Hi all,
I have just returned home from a weekend of great fun with Steve Patterson and John Parker in Auckland.
First up I want to thank Steve and John for their awesome hospitality, I had an amazing weekend with you guys. You are both truly fantasticly good fun and great company.
For me the adventure began Friday afternoon when I arrived in Auckland, and we met up at the lovely Hyatt Regency hotel. John and Steve had already jumped the gun and shot off to Motat for a look round there, which was great because I’ve been there loads and so it freed up some time on our schedule for Saturday.
After a chat we decided to take the ferry across to Devonport where we sampled the local ale at The Patriot and then enjoyed an incredible meal in an exquisite hotel, with views of Auckland Harbour at late afternoon into dusk. One real treat was the Oriana liner passing our window as we enjoyed the meal.
The weather packed it in and for the first time in weeks NZ got some torrential rain, typical when we had guests. However by Saturday morning the sky was blue with hardly a cloud, and the day continued to be gorgeous and warm. We began with a trip to Mission Bay for breakfast by the beach, looking across the harbour to Rangitoto, the largest of Auckland’s 46 volcanoes.
Then once refreshed we headed for a quick jaunt up to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial at Bastion Point, which was on the way back into town. From this vanatage point you can see most of the city, and with such weather it was perfect for photos.
On we went to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where Steve and John seemed suitably impressed by not just the Spitfire and Zero, and the other war memorabilia on display, but also the natrual history sections and other exhibits in this fine establishment. I’ll never forget Steve’s face after he saw the giant Moa – this is an Ostrich-like bird about three times Steve’s height (so 10 feet high 🙂 )
Following the AWM, we headed north across the bridge and up to Dairy Flat. Things got rather interesting here. I had been informed, or should I say misinformed, that Glyn Powell’d Mosquito Restoration Facility had moved to this lovely rural airport. We arrived and pulled into the carpark only to spy a DH Moth trundling our way. The pilot pulls up next to our clicking cameras and shouts “Come down the other end through the picket fence gate, we’ve got them all lined up for you.”
We followed his directions and found the gate – and even worked out how to open it eventually. We drove in, round to the hangars, and low and behold here was a line up of classic aircraft – an Auster, the Moth, a Cub, etc. In the hangar was more, including a beautiful DH Dragon. I realised something was a little odd. This was the Stan Smith collection, and the man and his very nice wife were Mr and Mrs Smith. But funnily enough I hadn’t organised for us to visit them, so why were they lining up all these aircraft for us and welcoming us with expectant arms?
After some enquiring and headscratching we deduced what it was. We’d gone there to see Glyn Powell, whom Stan and friends informed was actually situated at Drury Hills, not Dairy Flat. Hmmm. And Stan was actually expecting a group from an aviation historical society of some sort, and he thought we were it. So this was quite funny, we got the grand tour, Setter and I got to help unfold the wings of a Proctor (one of two MK V’s left in the world!) and I tin-arsed it to get a taxi ride from one side of the sirfield to the other with Mr Smith. That was phenominal. I don’t get a lot of chance to be up close to old aircraft where I live, so toi sit inside a very old, very historic and very original aircraft (the last of type built by Percival btw) and see, smell, hear and feel it come to life was magic. To me that taxi ride and engine runwas as good a s a flight (I see why the Lanc rides at East Kirkby are such a great substitute for a flight now).
So this worked out well, because we got to see and photograph a whole collection of rare aircraft that was totally unexpected and unplanned. So thanks to Mr and Mrs Smith. And we got that privilege just before carloads and more, about 50 guys, turned up from the groupo he had been expecting to see.
Meanwhile we also visited the nearby Confederate Air Force hangar which was nextdoor, where we were also welcomed warmly by a couple of the volunteers. We got to see a lovely Harvard there, which was actually an ex-RNZAF aircraft but was the SNJ-5 model with gun positions (as used in the war for training Dauntless crews).
And the equally lovely Beech 45 ZK-TEX was there too, looking a little forlorn without her engines. Plus their Cub is being restored so we were given the tour of that. Thanks to the guys at CAF.
Then we were off again down the road to the Subritzky collection. Now this HAS to be seen to be believed. Tucked away on what looks just like a rural farm is a wonderful collection of aircraft. Spitfire Mk XVI bubbletop, P40E, the world’s only semi-complete Vickers Vincent, an amazingly original Airspeed Oxford with a new replica of the same underway for flight, Meteor NF11, the remains of an Anson, and four Hawker Hinds, two of which are partly assembled. The latter are just gorgeous, and the one they are working on, a bomber version, is better than new condition. Certain people said it leaves the Shuttleworth one for dead, but I cannot comment as I’ve not seen the Shuttleworth example.
Oh yes, we were welcomed extremely warmly by owner/restorer Mike Subritzky and one of their Bill Billings. I was pleased to see Bill again after many years – I once worked with him in the RNZAF and know he has a great passion for old planes, so is just the man for this collection.
All in all we were treated to a great day of Kiwi hospitality wherever we went and all these collections were a delight to see. It really made me quite proud to be able to show our guests these aircraft, and a little ashmed that I’d not made the pilgrimage there before.
By: srpatterson - 20th February 2005 at 22:36
Well, the first part of the tour has come to an end. I’m at the airport in Singapore, waiting to catch a plane to Hong Kong. Time for a little work to help pay for warbirds.
A big thank you to my most excellent forum hosts in NZ and OZ—Setter, Dave, Hairy, Dave McD, JDK, Chris, Matt, and Oscar Duck. Also, many thanks to all the restoration shops that opened their doors and made us welcome (especially Wangaratta). Can’t wait to see Mr. Parker and Mr. Tweed’s photos (I was just too knackered to look at them last night).
Formal report to follow the close of the tour after the flight of the Rearwin. Popham is fast approaching boys and girls…don’t forget the popcorn. In the meantime enjoy Setter and JDK’s recap of the weeks events right here on the forum.
See you in a week!
Steve
By: crazymainer - 20th February 2005 at 22:36
Well Duvec,
I guess I will have to give Mr. Parker a call and find out what is going on.
Cheers
RER
By: duvec - 20th February 2005 at 22:20
Well Well,
It appears that Patty might be interested in something US Build did he start the P-40 up and take it for a test drive :diablo:
RER
He did more that start the P40. To say more may steal the thunder of other reporters on the scene!
Chris
By: dhfan - 20th February 2005 at 13:50
He’s going to keep on trying until he finds one with the keys in it. 😉
By: Manonthefence - 20th February 2005 at 08:36
JDK is still thin, Patty is still short, setter is still…well….big!
So whats new 🙂
PS Great photos see you all soon I hope.
By: crazymainer - 20th February 2005 at 08:25
Well Well,
It appears that Patty might be interested in something US Build did he start the P-40 up and take it for a test drive :diablo:
RER
By: Dave Homewood - 20th February 2005 at 06:08
Do you have any objection to me right clicking and using as my wallpaper?
Go for it
Great pictures Duvec
By: duvec - 20th February 2005 at 04:33
The Excellent Adventure Continues….
This brief report is somewhat behind events however it shows day one of a two day visit to Wangaratta to witness amazing things. Setter has reported in detail on projects at this northern Victorian airfield previously. This update merely populates the place with some recognisable members of this forum! A grand time was had by all! Steve got his hands on the P40, a Wirraway and a Winjeel (photos to follow from other participants). On prior days visits to Pt Cook and Tyabb were made as well as two fine dining experiences with various members of this esteemed group.
Subsequently southern Queensland has borne the brunt of investigations of things aviation, historic/warbird. A Beaufort inspected, Oscar Ducks collection audited and a visit to Toowoomba to see Lynette Zuccoli’s collection. I suspect, but have not spoken with any in the party, that Caboolture may have also been checked out. I’m sure that various members of the group will make reports as they recover from Mr Patterson’s whirwind visit.
Mr Patterson hisself will have recovery time on Singapore Airlines between Brisbane/Singapore/Hong Kong and may even “recover” some more on a yacht on Hong Kong Harbour in the near future.
More as it comes to hand….
Chris
By: Hatton - 17th February 2005 at 11:58
Chris, yes I have heard several times it is for sale, and Marcus (Hairy on WIX) confirmed that on the weekend. I think he said NZ$180,000 gets you the aircraft, a ton of spares and seven new Bristol Hercules engines.
Thanks Robbo and Steve, I’m glad you liked them. I am looking forward to a day in the near future when multiple Hinds will be seen together here.
I didn’t think to check for a signature or anything on the windows, and I cannot see one on the photo of the RNZAF window I am afraid. I could try to find out though. The place has many such windows, it is really like the NZ version of the IWM Lambeth – covering as far back as the Maori Wars of the 1850’s, thru other NZ-participated conflicts like the South Africa wars, WWI, WWII, Korea, Borneo, Malaya, Vietnam and right up to current conflicts we’re involved in with peacekeeping. Of course it is on a smaller scale than IWM, and also includes natural history, science, technology, social history and all sorts of other aspects of NZ life and history. We evenn found a few Kiwi dinosaurs! I definately recommend this museum to anyone wanting to kill an afternoon in Auckland.
Cheers
Dave
thanks dave for the info, its not worth troubling yourself to find out. Just wondered if you had the info offhand. Very beautiufl pieces of work. Do you have any objection to me right clicking and using as my wallpaper?
By: Dave Homewood - 16th February 2005 at 22:17
Cheers Anna, Steve and Phil.
Sad to hear the tour party has left our shores already but I’m sure they will already be having a great time in Australia. Come on John, you’re home now, where’s some nice piccies?
I personally think the Frightener is a very ugly plane ideed, and that one at Ardmore is by far the ugliest, but they are also full of character and history. The one on the RNZedAF Museum has at least one bullet hole in the cockpit area from her Vietnam days. I’d love to see someone get the Ardmore one flying again. It would be a mammoth task though, literally.
By: JDK - 16th February 2005 at 21:51
G’day all.
The Parker & Patterson tour continued yesterday with RAAF Point Cook, Tyabb, Morrabbin and a most excellent meal.
Off to Wangaratta today, and yes, there will be pics – as soon as we aren’t taking more or sleeping!
More soon.
Cheers!
By: STORMBIRD262 - 16th February 2005 at 14:11
Stop picking on the Bristol 170, I use to climb in the Air Express 170 in the grave yard at Essendon airport as a teen.
She was leaking oil bad, and smelt like a Warbird in side,
Myself and a few lad’s would pretend to take her on secret Para drop mission’s.
We ever spoke to a few old guy’s who flew her back from Tasmania many time’s and had to shut down one engine half way back across Bass Strait, They loved the old girl.
Beauty’s is only skin deep and in the eye of the beholder,
Cheer’s all, Tally Ho! Ho! Phil.
By: STORMBIRD262 - 16th February 2005 at 13:53
Testing Testing are we really back on Hyperspace
G’ day Davey Boy 🙂 ,
What an Amazing thread to come back too Mate!!!! 😎
It’s an Amazing Adventure just looking at all the Picture’s 😉 , Thank’s So VERY VERY MUCHLY DAVE 😀 😀 😀 .
Being half Kiwi from Dad’s(dec) side and my last visit being 68/69 as a tot, I think it’s time to get over there again real soon 🙂 ,
BUT after Looking at all this Mate 😮 😮 ,
Would I leave to come back to OZ :p .
Fantastic Stuff again Dave 😉 , Cheer’s mate, Tally :dev2: Ho! :dev2: Ho! Phil :diablo: .
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th February 2005 at 11:01
Stunning photos Dave, thanks very much for posting them up.
Intrigued about the F86 though. Looks like you’ve had some Liverpudlians visiting…. 😉
By: Mark9 - 16th February 2005 at 07:19
Great pictures, Steve’s clearly having fun !!! 😉 Anna 😀 😀
By: turbo_NZ - 16th February 2005 at 02:17
Wow, $180K would be fine, even if you only got the new Hercules’s.
They must be getting rare now and they wouldn’t be too far off what the Beaufighters used to be powered by wouldn’t they …??
TNZ
By: Dave Homewood - 15th February 2005 at 23:19
Chris, yes I have heard several times it is for sale, and Marcus (Hairy on WIX) confirmed that on the weekend. I think he said NZ$180,000 gets you the aircraft, a ton of spares and seven new Bristol Hercules engines.
Thanks Robbo and Steve, I’m glad you liked them. I am looking forward to a day in the near future when multiple Hinds will be seen together here.
I didn’t think to check for a signature or anything on the windows, and I cannot see one on the photo of the RNZAF window I am afraid. I could try to find out though. The place has many such windows, it is really like the NZ version of the IWM Lambeth – covering as far back as the Maori Wars of the 1850’s, thru other NZ-participated conflicts like the South Africa wars, WWI, WWII, Korea, Borneo, Malaya, Vietnam and right up to current conflicts we’re involved in with peacekeeping. Of course it is on a smaller scale than IWM, and also includes natural history, science, technology, social history and all sorts of other aspects of NZ life and history. We evenn found a few Kiwi dinosaurs! I definately recommend this museum to anyone wanting to kill an afternoon in Auckland.
Cheers
Dave
By: Hatton - 15th February 2005 at 20:58
Great pictures dave, thank you for taking the time and effort to post. Did you happen to notice who designed the stain glass windows?
By: turbo_NZ - 15th February 2005 at 18:29
As a young boy in Auckland I used to see & hear the Safe-Air Frightners climbing (read:struggling) out of Auckland Airport. They hardly seemed to be moving at all in the air sometimes… The twin Hercules engines had a very distinctive beat.
A great aircraft and a such a shame to see this one slowly rotting away..
You say no-one is interested in getting it to flyable status.
Is it actually for sale, Dave ?
Cheers
TNZ
PS Here’s happier times for NZ5903 (Image courtesy of Kiwi Aircraft Images)
By: danohagan - 14th February 2005 at 12:06
Hands down that is one of the uglisest aircraft I have ever seen, still it’s a shame no one has stepped up and done something with it. Heck, even ugly planes need love too!
I think the Bristol Freighter is so ugly it’s beautiful. One of my all-time favourites! Genuinely interesting set of pictures in this thread. Some real “gems”.
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February 13, 2005 at 11:10 am