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Post by alanw on Jan 15, 2019 14:36:53 GMT 12
Hi All, I'm hoping that the Brain Trust of our Great Forum may be able to help me with some information please? Hot on the heals of my RNZAF re-painted F4U-1 Corsair, I'm planning on building one of the SBD-3's based at Seagrove circa late 1943 early 1944 (Oct 1943-March 1944), before being placed in Storage at Hobsonville This one in particular (photo borrowed from ADF Serials) From Pete Mossong's Site, Pete mentions that this SBD-3 among others received a re-paint possibly USN Sea Blue/Light Grey or USN Intermediate Blue/Light Grey ADF Serials gives roughly a 5 month period of Service with Unit 35 then 25/26 Squadrons at Seagrove. Can anyone identify about when the Re-paint took place and possibly what upper colour (or upper/lower) please? Any other info is also welcomed too Thanks in Advance Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 11, 2019 14:32:39 GMT 12
Hi David, Thank you for that information awesome Quick question, if I may, I recall on another thread you mentioning the "Tongan" P40E's wearing USAAF Stars for some months. Would the application of the RNZAF Roundel coincide with the RNZAF Serials at the same time, or were they two different periods? Thanks again Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 11, 2019 11:52:42 GMT 12
The ex-Tongan P-40Es served in Fiji and Espiritu Santo, but were never committed to the "forward" area (usually meaning Guadalcanal at the time the photo of "5" was taken, in about July 1943, although this was at Pallikulo field, Espiritu Santo). However they did undertake operational flights from Santo, as the Japanese at this stage were still sending single aircraft or small groups down at night to annoy the local defences, and 16 Squadron was designated as a night and day interceptor squadron by the local American command. However most "bogeys" they were scrambled to intercept, day or night were American in origin, usually had forgotten to switch on their IFF. However one of our P-40Es at Santo was lost on a night interception of e genuine Japanese aircraft, although this was put down as an operational accident as it was known he never intercepted the enemy. Incidentally, in case somebody does not know, the pilot standing on the wing of "5" was F/L "Jack" Day of 16 Squadron, and this photo was used on the cover of a book called "Fighters" written by, I think, Leo White. Ever after, Day had to suffer being referred to by his fellow pilots as "Picture Day". Hi David, Awesome information as always - good to know about the "actual" operations by these P40's, and the day/night interceptors Do you have any more information on these "Interceptors" (ie serials)? Never knew about the Fiji Operations - I'm guessing "Garrison" type duties? By chance any more additional information about those in Fiji too please? Thanks Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 10, 2019 17:10:54 GMT 12
Thanks for the feedback Dave...flamin' decal manufacturers! I have to admit the yellow codes did ring some sub-conscious alarm bells! I also have a Corgi P-40E in RNZAF and spurious camoflage (looks more Middle Easter Desert theatre), I may re-spray and re-decal with one of other RNZAF schemes with DK decal pack...possibly a Tongan P-40E in Foliage Green or perhaps another Ohakea based OTU aircraft in Pacific Blue/RAF Green camo Hi Harry, Just be aware the DK Decal sheet markings for the Tongan P40E-1's serving in the Operational area is wrong. The Foliage Green wasn't worn until after arrival back in New Zealand, and the aircraft should also have the Yellow HQ-* markings as Dave mentions above for the Gunnery School The Tongan P 40E-1's wore RAF type camo in the forward area as in this photo of one of the Tongan aircraft in RNZAF service Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 5, 2019 19:09:31 GMT 12
Nice job, love to see a real Corsair in those markings one day. Thank you Yes, seeing a 1:1 Corsair in that scheme would be cool Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 4, 2019 12:22:23 GMT 12
Great stuff again, but you need to flip that first photo in the last post horizontally. The S is backwards. Hi Dave, Thanks, glad you like them Not sure how to deal with the photo of NZ4116, as I have flipped it, but I have a feeling it was the way my sister converted it. I'll have to see if she can re-do it. Thanks/regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 4, 2019 8:15:59 GMT 12
Hi All, The next few I have NZ4116 - sitting at front of main hangar at Lauthala Bay sans Vertical Stabilizer - again another favourite of mine, and great diorama idea Great shot of NZ4107 along side another Sunderland Finally not a Sunderland but in keeping with Lauthala Bay theme TEAL Solent Hope you enjoy Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 3, 2019 19:57:18 GMT 12
Hi All, Thanks to Dave H's advice, I would like to post these from my dad's photo collection. I only have a few at present, I hope to get more from my sister in Adelaide once she's sorted and converted from slides Lauthala Bay, what it was all about Main Hangar and Sunderland maintenance - note Aussie Beaver on left Beaver on its floats - very idyllic view I'll post more soon - The Sunderland in the Hangar is one of my very favourites, plan to do a diorama, one of these days of that scene Hope you enjoy Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 3, 2019 19:31:09 GMT 12
Wow, nice job Alan! My Dad made that kit in the early 1970's, if not before. It was always the aircraft in his collection that took my eye the most as it was a Kiwi aeroplane. Regarding the photos, you need to paste the links into the "Insert Image" box. So in the "Create Post" form where you go when you hit Reply below right, just click "Insert Image" (button along the top, two along from the http globe button) and the box comes up. Paste the link from your image host into the top line and hit the Insert Image button. You can use Preview to check it worked. i have fixed these photos in your post. Hi Dave, Thanks, I'm glad you like it I'd like to do another Frog Kit (if I can ever find one) and make it the Frog version of NZ5457, except painted the correct RNZAF Colours. Thank you ever so much for fixing my photos and advice on how to post my photos on the forum Thanks/regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 3, 2019 18:08:18 GMT 12
Hi All Happy New Year Just finished December 30, my take on one of our RNZAF F4U-1 Corsairs, NZ5347 which had a upper fuselage re-paint of US Glossy Sea Blue. The model is 1/72 Frog kit with a few modifications - Kit decals were still in good nick and the correct colours - note due to time constraints I didn't paint the Upper Starboard and Port lower Roundel Bar borders in RNZAF Pacific Blue, so they are still US Insgnia Blue Apologies for links instead of a photo it's either me or my photo hosting site Hope you like, thanks for looking in Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Jan 3, 2019 9:16:16 GMT 12
Happy New Year (albeit a bit belatedly) to Dave and the Forum 2018 Aviation wise, for me was more the terrific discussions had about our Air Force especially WWII. I have learned more in 2018 than previous years - Big Thanks in big way to Dave H and David D I was finally able to obtain from my sister (who has the originals) Kodak colour photos off my Dads slides taken at Lauthala Bay Fiji. Unfortunately my current photo hosting site only displays as a link, when I can figure out how to actually post a photo, I can share. May 2019 be a continuation of that great forum esprit de corps Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Dec 25, 2018 7:45:13 GMT 12
Merry Christmas everyone Hope you all have a great time and enjoy this Festive Season Best Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Dec 15, 2018 12:21:15 GMT 12
Hi Folks I have few Colour photos (from Kodak Slides) my Dad took while at Lacala Bay. I thought I'd share one with you, and one of my favorites - they are very special to me (Apologies for my Copyright all through it, there's some guy in Aussie who is taking photos from this site (and others) and selling as "Reproductions on Trade Me) NZ4116 Lacala Bay circa 1960/61 village.photos/images/user/55d09729-bffc-492e-a0c0-43e5c804d8f2/5177268c-2a09-4b48-8f3e-adedafac1bde.jpgWhen I work out how to better copyright the rest, I'll post here Hope you like Regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Dec 1, 2018 9:53:08 GMT 12
Can't help with specific model, but there were David Brown, Tructor and another version that I can't recall. I used to drive them all, dragging oxygen bottles and LOX trollies around. Thank you so much - It appears the tug in my photo is a David Brown tug Thanks/regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Nov 30, 2018 12:28:40 GMT 12
Alan , the Sunderland group were AHSNZ Auckland branch members on a visit to the base. Hi Peter- thanks for answering my query I recall my Dad taking my brother and I on such a "tour" of one of the Sunderland's in the braby While I'm here, I have another query for you (or Forum). Do you know what is the make or type of the tractor towing Bristol Freighter NZ5910? Reason I ask, is I have a colour photo (from a Kodak Slide) my Dad took of the hangar at Lauthala Bay with a Sunderland being serviced, and one of these is parked in the hangar. Thanks again for posting your photos, I grew up on these types of photos, of our Air Force, and brings back a lot of great memories Thanks again Alan
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Post by alanw on Nov 28, 2018 8:36:52 GMT 12
Hi Peter,
Awesome Sunderland photos - thanks for posting
I would love to know the background/story with the gathering under the Sunderland wing in the Braby - The Lady standing there looks a little detached from the group - Air Force wife or WAAF? (doesn't appear to be in uniform)
Look forward to Whenuapai
Thanks
Alan
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Post by alanw on Nov 2, 2018 20:05:20 GMT 12
Hi Gents, Thanks again for the awesome replies I'm picking that the B 34's didn't carry out Photo recon in the forward areas, but may have/did do so around New Zealand? Thanks again Alan
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Post by alanw on Nov 2, 2018 7:51:24 GMT 12
Hi All, Question for our Technical Experts? This question was raised on Britmodeller this morning. www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235045814-rafrcafrnzafraaf-use-of-pv-1-venturas-for-photo-reconnaissance/While I am quite certain our RNZAF PV-1's did carry out Photo Recon Duties in the SW Pacific, is there any information regarding the camera configuration(s)? I'm pretty sure with the large rectangular transparency under the nose, this would have been one of the mounting points for camera(s), and the lower stern windows, possible other mounting points? Personally from a technical perspective, I would be interested to know too. Look forward to any advice/comments Thanks/regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Sept 11, 2018 13:41:25 GMT 12
Alan, I think you have got my drift now, we can only try and locate what we believe is the "good stuff", then attempt to cross check everything, and keep asking on this forum, and see what comes bubbling to the surface. So I am going along with what Dave H says above, and you can explain your philosophy to anyone who asks about your reference (or more likely references plural) on which you base your conclusions, then ask if they have anything else to add. I don't even trust old colour photographs very much either for exact shades of colours, as we all know that their fidelity can be pretty suspect. I don't actually build model aircraft these days, as I find the research alone is just too interesting (and frequently too confusing) to leave much time for anything else. Unless some clever type comes up with a real time machine, we are pretty much up against it when attempting to correctly describe these ancient paint schemes for which very little, if any, reliable information still exists. David D Hi David, Thank you again (and Dave H) for all your help and comments. I don't doubt as I build other RNZAF aircraft I will have questions, and as I said above, this forum is my go to place that I trust Yes the "time machine" would be invaluable Thanks/regards Alan
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Post by alanw on Sept 10, 2018 12:55:12 GMT 12
Hi David and Dave, I'm one of those people who like to dwell with technical certainty - doesn't always work and with things like our RNZAF historical facts, some are more certain than others. I have had Mk III Sunderland build on the go for more time than I care to remember - I even have a Mk III Sunderland manual, but there are subtle differences even in the Mk III production that proving my build is wholly accurate is mission impossible. Research is part of the fun One of my pet hates is modellers who profess that their Pride and joy is built per some information read in some magazine or someone has posted on the Web, and that is how we Kiwi's had our aircraft. When you ask them as to how the publication actually verified such information they get quite snooty/abusive. My personal philosophy is to research what information I can obtain and pick the brains (read pester ) those on forums like this - reason being is I trust the knowledge on here. I have certainly learnt that not all information is there, or there are only fragments of a greater jigsaw. With the P 40K I know Charles Darby mentions that "Some" of them in Desert Air Force Colours (page 68) of "First Decade" Some in RAF TLS colours - don't know what he based that on? Pete Mossong also mentions RAF TLS - I haven't seen Pete on here in along time, and would love to know what he based his comments on? David with your thoughts on the Olive Drab/NZ Sea Blue Gray, you certainly struck a chord with me - I know that they are just that your thoughts, but I see (personally) some reasoning behind this The lower colours certainly have given me "Sleepless Nights and I may just go with the US Neutral Grey (I haven't even built the model yet ) The Caveat I choose to use in cases like this is "This is My Take on the Subject" meaning I have used what I can find to at least verify what I build has some validity ( or not) but cannot testify 100% it is wholly accurate. So eventually when I represent my P40K on here or any other forum - It will be with "This is my Take on it" Guys, again thank you for your comments/knowledge Regards Alan
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