Finally we had a treat today, a Yak-52 formaly of the Romanian Air Force still in beautiful condition flew in from Mittagong, only to find out that the Cat wasn’t coming, they too were hopping to form up with it for a fly over, got some great shots of it including a facinating cockpit shot, the guy was really nice. I’ll post them when they are developed.

I forgot to mention, the Catalina will be fully restored for flying displays around Australia and possibly New Zealand, I spoke with John Brooker (Director General of Hars) and Rees Hughes (Chief Engineer and former RAAF Catalina crew man) about the cat only to find out that it will be refitted with its blisters and forward turret and will be painted in the RAAF’s Black Cat scheme. Like I said will keep you all posted.

I have been invited back in a few weeks by HARS for a full story and photo session, by then they should have the Cat there with a few other planes. It is hoped by HARS that tourism for the area will increase, being only 1 hours drive south of Sydney.

The French Naval P-2 which is a P-2V7 model, looking rather sad at the moment, but will be fully restored.

Here is the RAAF P-2 in it’s final parking place.

Daz: Yeah I heard that there are at least 14 still flying around the world.

Scoot: Mate I personally know how big those buggers arer, my Grandfather after the war used to fly the Qantas ones up to Palm Beach from Rose Bay to clean them, actually what he did was sleep in them and then use the galley to cook himself breakfast the next morning.

Well for those in Australia, the current flight plans are for it to leave Willimstown at 11:00 on sunday and do a couple of circuits over the old RAAF base at Rathmines (that was the main base for the Cats back in WWII0, then a couple of circuits over Rose Bay (Qantas also had a couple of them and this will honour them) and then on down to it’s final place for restoration, Albion Park arriving at approx 15:00.

Got those details straight from the project manager today, he also went on to say that he hopes not to give everyone a buhm stear.

Wombat if you’re still here mate, keep your eays and ears open!

JDK: You’re Kidding right? 4 is over there in England? Wow, that’s made me very happy, I’ve been working on a book myself, though not as exciting as yours, mine is about my Grandfathers exploits during WWII, and if 4 is there in one piece then it would make a nice addition to my book.

I have heard that another flying model is coming together down here, I’ll look into details and let you know more.

I look forward to seeing those pics, and Mark12, thanks for those they really inspire me.

Thanks for the info guys, I look forward to seeing our one down at the RAAF museum soon