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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 21, 2022 15:14:46 GMT 12
Thanks for the update Ron. I completely understand, and was just curious rather than impatient.
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Post by emron on Jun 21, 2022 19:05:04 GMT 12
That’s OK, I know you and many others share my view that NZ4600 deserves to be more presentable and accessible than it is currently.
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MOTAT
Jun 24, 2022 17:27:18 GMT 12
Post by ZacYates on Jun 24, 2022 17:27:18 GMT 12
I'm with Dave - curious but patiently waiting! Thank you Ron, I always appreciate your efforts to keep us posted and answer questions.
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Post by nuuumannn on Jun 25, 2022 11:51:47 GMT 12
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MOTAT
Jun 25, 2022 12:08:10 GMT 12
Post by nuuumannn on Jun 25, 2022 12:08:10 GMT 12
Interesting to note about Sunderland gun turrets from an historical perspective. When the Sundy Mk.I first entered service it was one of the first 'bombers' to be fitted with power operated gun turrets, but its turrets, the single gun Nash & Thompson FN.11 nose turret and FN.13 four gun tail turret were designed not just for defensive purposes, like those turrets fitted to Bomber Command's heavy bombers so armed, but were designed for offensive purposes and as lookout stations. In the FN.11 nose turret the single gun was off-set to the starboard to enable the gunner to operate as observer. In the rear turret the guns were located close together to enable the gunner a clear view to the side and forward. In the Sundy Mk.II, these turrets were replaced by the FN.4 tail turret and the FN.5 in the nose, these turrets saw widespread use in bomber aircraft so it made sense to standardise their use.
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Post by camtech on Jun 25, 2022 22:26:09 GMT 12
Hudson is NZ2031, not NZ2056.
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MOTAT
Jun 26, 2022 9:28:18 GMT 12
Post by Peter Lewis on Jun 26, 2022 9:28:18 GMT 12
"Aviation Hall project delayed Unfortunately, further setbacks have arisen in the Aviation Hall project. While we were anticipating an end of July opening, we now expect this will be delayed by approximately one month.
We are incredibly grateful to our Team for all the wonderful mahi they have put in to this project to date. Unfortunately, the current construction environment is incredibly volatile, and we have faced new set backs with the delivery of supplies, and Covid-19 striking down a large number of key Team Members - both internally, and within our contractor team. We are working around the clock to make up time, and hope to announce a reopening date shortly. "
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Post by emron on Jun 26, 2022 12:50:26 GMT 12
There may be little yet to see of the construction from street side but here are some photos taken today during a stroll around the perimeter fence of the development. The new car park is now sealed. The channel has been formed for the access road from the Motions Rd corner, so it’s surface can be laid shortly too. carpark_a by Ron Wilson, on Flickr carpark_c by Ron Wilson, on Flickr carpark_d by Ron Wilson, on Flickr Here’s an indication of the underground works required. carpark_b by Ron Wilson, on Flickr When you see this for yourself during your next visit, along with some of the enhancements underway in the Display Hall, it might be cause for some of you to admit, even if still begrudgingly, that it was worth the wait.
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Post by nuuumannn on Jun 26, 2022 14:30:36 GMT 12
Hudson is NZ2031, not NZ2056. I know. It's written on the side, you can see it... Not gonna mention that the Electra is ZK-BUT? No, "yup, I agree MoTaT has done a good thing"...? Just a petty criticism...
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Post by emron on Jun 26, 2022 16:23:32 GMT 12
OK-1 climbing out after a successful touch’n’go from Auckland’s newest dual runway. (Tyre marks as proof!) OK1-b by Ron Wilson, on Flickr OK1-a by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Jun 28, 2022 10:02:12 GMT 12
Here’s a great video about the arrival of the Sunderland at MOTAT early on a foggy Saturday morning, 25 February 1967. I remember this scene well, as I had watched it from my family home on the shore opposite. No doubt the inspiration for me volunteering at the Museum a few years later.
Do you recognise the members of the RNZAF delivery team?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 28, 2022 13:12:02 GMT 12
That film is terrific!
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MOTAT
Jun 29, 2022 18:31:07 GMT 12
Post by Richard Wesley on Jun 29, 2022 18:31:07 GMT 12
Great film, they make it look easy, though I guess with the engines out the weight is reduced a little. Love the kids riding in the front turret. I assume there were some other kids in the cockpit seats.
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Post by emron on Jun 30, 2022 11:27:46 GMT 12
Yes others might notice the lack of high-vis vests and appropriate footwear!
As for being easy I’m not sure if the half dozen strong young men struggling with the tail trolley would agree.
Perhaps no more than a mundane piece of marine/ground equipment but the beaching trolley supporting the tail of the Sunderland played a vital role in the move. To be fitted to the flying boat when in the water the trolley must be buoyant enough not to sink but still easily submerged so it can be manoeuvred under the keel. The flotation blocks on the sides are colour coded red (port) and green (starboard) so that the trolley is positioned correctly under water with the deeper V of the cradle to the front. Once in place it’s secured by clamps that engage into locating holes in the hull.
The trolley was designed to roll freely up the gentle slope and smooth hard concrete surface of the base’s launching ramp but as can be seen here it became a brute to steer and hold straight on the dirt track up to the museum site. There are signs that it was damaged while being pulled up the steep bank out of the tide too. We broke a few of them while dragging the boats across boggy and rough ground over the years. Now that the trolley is indoors, it’s time to make some new flotation arms for it and there’s some good detail shown of them in this footage.
The Solent’s trolley was a more delicate design and when it was hauled out of the water the previous May (1966) the trolley got tangled in the Marston matting laid down and was torn apart. It had to be replaced by a steel skid for the rest of the journey. That trolley was never rebuilt, although some parts were saved and are incorporated into the modified Sunderland one that the Solent sits on now.
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Post by Richard Wesley on Jul 1, 2022 19:31:22 GMT 12
I remember well the day we towed the Sunderland from its long-term spot at the back around the front of the Belfast and onto the old Belfast hangar location. It seemed exciting enough clearing the hangar by meters, I can't imagine going between power poles as the movie shows.
I remember the extensive work you put in to make sure the beaching trolley was all in good shape, and then the final pull to try and straighten the trolley putting too much force on it. There was some colourful language all round.
Interesting history regarding the Solent's trolley. I'll have to look up the design of the Solent beaching trolley, and see how it compares to the Sunderland.
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MOTAT
Jul 2, 2022 11:33:39 GMT 12
Post by emron on Jul 2, 2022 11:33:39 GMT 12
The only one I know of remaining relatively intact is the trolley with the Mk3 Solent at Oakland. There are photos of it on the Seawings Flying Boat forum. The manual has a detailed diagram and I’ll post that here once I’ve got a copy.
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Post by emron on Jul 2, 2022 12:20:47 GMT 12
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Post by emron on Jul 5, 2022 17:19:55 GMT 12
Sunderland Update Here’s one of the parachute trays out of the galley, repaired and ready to be painted silver. On the front is an original quick release shock cord that holds the parachute pack in place. Alongside is another one that has been repaired together with 3 new made ones. Nothing like a bit of embroidery on a rainy day. parachute_ tray by Ron Wilson, on Flickr While searching for some of these parts in the store I found the head and lanyard for the boat hook. So all we need now is a wooden pole long enough to make the right size handle to complete it.
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Post by emron on Jul 9, 2022 17:07:53 GMT 12
Looking around home for something useful to make the shaft for the boat hook, I spotted an old yacht spar in the rafters of the shed. Once the splintered end was trimmed off, it left just the right length and shape! It might be even older than the original too. All it needs is a point to be sharpened so it will fit the socket in the head. While I had the wood tools handy I made a start on these two crash axes copied from the real thing. Once painted they will be fitted to the back of the Sunderland’s main doors. They are behind the break glass windows and hidden by the emergency symbol so I doubt anyone will notice my choice of materials when they are finished. crash_axe by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Jul 11, 2022 19:08:34 GMT 12
After a second day of searching I found these two brackets for the beaching trolley among a stack of parts at the back of one of the outlying storage sheds. This is the pair for the left side only, so far, but I’ll make do with them to test fit the pole and block to get the correct dimensions. flotation_block by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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