RE: C54s at North Weald

It sure is nice to see that both of the C54s made it to North Weald, at times it certainly did not look like it when they were stuck here in Reykjavik with various illnesses;-)

The story about one of them staying in Europe, comes directly from the Captain of N-31356 (which is the gray one). According to what he said when the aircraft was stuck here, it will be left in Europe, but no one has opened his/her wallet yet. So in a way, I would say it´s future is a bit uncertain, as it definatly needs some TLC to keep it from falling apart:7

Thanks again for the pictures,
Galdri

RE: One for Galdri

Sorry about the late reply ageorge, haven´t been at the computer much for the last two days.

The museum at Akureyri is really a small one, and in a way I´m not entirely sure it could be called a museum. It is one of the hangars at the airport, and is really a collection of old aircraft owned by the local pilots for the most part. The aircraft in residence the last time I knew (about six months ago) were:

Stinson S.R.9 Relaiant owned by Icelandair and loaned to the museum. This aircraft has a bit of an obscure history but seems to have been in RAF hands at some time in the past. It is painted to represent TF-AZX that was the first aircraft of Loftleidir Icelandic and stated operations in 1944

Piper J3 Cub TF-CUB owned by a private individual in Akureyri

Cessna C-140 TF-AST owned by a private individual in Akureyri

Auster Mk.5 TF-LBP The first ambulance aircraft in Iceland. It is said to have combat history with the RAF. I will have to check my papers to give a concrete serial number. Owned by a private individual in Akureyri.

MINIMAX TF-KEA a homebuilt aircraft owned by a private individual.

Grunau IX primary hang-glider owned by Akureyri soaring club

— Olympia glider. I think this is an english built version of the German glider of same name. Here in Reykjavik we have a Swedish built version of the Olympia.

This pretty much rounds up the aircraft on display as of now. There may have been additions, like parts of a Fairey Battle that crashed near Akureyri in 1940, as people involved in the search for that plane (it disappeared for 60 years)are also heavily involved in the collection, but I rather doubt it.
Also on display are some excelent photographs covering the history of flight in Iceland in general and at Akureyri in particular.
The latest rumour doing the rounds here at Reykjavik airport is that the wreck of the Northrop Maritime-patrol aircraft located in the sea off Reykjavik is headed north to Akureyri once salvaged. As of yet, only rumours though!!

On the whole, a nice little place, and in the hangars nearby you just might be able to catch a glimps of a Canadian Tiger Moth (TF-KDB) and KZ III (TF-KZA) under restoration. Also active on the field is a Beech C-45, so don´t be surprised to see that one as well.

Regards,
Galdri

RE: Engines Again

This is really a great idea!!!! I´m fairly new to the board, and I seem to have missed your earlier series, I´ve got to start looking at the old posts. And by the way, thank you for the reduction gear explanation.

There is one little thing about Bristol aeroengines, which my little bone head has never understood and that is, what on earth is a sleeve valve??? Can you give me a little clue? You don´t have to simplify too much, as I´ve got a little bit of understanding of how engines work.

Regards,
Galdri

RE: The Ultimate Corporate Warbird !

For me the ultimate corporate warbird has to be the Lockheed Hudson. It has sufficent room for about 8 people in good comfort, reasonable speed and sufficent range to get from my litle corner of the world down to Europe. Another good point being it’s REASONABLE simplicity and the engines are still around in some numbers, so keeping it flying should not be too much of a problem from the maintainance perspective.

Of course it would be completely original, at least in external appearance (slight modification might be needed to meet airwothiness requerments) and it would be painted in the colours of No.269 Squadron RAF Coastal Command when based at RAF Station Kaldaðarnes in 1941.

How does this sound as the Ultimate Corporate Warbird?

Regards
Galdri

Now….Where can I find an Hudson for sale????

RE: Aircraft Nicknames

Here are a few I can remember from the top of my head
Canadair CL44 = Monster
BAe 146 = initials stand for Bring Another engine
BAe ATP = Advanced tecnichal problem
Grumman S2F = The Stoof
Grumman S2F with early warning radome = Stoof with a roof
Heinkel He 177 = The Luftwaffe Lighter
Hercules = Fat Albert
Shackelton = one hundred thousund rivets in loose formation