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Post by baz62 on Jun 1, 2009 10:43:26 GMT 12
Does anyone have any photos (or memories) of the 1973 airshow held at Wigram. It was held to commerate the official formation of the RNZAF 50 years ago (1923) as opposed to the NZPAF (New Zealand Permanent Air Force).
My overiding memory is watching a formation of Harvards making the number 50 fly overhead. Plus all the exhibits displaying (I think ) a Devon retracting her gear.
Baz
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Post by alanw on Jun 1, 2009 16:43:08 GMT 12
Hi Baz Only really young then, but do remember two Siouxs doing a "Waltz" to the Blue Danube, one of them had a Big pink Bow attached to the forward transparency (that was really cool!!!). The other thing (apart from the Harvard's doing the flying 50) was an A4 scream in low overhead (boy did it make the visiting Civies jump ;D) popped his air brakes to slow down, and proceeded to wow everyone with his aerial expertise. I think from memory, had other displays but can't remember what they were. I have the RNZAF New Special,l RNZAF Base Wigram 1916-1995, but doesn't have any photos of that either, though it has text telling of the event. Text says that 17 Harvard's made Flying 50, display by Strikemasters Red Checkers and a Dakota parachute drop (I recall a Strikemaster on static display) Unfortunately Dad took any photos and they would be with my Mom overseas  Hope that helps Alan |
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jimg
Leading Aircraftman
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Post by jimg on Jun 3, 2009 11:15:02 GMT 12
Yes, I remember that show. We were on course at the time and I recall spending most of the day on duty at one of the gates on Springs Road. (Which was more enjoyable than defending Weedons from the protesters around that era 73/74?). Will look up any photos.
Now, there was another great Harvard flypast in 1977. May have been the decommissioning of the Harvard. Anyone remember that one? I had landed on board the shuttle from Ohakea and was on the ramp when the formation flew over.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 3, 2009 13:01:01 GMT 12
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Post by baz62 on Jun 3, 2009 15:25:38 GMT 12
Welcome to the forum Jim. Take a look near the bottom of this page for a lovely coloured photo of the 1977 Harvard farewell formation. Must be a small picture Dave I can't see it! ;D |
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Post by flyjoe180 on Jun 3, 2009 15:35:17 GMT 12
I need new glasses...
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 3, 2009 16:02:05 GMT 12
Just seeing if you guys were awake. The link's there now. I had copied it, just somehow the pasting of it didn't take...
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Post by flyjoe180 on Jun 3, 2009 16:03:05 GMT 12
You need stronger paste  |
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jimg
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 9
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Post by jimg on Jun 3, 2009 20:27:45 GMT 12
Thanks, Dave. Yes, that's the flypast. Great photo. Don't think the 1977 one was a full-on public airshow. Probably more for the benefit of the local troops. There were some Wings and Wheels events a bit later (through the 80's, I think). Remember taking my baby daughter to one early 82, forgetting how loud the A4K's would be. It's a wonder she still has good hearing!
Jim
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 4, 2009 13:17:28 GMT 12
I recall the day that PTS left Wigram in a 16-ship formation of Airtrainers in a very similar style of farewell. It was very sad for we Tech Squadron guys when they left. The Iroquois and Sioux of No. 3 Squadron Detachment also left there in a massed formation (five wockas and three Sioux from memory).
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Post by NZ1009 on Jun 4, 2009 22:06:42 GMT 12
Mention of the 16 Airtrainers reminded me of this unusual photo of the formation  Another similar picture of a Wigram formation is the following. At the time it appeared in NZ Wings there was some dispute as to was it actually over Takaka as the caption states.  |
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Post by baz62 on Jun 5, 2009 15:15:44 GMT 12
Nice photos there John and the RNZAF Museum's Devon NZ1803 in shot. Is it me or does the arm position of the CT4 pilot look awkward?
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Post by corsair67 on Jun 5, 2009 15:19:57 GMT 12
Nice photos there John and the RNZAF Museum's Devon NZ1803 in shot. Is it me or does the arm position of the CT4 pilot look awkward? Doesn't look at all comfortable! Maybe he's just tweaking the throttle a little bit? |
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Post by obiwan27 on Jun 5, 2009 16:14:17 GMT 12
Impressive.....most impressive. I remeber that airshow well as it was the first one I ever went to. The Harvard '50' formation flyover plus supply drops by the C47's and the Sioux syncronised 'ballet' was memorable. If I recall correctly the Skyhawk was flown by Wing Cdr? John Hosie from Ohakea down over the main centres and back. I think he did a straight on approach to the crowd showing off the A4's impressive roll rate and kept on going. Gee they were only 3 years old then.....those were the days!!!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 7, 2009 14:10:52 GMT 12
I was only two years old. So I missed this airshow...
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Post by obiwan27 on Jun 13, 2009 15:54:42 GMT 12
Hello again, here are some pics from the day of the 1973 Wigram Airshow. All static shots I'm afraid but better than nowt!!! Firstly parked beside the control tower NZ 1099  Also nearby was a two seat Vampire but I'm not sure if it's a T11 or T55.  Here's a view of the flightline from the spectator's side of things.  If you look carefully you can identify some of the aircraft that were on display that day. Devons, Harvards and note the Iroquois in an earlier paint scheme. Olive drab or Olive green? with a black anti-glare nose panel and yellow tail boom band and yellow engine compartment. Those were the days. Anyone got any other pics of this airshow, does the RNZAF have any official pics?  ?? Enjoy!!! |
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Post by baz62 on Jun 13, 2009 21:19:00 GMT 12
Vampire is a T11 and just visible beside it is the tail of what is probably the Museum's Avro Anson(before there was a museum or Historic center!
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Post by obiwan27 on Jun 13, 2009 21:31:15 GMT 12
I seem to remember the Red Checkers Harvard stylee may have performed on the day??? As well as the later formation '50' flypast. Am I right, or is my memory playing tricks???
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Post by baz62 on Jun 13, 2009 21:42:05 GMT 12
Yes I think the Red Checkers did display at the show. I thought the landing lights in the wings were guns being fired!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 13, 2009 22:47:25 GMT 12
Are you guys certain that the 1973 Wigram airshow had a Red Checkers display? It was not in Ian Wright's logbook and he was in the team that year. See my page here with his photos and the 1973 dates - it was a very short season due to the oil costs biting. www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/Airshow_Display_Teams_Checkers.htm#Check70sIt's possible they did and he missed that one, and it makes sense they did a home display - especially at the 50th Anniversary show, but it seems odd he never mentioned it to me. I have a feeling that a programme from this show is in the University of Waikato's NZ Collection, however it may be the other big 50th in the 1970's they had, the 1978 one. Maybe Bruce can pop in and check? As for the Avro Anson you mention, are you certain of that? The info I have is it was not recovered form its chicken coop duties on a farm at Swannanoa by Philip Burns till 1975, and it was somewhat later before the museum got it. As this is supposedly 1973, I'd be surprised if that is an Anson frame. |
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?? Enjoy!!!