K Gordon Reader Rothman's Air race 1967

[kevsmith]

Doing some research and I wondered if the Rearwin ZK-AKF was one of Gordon Reader's 3 aircraft, Rugby, Racing and Beer?
Some old records show AKF as owned by "To Early Bird Flying, Bunnythorpe on 17 March 1967.
Remained airworthy at Palmerston North with Early Bird Flying until about 1970, when it was dismantled and stored at Palmerston North".
The DH60 AEJ was certainly one of the three so maybe Early Bird Flying was Gordon's company.

KiwiThrottleJockey remarks earlier in this thread of the DH89 AKU being at Bridge Pa in the early 70's and I wonder if the date was 16th Jan 1972?
I flew AKU to Bridge Pa from Napier that day (and back)

[planewriting]

I wonder if anyone else has noticed two uncorrected errors on this thread from the outset. The man was K Gordon Reader; not R Gordon Reader.  Also, it should be Rothmans' not Rothman'r.
If I knew how and/or had authority, I would correct it myself.


To me, all subsequent detail appears to be correct.

[Dave Homewood]

Apr 2, 2024 8:22:48 GMT 12 planewriting said:

I wonder if anyone else has noticed two uncorrected errors on this thread from the outset. The man was K Gordon Reader; not R Gordon Reader.  Also, it should be Rothmans' not Rothman'r.
If I knew how and/or had authority, I would correct it myself.


To me, all subsequent detail appears to be correct.

I have corrected those errors.

[kevsmith]

I have found photos of the Rearwin 9000KR Sportster ZK-AKF showing it was Rugby, starting on the engine cowl and onto the side of the fuselage. The DH60M ZK-AEJ was Racing which was painted also on the engine cowling. Both photos were on the AustAirData website. AKF also had "Early Bird III" painted on the tail fin. Does anyone remember Gordon's third acft, which was "Beer"?

[madmax]

I have an idea it was a DH94 Moth Minor but unable to recall the registration

[Dave Homewood]

Correct, it was a Moth Minor, ZK-BFP, and there is a photo of it here:
rnzaf.proboards.com/post/89304/thread