Miles Gemini – Bader

Very little escapes these guy’s.

Like having at least one pair of eyes everywhere, probably the most useful tool in the box !

Many thanks for yet more very useful information. This quest is like a massive jigsaw puzzle – I keep getting lots of small pieces which won’t yet quite fit together to make one complete picture ! but I live in hope.
The cream & red scheme sounds like most others I have pics of – a default factory finish – ‘pick your own stripe colour’ from this small colour chart – a bit like buying a new car ?
Cheers
Dave M

Miles Gemini – Bader

The Aeroplane Collection have the remains of KHZ under restoration (long term) which were collected from The Miles Aircraft Collection some time ago. We have a picture taken at Kidlington in 1958 colour scheme is stated as Grey, White and Green. A second picture shows adifferent scheme b&w picture one colour overall with darker cheat line. We also have a ccolur photograph of a model of KHZ which was in the Shell board room and has a cream scheme with red cheat line and spinners and black registration. Restoration is being carried out at Hooton Park.

GEMINI

Thanks for the post ‘Anon’
Yes, please send me their e-mail address or web-site if any – could be just what i want.
Cheers
Dave M

Shell Gemini colours

Molyned,

I know of a restoration group who claim to have major sections of an ex-Shell Gemini which Bader flew.
I’ve seen the parts so they do appear to exist.
I can put you in touch with them if you want and you can view them for yourself.

Anon.

Gemini-Bader

More information ! I knew his was the right place to ask.
Unfortunately G-APUB is a Beech 95 so the colours can’t be guaranteed to be correct for the Gemini.
I too have a black/white pic so have the same problem. Ah well, the search goes on .
Cheers
Dave M

G-APUB was owned by Shell but given to Douglas on his retirement from Shell.It’s still airworthy in Virginia . There are pictures about of her on the net in her colours .

I think D.B also had the use of, or owned G-APUB (nice reg! But I thought he did not drink though?)

I only have a b/w photo so unable to suggest color’s?

I had my very first flight in a red Gemini at Shoreham airport in about 1954, and it cost me about 10 shillings for the ‘joyride’ (and it was!).

That was about a month’s pocket money, but worth every penny. Super plane, and super views of Sussex from the cockpit.

So at least one Gemini was red. Perhaps that was it?

Incidentally, I’ve wondered since if F.G. himself was the pilot?

Bri 😀

Miles Gemini Bader

Thanks folks for al the replies
All interesting stuff, if not quite what I hoped for : . I was aware of two Geminis belonging to Shell – both, I believe were used by Bader at some periods before moving on to more ‘modern’ stuff. I’ll now consider G-AKHZ if I can confirm that it was indeed one of his steeds.
They all seemed to be cream with different coloured flashes ex-works.
I suppose I’d better come clean as to why I’m interested – I’m in the process of building a Gemini model for MS Flight Simulator and want to offer it in authentic colour schemes – particularly Bader’s aircraft. I’ve already recently released a Miles Messenger in Monty’s camo-paint – that was well received, so the Gemini is a natural follow-on.
BTW – mixture controls, nav lights etc. are described in the brochure as ‘optional extras’ – sounds like British cars of the time!
Cheers
Dave M

Yep. Given Bader’s reputation, I bet no one sharing an aeroplane with him would DARE point a camera at him in flight!! :diablo:

My father changed the tail wheel on his Proctor at Luton airport in the late
40’s early 50’s. Bader was shouting at my father all the time. So he didnt get the best wheel change. Bader is not very well thought of by my father!

Dave

Kenneth More has got a lot to answer for!

My father changed the tail wheel on his Proctor at Luton airport in the late
40’s early 50’s. Bader was shouting at my father all the time. So he didnt get the best wheel change. Bader is not very well thought of by my father!

Dave

A quick glance at Hugh Scanlon’s book “Winged Shell” mentions 2 Geminis on the British register. G-AMGF belonging to Shell International and G-AKHZ belonging to Shell Mex. The latter was described as having a Cream and Grey colour scheme. The Twin Comanche that followed them was silver, yellow and white but the pre-war aircraft were green and red. None of which really helps you does it?

I saw Bader fly into Newcastle in the company’s Proctor in,I think, 1956 or 57. This had a red colour scheme but I only saw it fly over so don’t know any more details. Perhaps the Gemini had the same c.s??
Jim