Kingsford Smith Wellington

[Dave Homewood]

It is true that the Woodbourne aerodrome had to be built at Blenheim long enough to take the Southern Cross, but another reason I've read as to why it remained at Wigram for so long was it was undergoing repairs to damage suffered in the storm during the crossing.

[planeimages]

Thanks Ron and Dave. The people at MOTAT have resolved the outstanding queries with copies of relevant publications. McWilliams and the 1000.00 pounds fee.

[shorty]

Nov 13, 2008 20:59:25 GMT 12 planeimages said:

Any idea who flew the other Bristols around the country with Smith and Ulm in 1928? Would Smithy and Ulm flown in one machine while RNZAF staff and perhaps a mechanic have been in the others?

Thanks

Peter

The three F2Bs involved were 6856, 6857, and 7120 a dual control machine.
The formation was led by Captain Findlay with McWilliams as his passenger,wing men were Captain Buckley with Litchfield and Kingsford-Smith with Ulm in 7120

[ron]

Dave

In Stannage's book he states that the three micarta props were so badly chipped by ice that three new airscrews had to be fitted before the return flight.

Regards

Ron

[Richard Wesley]

Just as a little extra on this thread, does anyone know how an engine from the Southern Cross ended up on display at Motat?

[ron]

Richard

I regret that I cannot answer your question but it might help if any reader can supply the details from the data plate on that engine, particularly its serial number. The prop blades appear to be metal. Can anyone confirm this?

Regards
Ron

[shorty]

Is this the engine that used to be on display at the Auckland War Memorial Museum?

[joey05]

From MOTATs website, doesn’t say how it got there though!

Maker and Role
Wright Aeronautical Corporation, Manufacturer
Hamilton Standard Propellers, Manufacturer
Production Date
16 Feb 1928
Description
Wright Radial aero engine from pilot Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith's aircraft "Southern Cross". There is a three bladed aluminium propeller manufactured by Hamilton Standard. The propeller is made up of individual blades numbered 1, 2 and 3. They fit into a central hub and are secured by metal clamps.
Collection
Engine Collection
George Bolt Collection
Media/Materials
Processed Material/Metal
Signature/Marks and Type
J-5 A-B / WRIGHT WHIRLWIND / ... / DATE 2.16.28 / ... / WRIGHT AERONAUTICAL CORP. / PATERSON, NEW JERSEY Maker's Plate

[Damon]

Some nice footage of Kingsford Smith in Christchurch. 'First Trans-Tasman flight: Kingsford Smith lands at Wigram in the 'Southern Cross', 1928.'

[johnnyfalcon]

That's a gem piece of footage! I've not seen that before. Wigram has changed...