History of TG501. Delivered from HP to the A&AEE at Boscombe Down to replace TE580 when that aircraft was returned to Handley Page following undercarriage damage. At the A&AEE it was used for trials into instability problems which culminated in the sharp entry wing root fairing something which later became a standard feature on all production Hastings, and while there it was also involved in glider towing trials after transfer to the AFEE (Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment) at Beaulieu on the 16^th of August 1947. It is stated that it became the prototype of the C1a conversion but I have seen no record of it ever having the under-wing tanks fitted although it may have had the other aspects of the mod such as an improved autopilot and later engines. It was then transferred to Farnborough for the Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS) where it stayed from May 1953 to May 1962, while there it carried the ETPS tail number code of 17 and wore the standard day-glow adorned paint scheme similar to the other Farnborough based Hastings TG500 and TG502. Around 1965 it had been repainted in the standard RAF Transport Command colour scheme as if it was intended for squadron use but this does not appear to have happened, probably due to the fleet run down starting at this time. It was struck off charge on the 29^th March 1966 and sent to the Fire Training School at RAF Manston. It was still present up until 1971 but burned soon after. 

                Richard