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The VC10 managed to reach the eye of the public in many ways. This page shows some of the publications and other artefacts that are related to the VC10 in its civil life. VC10 Brochure from Ranger Magazine
This wonderful toy was marketed by Airfix, well known for its plastic model kits. It enabled the lucky owner to play the part of a BOAC VC10 Captain, complete with matching hat. Compared to the toys available nowadays it did require a bit more imagination, although according to the box the engine noise was simulated (batteries required).
Photos A. Townshend VC10 Brochure from Ranger Magazine The VC10 was every boy's dream of course, and it is not surprising that Ranger, the National Magazine for Boys, took the time to tell them about it in this brochure. As the text may be hard to read on some pages here are some quotes: "Four Rolls-Royce Conway engines power our VC10. They have no silencers - because they are already quiet enough without them." And after explaining briefly how the engine works: "That busy process is often accompanied by considerable noise. Not so with our aircraft. Not only are its Conway engines extra quiet but they are mounted at the rear of the plane. The effect of this clever idea is that the aircraft flies ahead of its own noise. For passengers like us it is like flying in a gentle giant." The people on the ground were not really considered in those days I guess! Apart from this the real gem in this brochure is the poetry on the last page titled 'To the Captain of a VC10'.
Where better to park a pint.....
Images via A. Townshend and D. Garwood A favourite of mine, and the inspiration for the title of the site: A BOAC bumper sticker.
The VC10 reached many a magazine cover, especially in the first years of its existence.
1. Flight International, 21 June 1962 Images via A. Townshend Thanks to Paul Robinson here are some more covers featuring VC10s.
1. Airlines & Airliners, issue 2, summer 1993 Images via P. Robinson These first day covers were flown on BOAC's inaugural flights to St. Lucia and the Seychelles. Both flights were in 1971, showing that the interest in the VC10 had not lessened by then.
Images via A. Townshend In the days before in flight entertainment systems the Flight Bulletin was the way to let the passengers know how high and how fast they were flying.
1. BA911, Tokyo to Hong Kong on Super G-ASGF Images via G. Hall Before each flight a loadsheet is prepared to determine the aircraft's weight and balance and to ensure that each is within the limitations of the aircraft. This particular sheet is for flight BA591, Super VC10 G-ASGC from London Heathrow to John F. Kennedy Airport, New York.
For a larger and better readable version click here. Image via G. Hall Another important piece of paperwork: the itinerary for a five man cabin crew scheduling them for a 17 day trip to the far east. Some ports of call: Tokyo (HND), Hong Kong (HKG), Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB), Seychelles (SEZ), Johannesburg (JNB) and Nairobi, Kenya (NBO). Of interest is the note: After Take Off from Tokyo the aircraft suffered an engine failure and had to turn back. The next sector to Hong Kong was then flown as a three-engined ferry flight without passengers.
Image via G. Hall These photos show the safety cards that were used by Gulf Air on their VC10s between 1974 and 1978
Images via A. Townshend A 400 piece puzzle showing a BOAC VC10 over an exotic harbour (could it be Hong Kong?)
Pre-printed air mail letters were used in the past to save on weight when using this expensive mode of transport for a simple letter. Some of these were issued with a VC10 stamp on them.
Photo G. Pollard Cut-out BOAC VC10 from Shredded Wheat Free with Shredded Wheat: your very own VC10. This is a deluxe version, it flies and sounds just like a real one! For those with spare time, click here for a PDF version that can be easily printed to build your own aircraft (don't forget to e-mail photos).
Images via J. Downes This wonderful item was donated by Mr. Uwe Horn. An original BOAC VC10 tie, made from sturdy polyester.
Photos J. Hieminga |
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