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Post by denysjones on Oct 13, 2021 7:27:21 GMT 12
I'd be surprised (not for the first time though) if you found a ventral unit "in the wild" as it's not the sort of thing that found other uses that justified removing it from the aircraft.
I've been looking for an astrodome, or even its mate the hatch that blanks the aperture when the dome is not in place, for many years to no avail. That surprises me as items like that quite often found use in gardens and plant cloches. That is where one of our Boulton-Paul turret cupolas came from.
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Post by Mustang51 on Oct 13, 2021 9:30:24 GMT 12
Just thinking about trying to complete the Temora Hudson and templates and fittings that could be made for others
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Post by davidd on Oct 13, 2021 9:47:48 GMT 12
Some extremely rare items still attached to Hudson NZ2084 during its slumbers at Wigram were possibly the last existing Australian-manufactured beam gun mountings (although don't think they were complete, and definitely NO Vickers "K" guns [VGO's] attached!) The RNZAF was supplied with these at fairly short notice in late 1942, I think enough pairs to equip every one of our Hudsons. In New Zealand there were moves afoot to manufacture similar mountings here (I think the RAF, or perhaps Lockheed) had provided the original drawings, or maybe these came from the Australians? I think that our own gunnery experts were doubtful that NZ manufacturers could produce these items quickly enough to the required high standard, and when the Australians happened to mention that they could produce the required number and ship them in a matter of weeks, they jumped at the chance: "Yes please!" Much later (well, in mid-1943) the Armament section in Air Department recalled these mountings, and referred to them as "Heath Robinson" contraptions, with their guards designed to prevent excited young gunners shooting off their own tails and tail surfaces. Nevertheless, these mountings did the job when we had nothing else to offer, so they earned their small place in our military history.
David D
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Post by emron on Nov 18, 2021 19:56:35 GMT 12
Hudsons disposed of from Taieri were: NZ2010 to Mr Caley NZ2013 to Mr James Clark (now at Wigram) NZ2016 to Mr Edwards NZ2031 to Mr Carr (now at MOTAT) NZ2039 to Mr Edwards NZ2089 to Mr Edwards Two were saved that have ended up in museums, and there have been posts on the forum of two separate Hudson caravans in the south of the South Island that may be also from the other four. I wonder if they still have this one on their books: Otago Daily Times, 28 July 1950. FOR SALE ---- AEROPLANE! Made into a THREE-ROOM CRIB. Beautifully panelled throughout. Furnished to the last detail. All furnishings and crockery, bedding, etc., new. New stove. Has to be inspected to be appreciated. Can be transported anywhere at a small charge. Why have a crib in the one locality? J. W. WALLS. Land and Estate Agents, C/o McCracken and Walls, 42 George street, Dunedin. Phone 18-143; after hours, 12-322. ----
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 18, 2021 20:39:32 GMT 12
I wonder which one that was?
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Post by emron on Nov 19, 2021 10:30:06 GMT 12
These might be related. Anyone got a 1950 Dunedin phone book?
Otago Daily Times, 3 August 1950. --- PLANNING to Build? Transportable Crib for Sale; just tow it on to section: furnished for 6 people.-- Apply McCracken and Walls, land agents; 18-143. --- TRANSPORTABLE Crib, completely furnished to last detail; everything new; make sure of your summer holiday; sleep 6; sole agents.-- Apply McCracken and Walls, land agents.
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Otago Daily Times, 19 October 1949. --- TO Model Engineering Enthusiasts: I will give as payment 2 Hudson Bomber engines to person willing dismantle wings, wheelbase, etc.; genuine inquiries.-- Phone 18-627.
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Otago Daily Times, 5 November 1949. --- SURPLUS PARTS, HUDSON BOMBER (already dismantled), including Wings, Piping, Aluminium by the mile, Undercarriage (including tyres and Wheels, suitable for farm trailer); highest offers accepted; first reasonable gets.-- 1960,TIMES. ---
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Post by emron on Nov 19, 2021 11:44:56 GMT 12
Otago Daily Times, 2 August 1949.
Hudson Bomber To Serve As Silo On North Otago Farm NORTH OTAGO NEWS
From active service operations in the Pacific area to use as a grain silo in the North Otago district is the unusual history of a Hudson bomber. The bomber was one of six sold recently in Dunedin and the purchaser was Mr. J. W. Clark, of Totara. In an interview with the Daily Times yesterday Mr. Clark told of the widespread interest taken in the bomber by passers-by. Included amongst the callers, he said, had been an Australian midget car driver who wanted to purchase the wings for the body work of a midget racer, and also a former pilot of the aircraft.
It is Mr. Clark’s intention to cut the nose off the bomber and stand it on end with it’s tail towards the sky. In this way he hopes to store an estimated 700 bushels of bulk wheat in the silo. From some of the gear removed from the machine Mr. Clark intends to construct a draught feeder similar to those in operation in the United States. In this way wheat will be fed into the silo with the minimum of effort.
Speaking of the gear left in the bomber when he purchased it, Mr. Clark said that there were two practically new engines, several miles of electric wire, steel cable, hydraulic gear, wheels and tyres and many other useful articles. All the radio gear had been removed prior to the purchase. It is his intention to use the wheels of the plane to make a farm trailer. He also intends to keep most of the parts for further use on the farm.
A former pilot of the ‘plane who resides at Timaru told Mr. Clark that seven months of his service was spent in the bomber. The ‘plane had taken part in air sea rescue work and also been on several bombing missions.
Hundreds of people have inspected the bomber during it’s six weeks in the district, including several organised parties. One unfortunate aspect of Mr. Clark’s generosity in throwing the plane open for inspection is that many parts have been “souvenired” -- to be put mildly.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 21, 2021 10:22:45 GMT 12
Wow, that is an interesting article. I guess he gave up on the silo idea, as NZ2013 became a chicken coop instead on his property.
I wonder how many of the “souvenired”bits are still around, and if any made it back to the aircraft during its recovery and restoration.
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Post by agile on Nov 21, 2021 16:12:41 GMT 12
It would have made a pretty useless silo I reckon, so many obstructions down the inside of it, and you'd need to build a substantial structure around it to stop it blowing over as it's so tall and skinny. A real ideas man though, obviously.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 22, 2021 16:48:46 GMT 12
Yeah I was thinking that same thing. John Smith's idea of using a Mossie fuselage as a silo was a better idea but again it never happened.
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