More from the vault

[Splitpin]

CT-4 over a beach ...a tad vague ...but dated 14/2/97



A4-K believed to be in the central north island, 1989, note the Maverick.



A Dakota over Wellington in 1973.



And finally, the Canberra bomber now on display at the Wigram museum being escorted by a 75 Sqn A-4 over New Brighton beach on its very last flight.....17/8/84.



I have a strange connection with that Canberra. A few years ago I ended up doing volunteer work at the museum as I was unable to work (health) .... ... I ended up being given access to the keys (actual keys) to that aircraft.
I was tasked with maintaining the interior of the aircraft. The "Pilot" I named Harry ... was indeed just a mannequin torso, with a habit of leaning to one side ( we never found out how). Anyway, he needed regular spider treatments and adjusting.... Ahh yes, many a happy time crawling into that cockpit space ... I really miss those days, but not the health issues. Thank you Air Force Museum

[deaneb]

Great photos Marty. Man that last photo is just awesome!

I've never had the opportunity to get inside a Canberra......but lucky enough to be working on a Mosquito at Omaka currently !!

[Charl]

Lucky indeed... can you talk about it?

In other news, this would surely be the Canberra referenced above? Nice of the Ardmore Warbirds fellers to bring it to us in Auckland.

[Naki]

Nope that's a different one and a different variant (check the canopy- single seat v two seat). The one above is displayed at the museum

[Charl]

Happy to be called out on laziness...
Appears Wigram had too many of the things anyway - our gain!

[Splitpin]

Good to see it finally being looked after Charl. The last time I saw its wings, they were starting to become part of the landscape ...outside.
The fuselage thankfully was in the back of one of the hangers.
I've been inside that one as well ...very hard to access, as the entrance hatch was almost up against the wall. I was tasked with placing rodent bait inside ...a family of mice had found a home.

Deane, I really envy you, that must be a great job

[deaneb]

Thanks Marty. I have been working with the team on this project since October.

For anybody wanting to follow the Mosquito progress, feel free to join the Facebook page - Omaka John Smith Mosquito Project, Regular updates are posted here.

Also some pics here: Wings over NZ - RNZAF Proboards