ron
Squadron Leader
Posts: 110
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Post by ron on May 6, 2017 9:32:18 GMT 12
For this tour the King and Queen of Thailand used the Qantas Electra VH-ECA. It seems that they arrived in Wellington from Sydney on 18 August 1962. From the log book of Captain Jock Ross we know that VH-ECA operated Wellington-Christchurch on 24 August and Christchurch-Canberra on 26 August. I've tried unsuccessfully to find an itinerary of the NZ part of the tour. Does anyone know if there was any additional flying within NZ (Qantas, TEAL or RNZAF)? Nothing appears in Capt Ross's log book but there could have been other pilots involved. Did VH-ECA stay in NZ from 18 Aug until 24 Aug? Any help will be much appreciated. Ron
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Post by planewriting on May 6, 2017 11:59:53 GMT 12
In New Zealand, the Thai (23 August 1962) and also the British royal couple (16 February 1963), used NZNAC Viscount ZK-BRE "City of Auckland". This aircraft was fitted out with a "Royal Suite" for both occasions. Have a look at www.vickersviscount.net/Default.aspx and www.vickersviscount.net/Pages_History/NAC%20Royal%20Visit.aspx FYI the Royal Suite survives at Ferrymead Museum in Christchurch where Denys has mentioned it may well be fitted into their Viscount ZK-BRF "City of Christchurch" one day. Earthquake problems (now resolved)at the museum and other pressing priorities have precluded the fitting. ZK-BRE was at the time of the royal tours repainted with the second Viscount scheme; namely with the double red tail stripes rather than the initial tapered red stripe. Also, the airline's titles were then repainted in blue rather than the original black. These liveries are illustrated in my co-authored book on N Z National Airways Corporation 1947 - 1978. ISBN 978-0-473-12000-9 A few copies are still available through Craigs Design and Print Ltd, Invercargill. |
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ron
Squadron Leader
Posts: 110
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Post by ron on May 9, 2017 12:00:40 GMT 12
Thanks Planewriting
Much appreciated.
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