New Zealand's original no 1 Loader

[pilotgirl]

Airwork Ltd and NZ's first Aerial Topdressing Loader has come into our possession. It is a 1924 Hupmobile Car converted to a truck (refer page 27 The Topdressers Book). We have disassembled it and are about to start putting it back together.
So as to put it back as original as possible we would like any photos showing it with the loading gear as that had been scrapped many years ago and welcome anybody's memories of it.

We also welcome any old Agricultural Aviation photos or copies of and also any old Ag Pilot's Logbooks no longer required by families.
Email: [e-mail]

[htbrst]

An article on the Hupmobile is on Stuff today. I had a good look at it at Fieldays - its coming along nicely

www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/agribusiness/9863629/NZs-first-topdressing-loader-a-star-again

[Dave Homewood]

Looking good. So if that is the first ever loader, what did they use to load the RNZAF Grumman Avenger hoppers?

[baz62]

Going by the photos I've seen, the Avenger hoppers (which were modified long range fuel tanks) were loaded by hand from bags, with the "hopper" sitting out of the bomb bay and then installed once loaded.

[Dave Homewood]

OK. Thanks.