This is the newly restored replica Southern Cross. Couldn't help smiling at the "No Step" marking on the strut. In 1935, on the original 'Cross, Bill Taylor edged along that strut, holding on to the leading edge with the back of his neck, to get oil from the damaged starboard engine to top up the failing port engine. Look at the size of the tiny cockpit side windows he had to climb through, five times altogether. to get back from halfway across the Tasman to a safe landing at Mascot.
The original Southern Cross is on display near Brisbane Airport, but you can't get up close.
This collection of bits is destined to become the only flying Beaufighter in the world, hopefully late in 2024.
A couple of RAN sub-hunters.
...and what goes up must come down
