Noel Kruse's Ryan STM-S2 ZK-ABC

[stereoimage]

I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful aircraft in the air, for an article published in KiwiFlyer Magazine recently. This was the last opportunity to photograph 'Charlie' before it was converted to a two seater. Big thanks to Mike Slack for flying the camera ship, and of course, Noel Kruze, for, just being Noel Kruse. Thats many hours worth of hand polished metal you are looking at here! The surviving STM's have an interesting history. Head on over to www.kiwiflyer.co.nz and get a subscription for $25 a year (6 issues). Thats only $4.1 an issue
Or if you are a cheapskate the article will be online in a few months.















This aircraft was built in 1940, the same year as the Dam it is flying over... Thanks for helping me get that shot in place Slackie!

[efliernz]

Very nice What did you use for the cameraship?

Pete

[Dave Homewood]

Wonderful photos Chris. Did you get any over Cambridge township?

[Peter Lewis]

As has been said, great views.

I have yet to see this aircraft around. Rather surprising, as I had thought it would have been at some of the summer airshows.

[Dave Homewood]

Noel is not into airshows, and won't be displaying it.

[Peter Lewis]

[hardyakka]

Jul 20, 2014 21:38:47 GMT 12 efliernz said:

Very nice What did you use for the cameraship?

Pete

I think Slackie was flying a Waikato Aero Club Alpha Robin 2160. Looks like someone spent some time cleaning the canopy thoroughly You can hardly tell the photos were taken through Perspex. Good work, Chris, Mike and Noel.

Noel has recently posted an image of Charlie as a two-seater. I think the conversion consists of removing a cover and installing a windscreen. Either way, Charlie looks very spiffy and golden-age sporty.

PostScript: Noel tells me the two seater conversion is for all intents and purposes, irreversible. Two-holer from now on.

[stereoimage]

Thanks, it was a fun shoot that one, but quite uncomfortable. There were only a few areas to shoot through where the canopy didn't distort the image badly (perpendicular and not curving too much). Despite some serious window cleaning, the best spot was behind me over my shoulder, with the camera help upside down. Unfortunately that means some of the shots of charlie manourvering are distorted. Still got some good shots though. An awesome aircraft to share the air with for sure, and Noels craftsmanship is top notch

[Dave Homewood]

Lake Karapiro looks dead calm, it makes a great backdrop.

[nuuumannn]

Lovely photos, Chris, you've really captured the essense of a beautiful aeroplane.

[kiwitone]

yes Chris great pics!..no3 for me, what a beautiful aeroplane. I reckon it will look like a moth minor with the two seat conversion; there was one in the Wairarapa in the 70's. Think Mr. Williams owned it too.