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Post by komata on Jan 25, 2016 15:44:50 GMT 12
As many of the forum will no doubt be aware, the renowned NZ potter Barry Brickell died on 23 January 2016 at the age of 80. He is usually perceived as being a potter and railway enthusiast with little interest in aviation. However, I am advised that he actually has a connection with the NZ aircraft preservation scene in that he was instrumental in retrieving P-40E NZ3009 from Larsen's at Rukuhia when that operation was being closed down as a result of the expansion of Hamilton airport.
As hearsay and stories can frequently be incorrect, can anyone confirm this, and, if it is in fact true, perhaps provide more details?
Thanks.
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Post by komata on Jan 23, 2016 8:32:24 GMT 12
Dave H:
FWIW: Based on the distances involved and the conditions of the roads at the time, I would suggest that the image could well have been taken Whakatane rather than Rotorua, if only because of the diastances involved; to Rotorua is 52 km, while to Whakatane is 42 km. This would also be why there are 'relatively' few people in the photograph. Travelling along poor roads (with sometimes, but not always, metalled surfaces), in vehicles that were not very reliable (and with little in the way of 'spares backup') while being dependent upon only a few 'petrol stations' for fuel (no on-farm petrol deliveries; they came much later) was no sinecure and would have involved a large logistic effort to simply to get anywhere, let alone to a paddock 'somewhere in the middle of no-where' to see a flying machine. The pioneer farmers weren't 'ignorant country hicks' but rather very practical people who knew the value of the little money they had, especially as this was as the Great Depression was starting to bite. As a result, if it came to a choice between spending money to see an aeroplane at some distant location or to buy something for the farm / family, the farm / family would naturally win. As already noted, Ron's father (my Grandfather BTW), was a rural mail contractor as well as a farmer, and was thus far more mobile than many in the vicinity, with access to (Post Office supplied?) petrol in quantity as a result of his mail contract. In common with many of his generation he was also very interested in 'scientific' matters (an interest he retained through-out his life), and this is probably why he would have driven his family the (immense at the time) 42 km's to see what was then a wonder of the age. This may also explain my father's presence at the site, and also (perhaps) the existence of a camera at the scene, camera's (even the little box brownies) being rather-expensive 'luxury' items that were not exactly common in rural, pioneer, New Zealand. This latter possibility is, of course, in the only in the nature of hypothesis, BTW.
A somewhat-long explanation, but trusting that it helps to answer your question.
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Post by komata on Jan 22, 2016 18:13:36 GMT 12
An interesting question. Thanks for posing it. FWIW, there are currently several 'Strange Mysteries' which 'entertain' me, and for which I would really appreciate answers. These are as follows: Does the Laughing Owl actually exist? Are there feral Leopards / Cougars / Panthers in New Zealand? Who were the Minipihe (Sp)? Exactly what happened to Avro Tudor 'Star Tiger'? Is there a 'Price' 16-wheel locomotive still lurking 'somewhere' in New Zealand's Central King Country; what was the nature and extent-of German interest in the Antarctic prior-to and during WW II, and what is the exact nature, geologically, of the area under Thames and its foreshore (the so-called 'Beach Fault')? Perhaps not exactly the usual 'mysteries', but ones which I personally find intriguing (and, as yet, unanswered). Again, thanks for asking.
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Post by komata on Jan 20, 2016 14:20:42 GMT 12
Starr
Thank you. Although I had believed that the images were ones I had taken , your comment has raised doubts about their provenance. I have therefore amended my comments to reflect this.
Again, thanks.
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Post by komata on Jan 20, 2016 13:44:16 GMT 12
Dave H:
Thank you for posting these images, especially those of the Meteor and Faith in Australia, as, although I am familiar with them (for reasons which will become evident), they had been lost for several years.
Faith in Australia: I m told that these were taken in the Manawahe district (behind Lake Rotoma, Rotorua area), and was part of a 'Joy riding' tour that the aircraft made during its time in New Zealand. I understand that, due to the cost (a large amount in Depression-era NZ), the photographer (my father) did not go for a flight in this aircraft, but rather visited it to see what a such a 'giant and modern' aircraft looked like. It was, understandably, the wonder of the day, for the small farming settlement.
Dragon / Dominie images: I regret to advise that I cannot give any further information on these, although I would suggest that Dominie photo was taken in the South Island.
The Oxford / Hinds: Taken at Nelson as you correctly state. FWIW, the Hinds later had their propellers removed so that the props could be sent to India to keep the RAF / IAF Hart-family aircraft operational. The 'Indian' machines were being used for both MR and Border-patrol work.
The Ventura: Taken at Rukuhia as you state, although why that specific aircraft was photographed is not known.
Argus / Staggerwing. Taken at Rukuhia, in front of the control tower. The 'reduntant' aircraft lines are visible to the right.
The Mosquito: Taken at Rukuhia as well. The image was probably taken after 1946, when dad was demobbed, and will therefore be from the 1947-1950 period, and at an airshow held during that time. No doubt someone will be able to provide the date this / these occurred.
The Meteor: I am advised that the images of the Meteor F.3 were taken on the occasion of the Meteor F.3's visit to Rukuhia base; the first time it had done so. As can be seen the war was over, and the 'surplus' aircraft were all around. The image of the P-40 taxiing is of interest, as 'popular legend' has it that no P-40's were 'operational' at the time. I believe that that image was taken shortly after a mixed P-40, F4U and Meteor' flypast had occurred, in which case a date can be assigned to the set of images. Hopefully someone can provide the date of the airshow and so-complete the details.
Now, to correct a misapprehension: Please note that the colour photographs were in fact taken by myself, rather than by Ron Rimmer (my father), at a time when I was living in the vicinity of Ardmore airfield, and when dad had minimal interest in aviation.
On that basis, the following might be of interest:
ZK-AKU: Taken at Ardmore, as you noted. From memory, these images were taken in the September - December period 1972. In respect of the 'First Flight' notes on the reverse of the image; these are what I was told at the time, and as such I have no reason to doubt what I wrote. BTW, obtaining the take-off image was, for me personally, a somewhat fraught occurrence involving 'aircraft drift' and a very close (and sudden) encounter with the grass on my part ('nuff said).
N68740 (PBY-5A 'clipper nose' conversion). This Image taken at Ardmore in July 1978 (exact date un-recalled). The aircraft was owned by an American on a round-the-world trip, and was the first 'Cat to fly in NZ since the demise of the RNZAF's PB2B1's. It was also, I believe, the first PBY-5A to visit this country, and the first 'civi' 'Cat to visit to NZ. The aircraft was fully furnished and fitted-out with a wood-panel interior. Access was via rear under-hull air-stairs which folded back up under the lower section of the hull when not in use. The people in lower image of the aircraft are, respectively, myself and three family members. The photo BTW, was taken by the American pilot. The aircraft styed at Ardmore for a week (from memory) then flew towards Tahiti and, eventually, the USA. I have no idea if it still exists.
Douglas C-47 (ZK-HZL?) Highland Duster'. The origins, location and provenance of these two images is not known with certainty.
Trusting that these notes are of interest. Again, thank you for posting the pics.
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Post by komata on Jan 17, 2016 16:18:48 GMT 12
ErolC
Thanks; I was hoping someone would post the images here. The Hercs are of interest IMHO, in that they are from two different units (National Science Foundation and New York Air Guard), and because they still carry 1960's-era Star and 'Double Bar' markings; something that I understood had been banished during the 'Vietnam' action as they formed an easy target for enemy gunners. Evidently not everyone received the memo.
Again, thanks; the pics are appreciated.
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Post by komata on Jan 17, 2016 6:56:31 GMT 12
Thank you gentlemen. Dave: The aircraft approached from the west (Hamilton airport), flew east and was then observed returning back towards Hamilton (having probably turned over Lake Karapiro). This would preclude Waharoa as a 'starting point'. As hardyakka suggests, it would seem to have been a 'local'; perhaps an 'air test' of some sort?
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Post by komata on Jan 16, 2016 18:33:26 GMT 12
For those who follow such things:
As 1257 today (16 Jan' 2016), a Nanchang was observed tracking eastwards across Cambridge at an estimated 3,000 ft altitude. It returned at 1305, flying westwards in the direction of Hamilton airport . As it was in silhouette only, no rego was sighted, and Fr 24 did not note its existence.
As there are those who are interested in such things, this is submitted for your information.
Trusting that it will be of use.
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Post by komata on Jan 15, 2016 8:30:47 GMT 12
FWIW: In the late 1960's there was an ex-RNZN motor launch (described to me as a 'Fairmile') moored at Algies Bay, Whangaparoa Peninsula (Auckland). It was distinctive by virtue of the fact that it was painted a most appallingly-bright yellow overall; a colour which had faded and weathered over time to give it a look that was, to put it mildly, 'unique'. No idea what it actually was ('Fairmile or HDML) but it doesn't seem to have made its way into the conversation so far, I bring it to the forum's attention.
Perhaps someone knows what it actually was and its eventual fate...?
Thanks.
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Post by komata on Jan 12, 2016 13:19:37 GMT 12
Dave H. Thanks for finding and posting those two clips. FWIW: I believe that the top clip was part of an 'official' newsreel and as such had sound attached.
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Post by komata on Jan 12, 2016 9:51:58 GMT 12
davidd
Many thanks for your comprehensive detailing; it is greatly appreciated. Is the serial of aircraft 'F' (the one with only half a bar to its fuselage roundel) known? I ask this as the Censor did a very good job of obliterating it...
FWIW, and in respect of the images, I have been told that a cine-film was also taken of this flight, and that a copy resides in a film museum / archive in Foxton, evidently forming part of a newsreel. Unfortunately, although I tried several years ago to contact that organisation to enquire further, no reply was received. Perhaps it could be worthwhile following up?
Again, thank you.
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Post by komata on Jan 9, 2016 19:43:50 GMT 12
FWIW, as I may have missed it (and at the risk of asking the obvious), presumably Archives NZ (as 'Designated Keepers of Public Record') have been contacted to see the depth of information on the records they hold? At last check there were 739 of these available for public perusal.
As I said, FWIW.
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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 komata on Jan 8, 2016 11:54:56 GMT 12
Thank you Gentlemen, your answers are appreciated, although it's a shame that the censor crossed-out the visible aircraft serial numbers.
A matter arising: Unlike all its 'three-bladed' mates, the machine directly below aircraft 'T' appears to be flying with a four-bladed prop; definitely not a standard P-40N item. As there are no other aircraft in the vicinity, is this a 'lucky time-lapse capture' of blade movement or...?
Thanks.
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Post by komata on Jan 7, 2016 15:05:08 GMT 12
Planecrazy Thank you. Concerning the image titled 'RNZAF Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks in Flight' at: www.worldwarphotos.info/wp-content/gallery/usa/aircrafts/p-40-warhawk/RNZAF_Curtiss_P-40_Kittyhawk_in_flight.jpgA similar image, although taken at 5 O'clock low, appeared in 'Contact' magazine of March 1943, aircraft 'F' (with the single-barred fuselage roundel) being prominent. I have been attempting to locate details of this formation for many years, without much success, although I have been led to believe that the formation was made up from aircraft of two units (13 and 14 SQN's being mentioned as possible contributors) and that this still image was taken off a newsreel and is RNZAF Official. What can anyone tell me about this flight? Thanks in advance.
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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 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 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 komata on Dec 31, 2015 12:05:40 GMT 12
FWIW: In the early 1960's I was told that there was actually a bit more to this than meets the eye. My informant (ex-RAF), said that as although the 'beer barrel' drop tanks were innovative, the beer was still 'warm' (ie, as the Brits tend to like it) on arrival at the airfield; this at a time when RAF pilots had discovered 'cold' beer US-style. What to do to make 'warm' British beer, cold like the stuff the Yanks drank? In the best RAF tradition, considerable experimentation resulted and it was discovered (apparently by accident), that a quick en-route ascent to 15,000 feet, followed by a gradual descent down to the airfield, had the desired effect, 'chilling' the contents of the barrels, and 'Americanising' them as a result. The results were quickly replicated throughout the squadrons' concerned, and a good time was had by all concerned. Although on reflection I may have been fed a line, at the time I had no reason to doubt the veracity of what I was told, so pass the info on FWIW in the hope that it may be of interest.
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Post by komata on Dec 30, 2015 5:14:19 GMT 12
Thank you folks - evidently my eyes were deceiving me . FWIW:, the following 'recognition' points relating to this (now) mystery aircraft: Low-wing monoplane; Closely-cowled Radial engine, Fixed tail-wheeled undercarriage (non-spatted) attached to wings, not fuselage, 'Ribbed' 'long' canopy (as opposed to clear-type), Squared top of fin, Square wing tips. Aircraft viewed from a point 3/4 starboard rear, looking upwards; aircraft in silhouette. Frustratingly, FR24 didn't record the aircraft's flightpath. Although to me the quick view that I had indicated 'Provost' (hence my question) on reflection, the only machine/s which which seem to comes anywhere near this description, would seem to be the Auster Agricola (although discounted because of the radial engine) or something of the 'Air Tractor' persuasion, but I have no idea if there are even any of the latter in the Waikato / King Country (or even New Zealand). Aircraft flying east of Cambridge (at approximately Pukekura for those who know the district), height (estimated) 3,000 ft, on a roughly North-South track. Hope that this helps.
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