours worn by TAA CV-240 VH-TAQ in from 1948 to 1954, although there was never a long-nose Convair in Australian airline use. This is the fifth time reg VH-TAA has been used. Absolutely splendid it looks anyway.

Photo shows the aircraft in its original livery. About 1950 TAA started using script lettering in place of the block letters as seen here. Photo from: Townsville City Library

This Convair is actually in a flyable condition but unfortunately can't as HARS currently doesn't have qualified pilots to fly her.

Detail image of the nose markings of this Convair restored to represent a Trans-Australia Airlines scheme from the 1950s.

Delivered new to TAA (trans Australia Airlines) 29th June 1981, leased to various airlines (D-AITA/P2-ANG) before merging into Qantas. Sold as N370PC 8th Sep 1998 and converted to freighter March 1999

TAA publicity photo of its new DC-4. TAA would operate it until it crashed on approach to Brisbane on May 24, 1961 while on a freight flight. The captain had a heart attack and collapsed over the controls as he tried to exit his seat.

This 1954 Convair has had a long history. Built as a VC-131D Samaritan for the USAF (serial 54-2820), it was civilianised in the USA as N43895. It later moved overseas, becoming in turn CP-2237, YV-914C, CP-2237, ZS-OTE, ZS-BRV and ZS-ARV. Purchased from South Africa by HARS, it flew to Australia and became VH-TAA(5) on 14 November 2016. Currently airworthy but non-flying with HARS.

TAA bought VH-TAA as a new production DC-4. Delivered in 1946. Switched to cargo operations in 1960 (it was built with C-54-style double doors). Crashed on approach to Brisbane airport on May 24, 1961. Captain had a cardiac arrest and collapsed over the throttles as he tried to vacate his seat. The throttles closed and the copilot could not get to them. -TAA descended into a mangrove swamp and the cockpit was destroyed when it collided with a tree. Neither pilot survived.

VH-TAA photographed departing Sydney in the early days of its operations.

VH-TAA arrives at Sydney from Melbourne after operating TAA's inaugural A300 service.

VH-TAA arrives at its home base at the end of its delivery flight from Toulouse. TAA bought five A300s which quickly proved too big. Deliveries were delayed and aircraft leased out until traffic grew. -TAA was leased first to Condor as D-AITA and then Air Niugini as P2-ANG.

VH-TAA soon after its return from a 5-year lease to Air Niugini as P2-ANG.