Vildebeest at 90 Mile Beach

[Dave Homewood]

When talking with veterans of No's 1 GR Detachment and 7 GR Squadron in my research into the General Reconnaissance squadrons, I've heard some memories of Vincent and Vildebeest crews from RNZAF Station Waipapakauri making unofficial landings on 90 Mile Beach to collect shellfish, especially the coveted and now rare toheroa. One chap told me he recalls one occasion where three aircraft were lined up on the beach and sackfulls of toheroas were collected for the officer's mess.

Anyway this inspired me to create some more digital art. This is a quick rough job, but it depicts an RNZAF Vildebeest on approach to 90 Mile Beach, Northland. I call it "Toheroa Run"

I hope you like it.

[turboNZ]

That's a great pic, Dave !!

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks.

[turboNZ]

Isn't the "90 mile Beach" only 62 miles ?

Be awesome to see a Vincent/Vildebeest flying one day.

[Dave Homewood]

Yes, it's approximately 90 Kms though!

I also would love to see a Vincent flying. I will be happy enough when the Subritzky Vincent and Wigram Vilde are back in one piece.