|
Post by Peter Lewis on Aug 20, 2006 14:24:30 GMT 12
Although this Moth made a post-restoration flight in the hands of H Middleton in 2004, I have not seen the aircraft out and about anywhere in the last three years. Does anyone know if it is still active, where it is based (Middleton's address is Wellsford) and if it does travel outside it's home base? Jim Dyson photograph
|
|
|
Post by Bruce on Aug 21, 2006 11:42:12 GMT 12
It made it to the Tiger Club fly in at Whitianga earlier this year (ZK-AET was there as well, the first time two DH60s have been together in NZ for many years.) It is based on a farm airstrip to the west of Wellsford, but I'm not exactly sure where (I know the area well, it where my family come from). By all accounts Mr Middleton keeps himself to himself, and although he does a decent amount of flying, its not generally to places there are lots of people to see it.
|
|
|
Post by Peter Lewis on Aug 22, 2006 21:58:28 GMT 12
Good to hear that this machine is still active. I last saw it at the old Fenton Street airfield at Rotorua many many years ago (prior to Lee Middleton's restoration it last flew in 1965). I don't mean to be picky, probably a typo, but the other Moth (Gerald Grocott's) is AEJ.
I have always liked the old DH60 Moths, much more habitable than the draughty Tiger. I can well remember flying in a Tiger at Mandeville one January, not really clad for the occasion. It was supposed to be midsummer, but quite quickly I got to the stage where I had to get the thing back on the ground, no matter what, just to thaw out.
|
|
|
Post by steve on Aug 23, 2006 1:08:03 GMT 12
Fenton Street Aerodrome....would love to see a picture of the airfield from the 60s...I remember taking my first flight from there in 1961 while on holiday with the family..
|
|
|
Post by Bruce on Aug 23, 2006 22:18:08 GMT 12
The DH-60s have quite a different look about them - to be honest, I think they look better than a Tiger (Bruce dodges flying bricks from Tiger enthusiasts) they just seem more "together" or "classic" somehow. Yes it was a typo over the other DH60s rego - the fingers get ahead of the brain quite often! Ive always wondered about the Fenton St Airfield in Rotorua - I have tried to work out where it was actually located and investigated possibilities when I was in Rotorua last, but just cant visualise it.....
|
|
|
Post by Peter Lewis on Aug 27, 2006 22:19:08 GMT 12
Fenton Street aerodrome was - believe it or not - in Fenton Street. Leaving the town centre, head south on Fenton Street, it was on the left, occupying the block bounded by Maida Vale Street through to Sala Street, back to Cemetary Road (a macabre touch) right where a large group of hotels are now located. When you get to the maori arts centre on the left, you have gone too far. Another shot of ADT, this one taken in the early 60s, just prior to its withdrawal for rebuild.
|
|