Roden 313 Vickers VC-10 Super Type 1151 1:144

In the early 1950's Vickers at Weybridge were working on designs for a 4 engine jet airliner, known as the V1000, similar in layout to the DH Comet. It was a more modern design, featuring a wider fuselage, slotted flaps and had much better performance. Initial orders were for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and a civil version, the VC 7. Defence cuts in 1955 saw the project cancelled.

BOAC in the meantime ordered 15 Boeing 707'-s which proved oversized and underpowered for it-'s 'Hot & High' routes in Africa and Asia.

Several major companies including De Havilland and Handley Page offered suitable replacements but following route evaluation BOAC opted for the VC10 from Vickers.

On entering service the VC10 was a hit with both pilots and more importantly, the passengers. BOAC capitalised on this and soon part of the Airlines advertising came up with several very clever slogans with "Swift and Silent” as well as "A little VC10derness” being two of the best examples.

Britain's postal service, the Royal Mail, used a VC10 silhouette as its Air Letter logo for many years.

Interestingly, the VC10's introduction on the trans-Atlantic services showed a 40% increase over the Boeing 707'-s that were operating on those routes at the time.

Passengers quickly became accustomed to a silent cabin due to the rear mounted engines and state-of-the-art seating. BOAC's First Class service was soon the preferred choice of travel for the rich and famous. A short-lived BOAC and Cunard cooperation also added to the then luxury travel market.