Former Kiwi living it up at Temora

[Andy Wright]

I took these last Saturday during the Temora Aviation Museum's Korean War-themed Aircraft Showcase (two showcases held per month). The weather was dodgy for pretty much everything to do with old aeroplanes but cleared enough for some flying to be done.

The Spit stood in for the planned Fury as it had to be cancelled the day before what would have been its Temora debut. The owner, Gus Larard, had even flown back into the country to fly her.

The Sabre and Meteor were scheduled but the Sabre has strict limitations on her operation and wet runways is outside of these. As the rain cleared, both jets were rolled out with the promise of a jet formation but the Sabre's IPN starter would not engage.

All in all a bit of frustrating day for the Temora guys surely but they still put on a good bit of flying and we were treated to a very long Spit display by Doug Hamilton and the Meteor practiced some missed approaches right in front of the crowd line. Wet, wet, wet but good times.

[strikemaster]

The Sabre is spectacular, pity you missed it. Nice pics mate, the Meteor looks fantastic. Spitty does too, of course, but that really didn't need to be said.

[Andy Wright]

Cheers, mate. I haven't seen the Sabre fly for a bit so was looking forward to the standard appearance from behind the line of hangars. Always looks so right. Ah well, always next time.

[strikemaster]

Probably Point Cook next year. Last year was pretty good, I just wish it would have gone lower and faster.

[Andy Wright]

Spoiled by Skyhawks, eh? ;D

While they often fly the Sabre for the Korean War or Jets showcases, it'd be cool to have a North American or CAC showcase. The former could get a Mustang and Harvard in with the resident Trojan and the Sabre can 'stand-in' (LOL) or the latter could get a Mustang to go with the resident Wirraway, Boomerang and, of course, Sabre.

Pie in the sky.

[Bruce]

Lovely! - turns out I'll be at Temora this Sunday. dontthink there is any planned flying though....

[Andy Wright]

No, Bruce, but there would be the following weekend.

Would be happy to meet up with you but one of the few weekends of late where I'm under orders to be elsewhere!

[strikemaster]

Jun 9, 2011 12:16:22 GMT 12 Andy Wright said:

Spoiled by Skyhawks, eh? ;D

While they often fly the Sabre for the Korean War or Jets showcases, it'd be cool to have a North American or CAC showcase. The former could get a Mustang and Harvard in with the resident Trojan and the Sabre can 'stand-in' (LOL) or the latter could get a Mustang to go with the resident Wirraway, Boomerang and, of course, Sabre.

Pie in the sky.

I got pics of most of that from last year. Trojans, birddog and UH1, and Harvards, Spitty's, Mustangs, Kittyhawks...... Freakin awesome.

[Dave Homewood]

Nice photos Andy. What is that firewall photo of?

Which Sea Fury was meant to debut? How many are flying in Aussie these days? I'd love to see a Sea Fury again someday.

[strikemaster]

Looks like a Spitfire, Dave. Check the mirror.

[Dave Homewood]

I thought it looked like a Spitfire too. Is the Mk VIII in bits?

[corsair67]

You are correct - that is the Spitfire Mk VIII in for an overhaul.

The Sea Fury that was supposed to be at Temora is Gus Larard's RAN one, VH-ORN:

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Craig. So where is that Fury based?

[Andy Wright]

Yep, the Mk VIII was up on jacks. There was a Merlin in a travel pod and another upside-down in a frame.

[Dave Homewood]

I used to think that TB863 was the ultimate Spitfire but now after being treated to the Deere Spitfire, TB863 is kinda funny looking with that ugly late tail.

[strikemaster]

I'd still have it. ;D That Sea Fury looks awesome, not seen those colours before.

[ZacYates]

I agree Dave. When I was growing up TB863 was the only Spitfire I knew, but high-back XVIs aren't as nice to look at as the IX or, my favourite, the Vb.

However, I am so pleased to see her in a new home where she is not only lovingly cared for, but exercised regularly. When was she last painted? She looks to be in top nick!

[aeromedia]

I've taken two museum tours to Temora in June over the years, and my advice is, dont go in June ! But DO GO ! We've had problems with both fog and rain preventing the flying to any degree in June. Totally out of the Temora crews hands of course, but later (or earlier) can be a safer bet. One thing I must say, the first time that happened, the commentary team did a great job of keeping everyone fully informed, and entertained. The ground support crew worked up an hilarious formation tug routine and all round, everything was done in the visitors best interest possible. I've probably visted maybe eight times and I just love everything about it. It has to be one of, if not THE most all round professional historic aeroplane operations on the planet. They are due for their first BIG airshow since adopting their new format, in November. Go, but be prepared to travel some distance for accommodation at this stage. Unless you have an aunty who lives in Temora with a spare bed.

[Andy Wright]

I agree the Deere Spitfire is right whichever way you look at her (or hear her) but the XVI has a nice patina of her own as well ... nicely hidden under a glossy coat of rain in my pics ... and looks fine to me (quite like some late IXs...)

She's my second favourite in the collection (1st = Hudson) due to her service with No. 453 Sqn RAAF over Europe during the war (as you all know), the fact she's wearing those colours and that she was reunited with the pilot who first flew her with the squadron (IIRC), Fijian-born Colin Leith. Cyril Ayris wrote a book with Leith called Duty Done so having a living link like the Spit (now that Leith is no longer with us) just does it in so many ways for me.

[Dave Homewood]

I have nothing against TB863 at all, I love that aeroplane, it was the first Spitfire I ever saw fly and I've been thrilled by it many times. All I was saying is the tall tail suddenly seems much more noticeable to me now than it did before. It stands out more, my impression only.