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Post by komata on Jan 3, 2016 14:57:38 GMT 12
A friend found the image below while uplifting municipal rubbish. Knowing my interest in 'Webfooted' aircraft, he passed it on to me. As can be seen it depicts Short Sunderland MR. Mk.5 NZ 4115 'Q' possibly in 5 SQN service. I understand that this aircraft is currently in MOTAT. As can be seen, the photograph is wood-framed, and has a 3-ply backing. It is protected by a clear, reflective, glass sheet. Aside from that, I know nothing else about it, and, indeed, have not found any similar photographs of this aircraft on this forum or in other sources that I have accessed. What can the membership tell me about this photo? I presume it was taken at Luthala Bay, but I am not sure if it is actually RNZAF Official or simply a private photo that was taken by someone on the Squadron. FWIW, the condition and assemblage of the frame makes me wonder if in fact it was an 'in-house' job? Any help would be appreciated. The photo appears below. My apologies for the reflections on the glass.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 3, 2016 16:16:55 GMT 12
Was this found in Cambridge, Komata?
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Post by Ian Warren on Jan 3, 2016 19:27:48 GMT 12
I really do like these photos popping out the wood so to speak, great photo.
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Post by komata on Jan 4, 2016 4:37:36 GMT 12
DH
No, not Cambridge. Thanks for asking.
Ian W: Do you know if this is an RNZAF Official pic? Thanks.
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Post by Ian Warren on Jan 4, 2016 7:11:07 GMT 12
Ian W: Do you know if this is an RNZAF Official pic? Thanks. I honestly could not tell you, I have a selection of photo's here, many have been posted here from aircrew from their personal collections. |
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Post by komata on Jan 4, 2016 9:45:27 GMT 12
Ian W:
Thank you.As there is no printed indication that the image is an 'official' one, it would seem that the photo was 'privately' taken. If only it could talk...
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Post by Ian Warren on Jan 4, 2016 10:57:23 GMT 12
I do have a few photo's what must be official Navy over RNZN Devonport, showing two Leander class frigates, two type 12s and the River class HMZNS Lachlan and others Monowai, Philimol and patrol boats, must dated back two 1972/74 because one must be the Canterbury and the other the Waikato in the dry-dock WA on the flight deck.
Regard to the Sunderland, I was speaking to the archive guys at Wigram yonks back, as Nathan pointed out, the Sunderlands were being retired .. worst most all and everything - the manuals and logs were biffed.
At least MOTAT men are really hooking into the restoration, I had the opportunity to have a good look thru it during mid/late 1980s, just one off those type that have fascinated me like many here, Bugger I did not own a camera back then, some reason I started drawing the flying boats three or four years back and MOTAT has shown some interest with the artwork which is pleasing.
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Jan 4, 2016 19:22:18 GMT 12
Ahhh, so THAT's what the spinner is for...
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Post by shorty on Jan 5, 2016 9:17:15 GMT 12
Ahhh, so THAT's what the spinner is for... I worked at Te Rapa with Steve Bailey who was a baggie on the boats at the Bay and he told us of one of the favoured tricks was when a sumpie was sitting on the prop dome (it's not a spinner) doing whatever sumpies do someone would climb into the cockpit, flick the power on and then give the engine starter a quick jab to turn it over half a turn then watch the sumpie hug the prop blade as he slowly slid down it for a quick dip in the water!. He reckons you could only get a way with it once per airman! |
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Post by tbf25o4 on Jan 9, 2016 14:09:16 GMT 12
Another trick played on 'newbies' wss the broken float drill.
When a float strut was broken and the aircraft could settle into the water on the affected wing, the spare crew members would climb out on top of the wing and with a rope attached inside the
top hatch would run out onto the opposite (good) wing to keep the damaged float out of the water, using the rope as a guide to how far out they could go. The trick on 'newbies' was to call 'broken float (port or starboard) go! The newbies would leap into action and run out on the wing holding onto the rope which unfortunately was not actually attached to the inside of the aircraft and often the result would be the disappearance of the crew members over the side or end of the wing!!!!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 9, 2016 15:06:32 GMT 12
Haha, great stories!
Komata, I am wondering how you know this is NZ4115 'Q' Queenie. I cannot spot any markings on it.
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Post by komata on Jan 9, 2016 16:32:02 GMT 12
DEave H:
Thanks for the question. Unfortunately, the image I posted, although the best I could do, left out the 'small stuff' As I have the original, I was able to check this for the serial (under the wing) and the individual aircraft code.
Hope this helps.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 9, 2016 18:19:23 GMT 12
Aha, thanks. That makes sense.
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pvsjetstar
Flight Lieutenant
email: rassie6@optusnet.com.au
Posts: 97
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Post by pvsjetstar on Mar 13, 2016 22:27:48 GMT 12
I have my doubts that this photo is taken at Laucala (Lauthala) Bay Suva.
The land in that area is all pretty flat!
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