And here is one I shot at Woodbourne last year, in totally non-standard scheme. This one is used at the training school for Aircraft Finishers, who were part of the Safety and Surface trade (my trade!!)
I remember when I was in the RNZAF (1989-93) the Strikemaster was at the end of its life and were phased out by 1992. One came to Wigram for 2TTS to fiddle with, and it was so decrepit looking. It had not had its usual repaint because it was not worth it when they were being phased out. A lot of the paint was chipped off and worn. Like a WWII scheme really. They certainly took a lot of punishment and did an awesome display when flown right. Best display I ever saw in one was the Friday of Warbirds over Wanaka 1992, rung out to the max. I believe that was the last official public Blunty display that weekend too.
Well, if it is Blunties you like, here’s a couple I took (with a disposable camera – whoops, that’s a dirty word here isn’t it?) whilst I lived at Whenuapai. They were up from Ohakea on some exercise.
This is another very old postcard from the days when the Solent sat ouside next to the Sunderland. Soon they’ll be side-by-side again, indoors.
Here is their RNZAF Ventura – actually an RB34 Lexington but in RNZAF service the Lexingtons we received were also called Venturas like their more numerous cousins in our Air Force. This hangar now has a mazzanine floor where the Ventura’s nose is pointing, and the bomber is up on poles with other stuff beneath. Not ideal but this should be rectified in their current expansion that’ll apparently see all aircraft indoors with good viewing clearance.
And here is the Ventura’s interesting artwork. I am unsure if this aircraft really wore that art, possibly. But I do know a very similar artwork was worn by an RNZAF Lodestar, only the sleeve had an American flag on it, and it is believed that one was applied in the Lockheed factory, so no doubt by a Disney cartoonist.
Here is there DH89 Rapide, looking rather lovely in NAC colours.
I must add that since these photos were taken the contents of the hangar has pretty much doubled and it is truly an awesome museum nowadays. It’ll be even better after their expension is completed.
Here is a view of the Solent. These days this looks stunning, it has to be one of the all time greatest restorations after its years languishing outdoors, now it looks like brand new. This was during the restoration.
Here is another shot of the P40E, I can’t recall if I took this one in 1991 or 1996, but the poor old thing was looking very sorry for a while. It is brilliant to know she’s fighting fit again.
Here is one that Setter will like, the former Motat P47D taken in 1991, before she shipped off to Wigram the following year, and now she’s in Australia preparing to fly again. This P47D is regarded as the oldest of type extant, and was recovered from PNG by Charles Darby.
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