Added a 64-page Boeing publication from May 1958 titled Boeing Model 707-138 Jet Stratoliner. This is a 6MB PDF scanned from an original copy supplied by the late Bill Fishwick.

Added an image of VH-EBZ as N324F in Flying Tigers livery with El Al titles.

Added the following images:
VH-EBE stored at San Antonio as N793NA.
VH-EBH in BWIA colours as 9Y-TDC at Sydney prior to delivery.
A20-261 at the Internatiional Air Tattoo at Fairford, UK in July 1999.

Added a colour image of VH-EAI in Worldways livery as C-GGAB.

Added the following images:
VH-EBI with Montana as OE-IRA thanks to Peter Gates.
VH-EBE with Pacific Western as CF-PWW.
VH-EBG with British Eagle as G-AWDG.

Added a colour image of VH-EBB in storage at Las Vegas as N790SA thanks to Peter Gates.

Added colour images of VH-EBI and VH-EBL thanks to Nick Sayer.

Added a Slideshow facility which will enable the reader to scroll through the images without having to go back to the thumbnails. However, to read the full caption you will still need to click on the relevant thumbnail. Each Qantas 707 now has its own Slideshow which can be viewed from the Gallery pages:

707-138 Gallery

707-338 Gallery

The Daily Diary of the restoration of VH-XBA also has Slideshow:

Volume 1

Volume 2

Volume 3

Added a recent image of the forward fuselage of the former VH-EAG at HARS thanks to Phil Vabre.

Added an image of VH-EBM as N707XX.

Added an image of VH-EBO in the V-Jet livery thanks to Peter Gates.

Added no fewer than nine images of Qantas 707-138/138B early in their careers thanks to Eric Allen. These are 616 size negatives that were loaned to me for scanning. While I was working my way through the scanning process I received word from Eric's wife Hedy that Eric had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 30th September.

Eric was an accomplished aviation photographer having owned all manner of cameras up to and including a Hasselblad. Eric also did his own darkroom work. Eric will be remembered for his superb book Airliners in Australian Service, two volumes of which were published by Aerospace Publications in 1995 and 1996. Eric also wrote the long-running historical column Yesteryear in Australian Aviation.

Sadly Eric never got to see these images published. They are presented here in Eric's memory.

VH-EBB
VH-EBB with the 40th anniversary emblem
VH-EBC
VH-EBE
VH-EBG
VH-EBH delivery to Sydney
VH-EBI delivery to Sydney
VH-EBJ delivery to Sydney
VH-EBK in partial V-Jet livery

The last image of VH-EBK is quite remarkable in that it shows three Qantas 707s in different liveries. The page on changes to the 707 livery has been updated also.

Added an image of VH-EBG in 40th anniversary markings in 1960 thanks to Peter Gates.

Added an image of VH-EBU as P2-ANH thanks to Eric Allen.

Added two images thanks to Eric Allen. VH-EBC VH-EBD

Added details of two flights on VH-EBA by Gough Whitlam on 03JUN62 and 02NOV62.

The Registration Index page has been expanded to include direct links to the relevant Photo Gallery page as well as the aircraft history page.

Added a image of the former VH-EBB as N138SR on static display at the Paris Air Show in 1991.

Added a image of VH-XBA after having been moved slightly to accommodate the new Airpark roof at QFM Longreach. Thanks to Tom Harwood.

Added an image of the former VH-EBW in Anglo Cargo livery as G-BDEA.

Added an image of the former VH-EBF in El Al livery as N792FA thanks to Stefan Röhrich.

The former VH-EAB has become the first E-8C JSTARS to be retired to Davis Monthan. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4

Added a fine selection of Qantas 707s and former Qantas 707s at Munich thanks to Stefan Röhrich.
VH-EBB as D-ADAP
VH-EBB as TC-JBN
VH-EBB as TC-JBN
VH-EBE as N793NA
VH-EBF as TC-JBP
VH-EBS
VH-EAG

Added an image of VH-EBL at London circa 1964. Thanks to Peter Gates.

Added a colour image of VH-EBG at London circa 1961. Thanks to Nick Sayer.

Added an image of VH-EBQ in Singapore. Thanks to Nick Sayer.

Added an image of the former VH-EAE in British Midland colours as G-BFLD.

Added six excellent images of Qantas 707-338Cs thanks to Peter Gates.

VH-EAA

VH-EAB

VH-EAC

VH-EAE

VH-EAF

VH-EBQ

Added an image of the former VH-EBL stored at Shannon as N-46D.

Added a series of images of VH-EBK undergoing repairs at Mascot after its nosewheel-first landing at Singapore in December 1964. Also added an image of VH-EBK at Brisbane, Eagle Farm in the early sixties. All thanks to Tom Harwood of the Qantas Founders Museum.

Updated the page on the HS.125 with more information on how one of them came to be named Mouse. Thanks to Roger Chin.

Added an image of VH-EAD thanks to Eric Allen.

Added three images:

N7099 thanks to Eric Allen.

P2-ANH thanks to Eric Allen.

G-BFLD thanks to Peter Gates.

Added two images of the HS.125s thanks to Eric Allen. Image 1 Image 2

The page on the HS.125s, has undergone a major update with the addition of many new images. Little Sisters

Added another image of VH-EBE operating a Royal flight into Canberra in February 1963. Also added an image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II disembarking from VH-EAB in 1974. Thanks to Peter Lindeman.

Added an image of VH-EBE operating a Royal flight into Canberra in February 1963. Thanks to Peter Lindeman.

Added five images thanks to Peter Gates.

VH-EAB in th V-Jet scheme.

VH-EAE in the ochre scheme.

VH-EAG in the ochre scheme.

VH-EAG in the ochre scheme.

VH-EBP in the V-Jet scheme.

Added two images thanks to Phil Vabre of the CAHS.

VH-EAC in the V-Jet scheme.

VH-EAC in the V-Jet scheme.

Added four new images.

VH-EAB in the V-Jet scheme thanks to Peter Gates.

VH-EBW in the V-Jet scheme thanks to Peter Gates.

VH-EAI in the V-Jet scheme thanks to Peter Truscott.

VH-EAI in the V-Jet scheme thanks to Peter Truscott.

The page on the USAF JSTARS has been greatly expanded.

Added four images thanks to Eric Allen.

VH-EBC ready for delivery to Standard Airways as N791SA

VH-EBI departing Sydney on delivery to Braniff as N105BN

VH-EBL ready for delivery to Braniff as N107BN

VH-EAH taking-off from Sydney with Dependables #1 and #2 at full song.

Added a selection of Qantas drink coasters featuring the 707. Thanks to Nick Sayer.

Added an image of VH-EBO in GAS Air livery as 5N-ARQ thanks to Peter Gates. Can anyone identify the blue emblem on the aircraft?

Added an image of VH-EBN in Tampa livery and an Arrow Air tail in 1984.

Added an image of VH-EBD at Heathrow soon after being repainted in the V-Jet livery. Thanks to Peter Gates.

We have just seen the 60th anniversary of the delivery of the first Qantas Boeing 707 and to celebrate the event we present something really special. This Autograph Book was signed by the passengers and crew of VH-EBB.

The page on the V-Jet livery has been further expanded with detail notes on colours and markings.

Added an image of the former VH-EBA as C-FPWV with Pacific Western Airlines markings removed.

Added an image of the former VH-EBA as C-FPWV not long before it was withdrawn from service by Pacific Western.

Added an image of VH-EBG at Mascot probably in late 1961 not long before it was converted to 707-138B.

Added an image of VH-EBU in company with Boeing's 737 demonstrator N1359B.
Added an image of VH-EBW operating a combi service.
Both thanks to Phil Vabre of the CAHS.

Added three images of VH-EAG departing the newly opened Sydney International Terminal on 05MAY70. Thanks to Phil Vabre of the CAHS.
Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

Added an image of VH-EBE as N793NA with Egypt Air titles.

Added an image of VH-EBM as N707XX thanks to Keith Burton.

Added an image of VH-EBB as N790SA in THY livery thanks to Firuz Altingoz.
Added an image of the special last day markings on VH-EAG.
Added an image of VH-EAI as A20-629 in tanker configuration.

Added a list of flights on VH-EBA by Captain Jock Ross. These flights have been incorporated into the history of VH-EBA. Thanks to his daughter Sandra and to Greg Weir.

Added an image of VH-EBP at Honululu thanks to Bruce Graham.

Added an image of VH-EBC prior to the departure of the inaugural flight on 29JUL59.

Added an image of VH-EAH at Heathrow in 1969 thanks to Peter Gates.

The Photo Galleries have been refurbished to improve appearance and ease of navigation.

Added an image of VH-EBB as N138SR derelict at Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Subsequent confirmation received that the aeroplane had been broken up by October 2008.

Added an image of VH-EAA as 5Y-AXA with African Expres thanks to Peter Gates.

Added an image of VH-EBH during test flying as N-93194.
Added an image of VH-EBI being rolled out at Renton.
Thanks to the Qantas Heritage Collection.

VH-EBA turns up in the most unexpected places. She even starred in a Tintin comic book published in 1968.

Added an image of VH-EAB as 5B-DAY with United Nations titles. Thanks to Peter Gates.

During the restoration of VH-XBA at Southend, Norman King participated in a parts acquisition expedition which produced An Amazing Moment.

Added an image of VH-EBA at Heathrow circa 1959. Thanks to Graeme Davis whose father David took the photo.

Added a copy of that memorable 1968 press advertisement "Flown only on Sundays by a little old pilot from Pasadena".

Added a selection of images thanks to Peter Gates.

VH-EBX as LV-MZE with TAR.

VH-EBK as 9Y-TDB with BWIA.

VH-EBP as SU-BBA with Air Cargo Egypt.

VH-EBI as OE-IRA with Montana.

VH-EAB as 5B-DAY stripped of paint and with Grumman titles.

BIG NEWS!

John Travolta has announced that he is donating N707JT (formerly VH-EBM) to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) for continued operations. Read the Press Release

Boeing produced only thirteen 707-138s and this now means that the first (VH-EBA/XBA) and the last (VH-EBM) will be preserved in Australia. Perfect bookends!

Added the story of The First Qantas Flight Simulator. With thanks to the late Bill Field and his son Peter.

Added an image of VH-EBN in Tampa Colombia livery as N707GB.

Added an image of VH-EBR at Mauritius in March 1966. Thanks to Norman King.

Added an image of N138TA (EBA) at Basle, Switzerland.

Added 5 new images thanks to Peter Gates.

VH-EBF as D-ADAQ with Air Commerz.

VH-EAC as G-BDKE with British Caledonian.

VH-EBZ as PT-TCS with Trans Brasil.

VH-EBP with Qantas.

VH-EBP with Qantas.

VH-EBS with Qantas.

Added 15 new images of 707-338Cs thanks to Peter Gates and the Qantas Heritage Collection.

VH-EBN pre-delivery.

VH-EBN pre-delivery.

VH-EBN pre-delivery.

VH-EBQ as 9M-ASQ with MAS.

VH-EBQ as 9M-MCQ with MAS.

VH-EBR as 9M-ATR with MAS.

VH-EBR as 9M-MCR with MAS.

VH-EBS as 9M-MCS with MAS.

VH-EBU in the ochre livery.

VH-EBU in the ochre livery.

VH-EAB with modified titles for the Moscow trip.

VH-EAD as A20-624 with retirement tail art.

VH-EAD as A20-624 with retirement tail art.

VH-EAJ pre-delivery.

VH-EAJ pre-delivery.

Also added two images of 707-368C A20-261 thanks to Peter Gates.

A20-261 in blue and white livery.

A20-261 in overrall grey livery.

Added a new page on the Data Plate.

The whole site has been refreshed. The layout of several pages has been improved and numerous corrupted photo captions have been corrected. If you spot anything that needs attention please advise the Webmaster.

The page Why V-Jet? has been greatly expanded to show all the variations in 707 tail markings.

Added an image of VH-EBK which indicates that this aeroplane was delivered in the interim livery. As VH-EBH to VH-EBK were delivered in sequence, this indicates that all of these aircraft would have been delivered in the interim livery.

Added five images of VH-EBH on a pre-delivery test flight.
Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5

Added an image of VH-EBH undergoing an engine change at Mascot.

Added an image of VH-EBH on delivery to Sydney.
Added an image of a Qantas 707 jigsaw puzzle.

Added several images of VH-EBB during its delivery flight. Also added a discussion on the name carried by VH-EBB for its delivery flight.

Added an image of VH-EBJ with Egypt Air as SU-FAA.

On 3rd October 2015 came the sad news that ATC Lasham Ltd. at Southend had been placed in administration. This prompted the 707 Rescue Team to publish a tribute in the Southend newspaper. This tribute also appears on this website here.

Added two images:
HZ-123 (VH-EBA) with the Saudi Government.
OE-URA (VH-EBI) ex Montana Austria.

Added five images:
VH-EBA colour image of roll out at Renton. (Thanks to Peter Gates)
VH-EBD at LHR c.1960. (Thanks to Peter Gates)
N138SR (VH-EBB) at MEL in 1994. (Thanks to Paul Hockey)
CF-PWV (VH-EBA) in the snow.
TF-AEC (VH-EAB) in Air Arctic/Surinam Airways markings.

The page linking to videos of VH-XBA has been deleted from the QFM 707 Project section as all videos are no longer online.

The forward fuselage of A20-627 (VH-EAG) was delivered to HARS at Albion Park on this date.

Added a table of the first RAAF 707 aircrew and their Qantas trainers. Thanks to Tony Ryan for this contribution.

Added a chronology of the disposal of the RAAF 707s. The Disposal Saga

It is with much sadness that we record the passing of one of XBA's pilots, Roger Walter. Tribute

Added an image of N7099 in Qantas Cargo livery. Thanks to Peter Gates.

Added an image of G-BFLD (VH-EAE) in DETA livery.
Added an image of HL7432 (VH-EAF) in Korean Air Lines Cargo livery.
Added an image of N138TA (VH-EBA) at the Paris Air Show in 1981.

Added a new page on - Airport - the Movie & the Movie Star that came to work for Qantas. The story of VH-EBZ.

Added a typical seat configuration drawing for a 707-338C.

Added a screen shot of N324F (later VH-EBZ) in Trans Global Airlines livery for the 1969 movie Airport.

Added an image of OD-AFY (N7099) being broken up at Amsterdam.
Added an image of OD-AFY (N7099) being broken up at Amsterdam.
Added an image of C-FPWV (VH-EBA) in Pacific Western livery.
Added an image of N138SR (VH-EBB) in Republique du Congo markings.
Added an image of N138SR (VH-EBB) in Comtran markings.
Added an image of N791SA (VH-EBC) in Standard Airways livery.
Added an image of N792FA (VH-EBF) with the cockpit cut off.

Added an article comparing the Boeing 707-138B with the Boeing 707-338C.

Added an image of N793SA (VH-EBE) in Standard Airways colours.
Added an image of HZ-123 (VH-EBA) with the Saudi Government.
Added an image of OD-AFY (N7099) being broken up at Amsterdam.

Added an image of 9Q-CLK (VH-EBG) ready for return to the DRC Government.
Added an image of N14791 (VH-EBP) in TWA Cargo jet colours.
Added an image of 6O-SBN (VH-EBR) stored at Stansted in Somali Airlines colours.

Added an image of VH-EBE thanks to Nigel Daw.

Added an image of VH-EBM with markings removed prior to sale to Braniff. Thanks to Ken Watson.

Added an image of VH-EBA in Pacific Western livery but still registered as VH-EBA. Thanks to Ken Watson.

Added a tribute page to Bill Fishwick who passed away on 12 May this year.

Added an image of VH-EBE wearing a Malaysia Singapore Airlines logo. Thanks to Phil Vabre of the Civil Aviation Historical Society.

Added five images of N624RH (VH-EAD) departing and arriving Amberley yesterday and today. Thanks to Mick Raftery.

Added an image of N624RH (VH-EAD) taken yesterday while the aircraft was on approach to Amberley. Thanks to Mick Raftery.

Added an image of N624RH (VH-EAD) departing Honolulu bound for Amberley in support of military exercises in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Thanks to Ivan Nishimura of HNL RareBirds.

Added two images of the instrument panel of VH-EBB. Thanks to Phil Vabre of the Civil Aviation Historical Society.
LHS RHS

Added two new images.
N138TA (VH-EBA) at Le Bourget wearing the name Star of the Desert.
9Q-CLK (VH-EBG) in 707 Dreamliner colours at Miami.

Added an image of VH-EBA at Brisbane, Eagle Farm in 1960. Thanks to Peter Gates.

It is with much sadness that we record the passing of Bill Fishwick on 12 May. Bill's funeral was held in Sydney on 17 May. Bill was an engineer that other engineers looked up to and he has provided for us most generously with many contributions to this website. A full tribute to Bill will be added to the website in due course.

Added an image of the former VH-EBD in British Eagle colours as G-AVZZ during crew training at Avalon in January 1968. The image was contributed by Michael Philpott who also describes his time with the aircraft at British Eagle.

Added a remarkable piece of aero philately, a cover that was flown on VH-EBC in August 1959 and again on VH-XBA in December 2006.

It has emerged that the former VH-EBA was photographed at Paris Le Bourget in June 1983 wearing the name "Star of the Desert". The significance of this name is a mystery even to former employees of Tiger Air and Airmark. It is speculated that it may have been for a movie or a photo shoot and may not have flown with this marking. Hopefully a reader will recognise it. The image can be viewed here.

Several other images have been added:

VH-EBD as G-AVZZ in International Caribbean colours.
VH-EBE as VP-BDE in Bahamas World colours.
VH-EBK as 9Y-TDB undergoing conversion to an executive aircraft.
The former Saudia HZ-ACC in partial RAAF livery as the "Hulksbury".

Added an image of a sticker which was issued in 1959 to promote the introduction of the 707. Thanks to Phil Vabre.

Added a new page on the 707 Q Bellows System.

We are advised that the plaque recording the historical significance of what was once the QFM Executive Suite of Offices at Southend has "gone walkabout". Please see here for details.

While we hope that it is not an omen, John Travolta's 707 N707JT (formerly VH-EBM) recently took on the appearance of a Pan American 707 for an appearance in the American Broadcasting Company television series "Pan Am". Through the use of sheet vinyl decals, the aeroplane was transformed into "Jet Clipper Majestic" with the registration N1703D. Incongruously, the tail retained its Qantas V-Jet livery, so presumably this was out of shot for the filming which was all done on the ground. Our thanks to Fred Miller of LongIslandWallpapers.com for permission to use his images.

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Added a gallery of images of the final departures from Richmond of N623RH (VH-EAC), N624RH (VH-EAD) and N629RH (VH-EAI). Thanks to Darin McLean and CPL Colin Dadd of Australian Defence.

Added an interesting image of CF-PWV (formerly VH-EBA) with her tail protruding from a hangar in Vancouver.

Boeing 707-338C N623RH (formerly A20-623 and VH-EAC) departed Richmond today (one day earlier than expected) on delivery to Omega Air. The departure of this aircraft brings to a close Boeing 707 operations in Australia. This leaves VH-XBA as the only intact Boeing 707 in Australia. The forward fuselage of the former VH-EAG is expected to join the HARS collection soon. Details here

Two of the three ex RAAF tankers departed Richmond on 23OCT11 on delivery to Omega Air. The third aircraft is scheduled to depart on 26OCT11. Details here

Added a photo of VH-EBT all alone at Melbourne's new Tullamarine Airport prior to operating the first scheduled commercial service from Tullamarine on 1 July 1970. Thanks to Phil Vabre of the Civil Aviation Historical Society.

The three remaining RAAF 707s have been placed on the US Register on sale to Omega Air as tankers. The forward fuselage of A20-627 is now going to HARS at Albion Park. The former A20-261 is being parted out at Manston. Details here

The former VH-EBG has completed twelve months of heavy maintenance and is due to be returned to the Government of the DRC. This image of 9Q-CLK comes via Dave Short.

The "Class of 58" have been identified thanks to Noel Taylor, Bill Fishwick and Dave Short.

Added 10 new images.

VH-EBA on the production line with a group of Qantas engineers (thanks to Bob Sprague)

VH-EBA as N138TA with Tiger Air

VH-EBE as N793NA with Aeroamerica

VH-EBG as N600JJ ex Laker

VH-EBM as N108BN with Tracy Investments

VH-EBM as N707JT soon after sale to John Travolta

VH-EBO as N4225J es Singapore Airlines

VH-EBO as N4225J with Arrow Air

VH-EAC as G-BDKE on short term lease to British Caledonian

VH-EAI as C-GGAB with Worldways Canada

Bill Fishwick has provided an interesting piece on some of the engineering features of the original B707-138 which were not incorporated in the B707-138B. Read Bill's story here.

The former VH-EBG still operates with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as 9Q-CLK. The aircraft has been under overhaul in Miami since August 2010. It was photographed at Miami on 10 January 2011 wearing pseudo Boeing house colours. Thanks to Brian McDonough / skyliner-aviation.de for the image.

The former VH-EAA, now a Joint-STARS E-8C with the USAF, has been modified with JT8D-219 engines.

Thanks to Jacob and Jim Forst we have received two recent images of the former VH-EBT in service with the USAF as an E-8C named "Problem Child". Also added a recent image of the former VH-EBV from the same source. These images can be viewed on the Joint-STARS page.

Sadly, VH-EBR faced her final curtain in Tucson yesterday when the last remaining airframe section was torn apart for scrap. Thanks to Bob Maddern in Tucson for the photo.

Sadly, an increase in scrap metal prices has brought the former VH-EBR another step closer to oblivion. Thanks to Bob Maddern in Tucson for these recent images.

VH-EBR as N449J 14 June 2010
VH-EBR as N449J 18 June 2010
VH-EBR as N449J 26 June 2010

There have been 6 new images added to the site:

VH-EBD with VH-EBG at San Francisco (thanks to Phil Vabre of the Civil Aviation Historical Society)
VH-EBJ boarding passengers at Sydney (thanks to Phil Vabre of the Civil Aviation Historical Society)
VH-EBF in THY livery as TC-JBP
Ansett's VH-HTC in German Cargo livery as D-ABUA

Thanks to Bob Maddern in Tucson we have two images of poor old VH-EBR as she moves another step closer to oblivion. Recently the top of the fuselage was removed to enable the sale of the window panels to a customer in Belgium. The remainder of the airframe will probably survive only until scrap metal prices improve. The two fuselage panels bearing the name Somali Airlines are available for sale to interested parties.

VH-EBR as N449J with the top of the fuselage removed
VH-EBR as N449J showing the Somali Airlines panels

Added two images of the fin and rudder from the former VH-EAG en route to Longreach. Thanks to David Murphy for the photos.
A20-627 fin and rudder
A20-627 fin and rudder

There have been 7 new images added to the site:

VH-EBB undergoing an engine change in Brisbane in August 1959
VH-EBB undergoing an engine change in Brisbane in August 1959
VH-EBB departing Brisbane after an engine change in August 1959
VH-EBS in Malaysian Airlines System livery but still operating as VH-EBS
VH-EBM in TAG livery as N108BN
The RAAF spares aircraft (Hulksbury) in early Saudi Arabian Airlines livery as HZ-ACC
The RAAF spares aircraft (Hulksbury) in later Saudia livery as HZ-ACC

Special thanks to retired Qantas Sales Rep Rex Kirkham for the three images of VH-EBB.

Added an image of the former VH-EBS in Malaysian Airline System livery as 9M-MCS thanks to Doug Green.

There have been several images added to the site:

VH-EBE as N793NA in storage at San Antonio
VH-EBF as N792FA in El Al colours
VH-EBG as N707KS in VIP config
VH-EBH as VR-CAN in VIP config
VH-EBK as N58937 stripped of paint
VH-EAE in service at Heathrow
VH-EAG with end of 707 era markings
VH-EBX in British Caledonian colours as G-BCAL
VH-EBZ in Flying Tiger colours with El Al titles as N324F
VH-EBZ in Aer Lingus colours with Arkia titles as EI-ASO

Non-Qantas 707 additions:

The RAAF's A20-261 in service with Saudia as HZ-ACI
Transcorp's VH-HTC pre-delivery as D-ABUA

Added an image of the former VH-EAG being dismantled at Richmond. The forward fuselage will be preserved by the RAAF Museum at Point Cook and the fin/rudder will be displayed at the Qantas Founders Museum at Longreach.

There have been several images added to the site.
VH-EBA at Tokyo in 1961.
VH-EBC operating the inaugural SYD/SFO flight on 29JUL59. Thanks Joe Plemenuk.
VH-EBJ as OE-INA in Montana Austria colours.
VH-EBL as N107BN in Braniff colours. Thanks Robert Phillips.
VH-EBM as N108BN in Braniff colours. Thanks Robert Phillips.
VH-EBV as 9J-AEL in Zambia Airways colours #1.
VH-EBV as 9J-AEL in Zambia Airways colours #2.
VH-EBV as 9J-AEL in Zambia Airways colours #3.
VH-EBX as LV-MZE in TAR colours.

There are also several new images of 707s of other operators.
A20-103 RAAF
A20-261 RAAF
VR-HTC Transcorp
HC-BTB AECA Cargo

Vicki Maynes (nee English) was a Flight Attendant with Airmark Corporation when they operated the former VH-EBA as N220AM. Vicki has kindly provided a photo of herself and fellow Flight Attendant Lynn Daugherty (nee DeGrasse) with Michael Jackson in the cabin of N220AM. Thanks Vicki.

Thanks to the power of the Internet, we have been contacted by David Rowland who was Vice-President Operations for Airmark Corporation when that company operated the former VH-EBA as an executive aircraft. David has provided a detailed insight into Airmark's use of the aeroplane, particularly with regard to the Michael Jackson connection. David has also provided several images of the cabin and the cockpit. Thank you David for this most valuable contribution to the history of this famous aeroplane. Airmark Corporation and the former VH-EBA

Thanks to Jon Proctor for providing this magnificent study of VH-EBA in the special 40th anniversary livery at New York, Idlewild in August 1960.

The former VH-EBG has been sighted at Nairobi bringing President Kabila for talks on the emerging humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thanks to Jeroen de Clercq for the sighting and this image.

Added an image of the dismantling of EL-AKJ, the other Southend 707. Thanks to Phil Whalley for this sad image.

The latest news from Longreach-on-Sea is that the "QFM Executive Suite of Offices" has not entirely surrendered its green heritage.

Added an image of A20-629 (formerly VH-EAI) in tanker configuration at RAAF Amberley in 2004 thanks to Nick Sayer.

Added an image of VH-EAI in transit at Rome on 9 September 1969. Thanks to Peter Truscott who was a passenger on the aircraft from Hong Kong to London.

Thanks to Yvonne Chong we have added a selection of images from the reception at the Australian High Commission in London on 18 July 2006.

Thanks to Ian Dorling of ATC Lasham in Southend we are able to present the remarkable story of Longreach on Sea.

Thanks to some excellent detective work by 707 enthusiast Richard Vandervord in the UK, we now know that the former VH-EBK was intact much longer than previously believed and in all probability is still intact at the time of writing. Richard's story bears repeating. While his son was watching the movie Black Hawk Down, Richard noticed that one scene included a 707 in the background. Closer examination revealed that it was registered CN-ANS, the former VH-EBK which was last heard of with the Moroccan Government in the late eighties. Further investigation revealed that Black Hawk Down was indeed filmed at Kenitra in Morocco. Using Google Earth, Richard has established that the aeroplane was still intact as recently as 14 December 2006. Thank you Richard. All we need now is for someone to utter those immortal words; "We should go and get that".

VH-EBK as she appeared in Black Hawk Down

VH-EBK as she appears on Google Earth

Added an image of VH-EBA at London Heathrow on 14 September 1963.
Added an image of VH-EAC as G-BDKE during the BCAL lease of 1975.
Added an image of VH-EBB as TC-JBN with Turkish Airlines.
Added an image of VH-EBB in executive configuration as N790FA.
Added an image of VH-EBO as 9V-BFN with Singapore Airlines Cargo.
Added an image of VH-EBT as G-BFLE in LAM livery.
Added an image of HS-125 VH-ECF on the grass at Hatfield.

The nose section of VR-CAN (formerly VH-EBH) is to be converted into a simulator. Thanks to Dan Brownlee for this image.

Following the retirement of the last RAAF 707 on 30 June, changes have been made to the layout of the site. The page which previously recorded 707 operators other than Qantas (RAAF and Ansett) has been split into two. The RAAF page has been expanded with new information and images. Similarly, the Ansett page now includes two images of their aeroplane.

The full story of the restoration of VH-XBA is now accessible in the public area of this website.

The Daily Diary - Vol 1 (30JAN06 to 21NOV06)

The Daily Diary - Vol 2 (22NOV06 to 07DEC06)

Dick Woodrow has provided a list of his flights on VH-EBA from 17OCT63 to 13FEB66. These details have been incorporated into the history of VH-EBA.

It has been our practice to include contributed log book extracts for VH-EBA within the history page for the aeroplane. Although this will continue, there have been several instances where these contributions have been sufficiently extensive to demand presentation as a stand-alone document. These documents, which can be viewed as a PDF (Portable Document Format), have been listed in a table on the page for VH-EBA.

Added a summary of arrivals of non-British subjects on VH-EBA from 27AUG59 to 14FEB67 sourced from the National Archives of Australia by Colin Lock. This summary can be downloaded as a PDF here.

Added a summary of flights by VH-EBA from 26JUL59 to 31OCT67 sourced from the log book of Bill Strangward by Colin Lock. This summary can be downloaded as a PDF here.

Added a summary of flights by CF-PWV (formerly VH-EBA) from 23NOV67 to 15APR68 sourced from the log book of Bill Strangward by Colin Lock. This summary can be downloaded as a PDF here.

The former VH-EBG, now 9Q-CLK, is on the move again in connection with meetings regarding the disputed Zimbabwe election.

The page on the Qantas HS-125s has been expanded and several new images have been added. The page now includes a brief reference to the Department of Civil Aviation HS-125 VH-CAO and the Department's lease of VH-ECE while their own aircraft was being repaired after a landing accident. Unfortunately, "Mouse" still defies identification.

Recently, Bill Fishwick challenged the statement that the Qantas HS-125s were not given individual names. Bill had a distinct recollection that one of the aircraft was named "Mouse" for a brief period. Much discussion ensued and several engineers supported Bill's recollection although none could provide any proof. That was until Roger Chin delved into his archives. Thanks to Roger, who is still licensed on the aeroplane, we have been able to add this image of Mouse. We are still trying to establish which aeroplane carried the name.

Added an image of the former VH-EBA in Pacific Western livery as C-FPWV.

Added an image of VH-EBC in September 1959, probably taken at Honolulu. This image comes from the collection of the late Barry Flood, one of the founders of the Queensland Air Museum.

Reader Stephen Swayne has contributed this image of a certificate which was presented to him to commemorate his crossing the equator on VH-EBN. Thanks Steve.

Bill Fishwick has now provided us with a written account of his time at Avalon in the early days of the 707. Bill's story complements the wonderful photographs which he contributed earlier. Thanks Bill.

Bill's Story

Bill's Photos

Sometimes it is possible to admire an image of a beautiful aeroplane without appreciating what is going on at the time the photo was taken. Robert Phillips has elaborated on the circumstances surrounding this image of the former VH-EBB which was supplied by Paul Hockey. Thanks Robert.

N790SA #1

Added an image of the former VH-EBG as N707KS when the aircraft was owned by Sheikh Salem bin Laden.

Bill Fishwick has contributed an account of an engine change on VH-EAI in Tahiti in May 1971. The story is illustrated with several of Bill's wonderful photos.

Added five new images:
VH-EBD in Laker Airways livery as G-AVZZ
VH-EBO with GAS Air Cargo titles as 5N-ARQ
VH-EBT in Gulf Air Cargo colours as G-BFLE
N7099 in TMA colours (very faded) as OD-AFY
N7099 in TMA colours (freshly painted) as OD-AFY

Thanks to Phil Vabre of the Civil Aviation Historical Society, we have an interesting photo of an unidentified crew member in the cockpit of VH-EBB, probably not long after the aeroplane was delivered to Sydney. Can anyone identify the gentleman?
Next time you are in Melbourne, visit the CAHS Airways Museum at Essendon.

Thanks to Lumain van Vuuren, General Manager Admin of FAAircraft Interiors and Exteriors (Pty) Ltd in Lanseria, South Africa, we have a comprehensive selection of images of the recent refurbishment of the former VH-EBG.
Thanks also to Barry Stanley who has provided interesting anecdotes regarding VH-EBG when she served with British Eagle and Laker.
Thanks also to Ian Gurney for telling us about an eventful ferry flight in SU-FAB, formerly VH-EBI.

Bill Fishwick has discovered another batch of slides taken at Avalon and Sydney in 1959-61. These have been appended to his earlier contribution. Thanks Bill.

She lives! The elusive VH-EBG has turned up in South Africa. The aeroplane is still in service with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as 9Q-CLK. She was photographed at Lanseria, South Africa just ten days ago while visiting for interior modifications. Thanks to Ian Malcolm of AFAVIA for the images.

9Q-CLK #1
9Q-CLK #2
9Q-CLK #3
9Q-CLK #4

Thanks to a heads-up from QFM's Patron, Ron Yates, we have learned that Karen Glass delivered a talk on the 707 Project to the Qantas Flight Hostess Club at the august Queen's Club on 22 May. A transcript of Karen's talk can be found here.

Now that XBA is not making history on a daily basis, I have been able to catch up with a backlog of historical images.

VH-EBD in the V-Jet scheme at San Francisco thanks to Bill Fishwick.
VH-EBK on her way to BWIA as 9Y-TDB thanks to Russell Smith.
VH-EBF in the original livery thanks to Daryl Jordan.
VH-EBL on the production line thanks to Fran Short.
VH-EBL with C.O. Turner thanks to Fran Short.
VH-EBL fresh out of the paintshop thanks to Fran Short.
VH-EBL on the flight line thanks to Fran Short.
VH-EBM during JT's recent visit to Stansted thanks to Keith Burton.
VH-EBM during JT's recent visit to Stansted thanks to Keith Burton.
VH-EBQ in MAS colours as 9M-MCQ thanks to Peter Gates.
VH-EBC in the original livery thanks to Peter Gates.
VH-EBF in the V-Jet scheme thanks to Peter Gates.
VH-EBJ in the V-Jet scheme thanks to Peter Gates.
VH-EBH in BWIA colours as 9Y-TDC from the Webmaster's collection.
VH-EBJ in Montana colours as OE-INA from the Webmaster's collection.
VH-EBM as N707JT from the Webmaster's collection.
N7099 in an all white scheme as OD-AFY from the Webmaster's collection.
VH-EBU with military serial 67-30053 (JSTARS) from the Webmaster's collection.

Now that VH-XBA has been decommissioned at Longreach, we have been able to close off the Daily Diary with Norman King's final report. Highlight of this report is a sound recording of Ian Dorling's moving speech at the Longreach dinner on 10 June 2007.

Even though the Daily Diary is now concluded, this website will be maintained indefinitely, albeit at a less frenetic pace.

There is a new page on Qantas 707 operations to Saigon during the Vietnam war. Skippy Squadron organiser and former Qantas Flight Service Director, Alan Kitchen, particularly wants to hear from Qantas tech crew who operated these flights.

There have been two additions to our collection of VH-XBA video.
The Canberra crew familiarisation flights on 7 June thanks to Steve Rowland.
The arrival in Longreach on 10 June thanks to Greg Weir.
Added an image of VH-EBA after withdrawal from Qantas service in October 1967. Thanks to Neil Follett.

As VH-XBA prepares to depart Sydney for the last time, it is appropriate that we should be able to present a series of 40 year-old images depicting what was thought at the time to be her last departure from Sydney. These photographs of EBA prior to her delivery to Pacific Western Airlines as CF-PWV, were taken by Paul Hockey who probably imagined it was the last time he would see EBA. Little was he to know in 1967 that nearly 40 years later, EBA would re-enter his life in a big way. Paul is one of the volunteer engineers who made it possible for EBA to return to Australia permanently.

CF-PWV #1
CF-PWV #2
CF-PWV #3
CF-PWV #4

Paul has also contributed two images of the former VH-EBB prior to delivery to Standard Airways as N790SA.

N790SA #1
N790SA #2

Many thanks Paul.

Added a new page titled Qantas and the 707. This page was written by Dr Ron Yates who is the world authority on the subject. Our thanks to Ron Yates for permission to reproduce this paper.

Charles Page has sent us a remarkable story of how VH-EBA touched his life. Don't miss A Page from the History of VH-EBA. Thank you Charles.

Added two new pages.
The Long and the Short of "The Qantas Boeing" tells the true story of how the 707-138 came to be 10 feet shorter than other 707s.
QFM's Quotable Quotes lists some of the more memorable quotes from the QFM 707 Project, the printable ones anyway!

The remarkable story of X-RAY BRAVO ALPHA has been told on a series of 11 panels which have been placed on display at the Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach. All 11 panels can be viewed here.

Noted aviation artist, Nikyla Smith, has just completed a magnificent painting of VH-EBA arriving over Sydney Harbour on her delivery flight. The painting is featured here.

Peter Gates has filled a gap in our photo coverage with an image of VH-EBR in the V-Jet livery. Can anyone identify the location? Thanks Peter.

Bruce Hoy has provided us with two images of VH-EBA taken at Eagle Farm, Brisbane on 19 December 1959. Bruce has been able to deduce the exact date as he recalls that he was at the airport to meet his eldest brother who was returning to Brisbane on the Qantas Super Constellation from Port Moresby. The photos were taken by his father, Eric Hoy. Thanks Bruce.

VH-EBA Loading at Brisbane
VH-EBA This image includes vehicles from three fuel companies.

Bob Kennedy has provided a dramatic photo of VH-EBB landing at Sydney on its delivery flight on 2 July 1959. Thank you Bob.

Des Sullivan from the Qantas Heritage Collection has kindly provided three very interesting photographs:

VH-EBH wearing the interim livery as N-93134
VH-EBI wearing the interim livery prior to delivery
VH-EBI wearing the interim livery and the name Winton after delivery

Thank you Des.

This day in history.
On 7 February 1968 (39 years ago today), the former VH-EBC collided with a building at Vancouver Airport. This photo by Tom Grant was brought to the attention of the Webmaster on this day by Bill Fishwick and approved for use on the website by Tom Grant, also on 7 February. The caption to the photo includes Tom Grant's eyewitness account of the accident as well as a report by Graham Collins on the collateral damage to other aircraft. Thank you Tom and Graham.

David Long has reminded us what a priceless mine of information is to be found in a pilot's log book. David has put his log book to good use to describe his endorsement on the B707-138B while also emphatically putting the business case for the simulator!

The following new images have been added:

VH-EBB at Heathrow in the V-Jet livery (Thanks to Rod McDonnell)
VH-EBG at Heathrow in the V-Jet livery (Thanks to Frank Knottenbeld)
VH-EBI at Heathrow in partial V-Jet livery (Thanks to Frank Knottenbeld)
VH-EBK at Heathrow in the V-Jet livery (Thanks to Frank Knottenbeld)

Frank Knottenbeld advises that he went in search of the former VH-EBP at Cairo in March 2004 only to be told that the aeroplane had been broken up three months earlier. The aircraft had been in use as a restaurant. Frank also advises that the nose section of the leased freighter N7099 is intended for use as a dive wreck!

Richard Vandervord has contributed a very early 707-138 Safety Procedures folder.

Thank you to all contributors.

David Long has contributed an interesting story about The Slender Rice Flower. Thank you David.

In a similar vein, there is also a new page describing the 707-138 Cabin. Thanks to Bill Fishwick and Victor Warren.

When Phill Aberline was seconded from Qantas to Air Pacific, he probably never anticipated that it would fall to him to have the honour of affixing the City of Canberra name and coat of arms to VH-XBA during her Nadi stopover. However, this was not to be Phill's only contribution to the project. During his time in Fiji, he made the acquaintance of a gentleman by the name of Victor Warren. Victor used to live in Vancouver where his wife was a flight attendant with Canadian Pacific. Victor, bless him, liked to photograph aeroplanes and sometime around 1960 he took a series of colour slides of a Qantas Boeing 707-138 at Vancouver. Significantly, Victor also photographed the first class and economy class cabins. What is of even greater significance is that the aeroplane was VH-EBA. Enjoy!

VH-EBA Head-on view
VH-EBA City of Melbourne
VH-EBA Rear view with a Canadian Pacific Britannia
VH-EBA The First Class cabin
VH-EBA The Economy Class cabin

Thank you to Victor and Phill.

Added 4 new images:
VH-EBN as 9V-BFW with Singapore Airlines titles removed
VH-EBU as B-2426 with Shanghai Airlines
VH-EAA as OO-YCK with Young Cargo
VH-EAA as N733Q in African Express colours

Bill Fishwick has provided an outstanding selection of 16 colour images which he took at Avalon soon after 707 deliveries began in 1959. These remarkable images can be viewed here. Thanks Bill.

Thanks to Southend resident, Tony Rogers, we have video of the two test flights by VH-XBA. The videos are hosted on You Tube and you can find the links here.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers.

Readers can now follow the progress of the delivery flight of VH-XBA.

Thanks to Malcolm Nason for driving from Shannon to Dublin to take this sequence of images of VH-XBA landing in Dublin on 8 December.

VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA

Thanks to Gabe Basco in Tenerife for this striking photo of VH-XBA landing at Tenerife Sur Reina Sofia on 8 December.

VH-XBA

Again thanks to Keith Burton we have 8 images of VH-XBA's final departure from Southend. As a Southend resident with a passion for 707s, this was probably a sad occasion for Keith as he has been photographing this aeroplane at SEN for many years. Thank you Keith for your outstanding contribution to the history of the aeroplane.

VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA

Keith Burton has provided more of his wonderful images of VH-XBA's second test flight on 6 December. Thank you Keith.

VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA

Added an image of VH-EAH in Qantas service. Thanks to Rod McDonnell.

Southend resident, Keith Burton, was on hand to record these beautiful images of VH-XBA's first test flight on 2 December. Thank you Keith.

VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA

Thanks to Keith Burton for three stunning images of the taxy trials.

VH-XBA
VH-XBA
VH-XBA

Added four new photos.

VH-EBG as N600JJ in the gold top livery
VH-EBL as N107BN with Merpati Nusantara
VH-EAB as TF-AEC with ZAS Airline of Egypt
VH-EBN as PT-WSZ with Skymaster Airlines of Brazil

For reasons of completeness, there is now a page listing Australian Boeing 707 operators other than Qantas.

For one day in 1992, the former VH-EBO which had left Qantas service twenty years earlier, was named "City of Townsville" once again for old time's sake. Read why.
Thanks Bert.

Results from the search page indicate that readers have been looking for 707 specifications. Thanks to the assistance of Tracey Smiley, there is now a page on 707-138B Specifications.

Added two new photos of VH-EBG taken at Seattle prior to delivery.

VH-EBG The crew inspecting the fifth pod.
VH-EBG Showing the fifth pod and the noise suppressors.

Thanks to Tracey Smiley for sourcing these wonderful photos.
Please contact the Webmaster if you can assign names to the two unidentified crew members in the first photo.