Howard 250 N442D had sat at Little Rock Adams Field, Arkansas since at least August 1998.
Over the years reports suggested that the local authorities were getting tired of the "eye-sore", particularly as the plane's external condition became a little 'shabby'. My thoughts were that she would end her days there as the weads and the vandals took over.
How wrong I was!
In August 2007 I received an e-mail out of the blue from a Mr Noel Oman, a reporter on the Arkansas  Democrat-Gazette it read: [Regarding N442D]" I am a reporter looking into putting together a story on a Lockheed Lodestar that has been sitting at Little Rock National Airport, Adams Field, for about 20 years. A couple of weeks ago, I saw someone obviously working on the aircraft. I checked around and  learned that its owner had come from Miami to restore the aircraft to flying condition. No one is working on the aircraft at the moment but I understand the owner will return. You obviously have an interest in Lockheed Lodestars. What else do you know about this one? "
I contacted Mr Oman and it transpired that he was writing an article about N442D and it's Phoenix-like rebirth! The article was published on the 27th August... it makes interesting reading, click here to read it.
At about the same time I discovered that Gary Doehla was being assisted  by Aubie Pearman owner of Lodestar N781G a long-time contact of mine, it's a small world.
Below are just a few images of N442D as she departed Little Rock for Corinth, MS.

Hats off to Gary and to his daughter, Karly (Head Mechanic) - go girl!

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Credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/RUSSELL POWELL:
Test flight A World War II-era Lockheed Lodestar takes off from Little Rock National Airport, Adams Field, on a test flight.

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Credit: AP
Aubie at the controls July 2007

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Credit: Andrew Thomas via AP
N442D departs Little Rock, 18th September 2007

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Credit: via AP
Years subjected to the Arkansas climate had taken thier toll on the Howard

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Credit: GD
Karly (13) helps dad - hope my daughters turn out like this!