"HARDER TO FIND" Skyline Model Lockheed L-1011 Tristar UK - Royal Air Force ZD953 Scale 1/200

Skyline Model Lockheed L-1011 Tristar UK - Royal Air Force ZD953 Scale 1/200

ZD953 was one of several **Lockheed L-1011 TriStar aircraft operated by the **Royal Air Force (RAF), specifically adapted for air-to-air refuelling and passenger/cargo transport duties. Originally built as a civilian airliner for **British Airways** in the early 1980s, it was later retired from commercial service and acquired by the RAF.

After conversion by Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge, ZD953 entered service with **No. 216 Squadron**, based at RAF Brize Norton. The aircraft was configured for multiple roles, including:

• Passenger and freight transport
• Air-to-air refuelling** using a hose-and-drogue system
• Medical evacuation missions.

ZD953 was part of the RAF TriStar fleet, which played a critical role in supporting UK military operations worldwide, especially in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The aircraft were valued for their long range and payload capacity.

The RAF retired ZD953 along with the rest of the TriStar fleet in March 2014, following the introduction of the Airbus Voyager (A330 MRTT), which replaced the ageing TriStar's in both refuelling and transport roles.

After retirement, ZD953 was flown to Bruntingthorpe for storage and potential disposal.

WHO ARE SKYLINE MODELS

Skyline Models is a UK-based company that specializes in the production of high-quality, hand-crafted model aircraft. They are well-known for creating detailed die-cast and resin aircraft models, primarily focusing on commercial and military aircraft. The company was established in the early 1990s and gained a reputation for producing meticulously crafted models, often in limited editions.

Skyline Models typically produces aircraft in a range of scales, including 1:200, 1:400, and sometimes larger, catering to collectors and aviation enthusiasts. The models are often highly detailed, with attention to the specific livery and markings of the airlines or military operators they represent.

They are considered a respected name in the niche of high-quality model aircraft, though they may not be as widely known as larger brands like Gemini Jets or Inflight 200. Their models are often sought after by collectors due to their quality and limited availability.