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1950's RNZAF Target Tug Aircraft X 3


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Hi All,

 

It's mid Spring here in the Antipodes, and that means Summer is around the corner.:thumbsup:

 

My 488 Sqn Buffalo build is slowly wending its way to completion (another update soon)

 

I have given some thought to my Summer projects, and the following ideas came to mind

 

1) Kick start my RNZAF Sunderland MR5 Build - I put that aside last Summer as there are a number

of issues to sort to make it a correct MR5 , the impetus for this was a visit to MOTAT with my Daughter

and a very special visit for with her Grandpa's Sunderland. It was her 16th Birthday, and because she is a

descendant of a Serviceman who served on NZ4115, the Awesome MOTAT Volunteers went all out to get her a tour

of NZ4115. My Daughter sitting in the cockpit/flight deck the "Tour Guide" was a  Sunderland Navigator who

served in the RNZAF/Lauthala Bay the same time as her Grandpa

eac74783-a01e-4919-a7f2-0749f3776c29.jpg

 

RNZAF Sunderland MR5 Build link

 

So Earlier this year in the ANZAC Group build, I started a Memory Lane build with an RNZAF Avenger Target

Tug build - NZ2504 was a Gate Guardian at RNZAF Base Te Rapa, and we used to see her in our travels

OhG3984-76.t5eadf2d4.m600.x1fqV-EaO.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

So, that along with some photos my Sister sent to me from my Dads collection, I decided to

do some target Tugs from the era, my Dad began his RNZAF Service, the 1950's.

 

Before I reveal the other two aircraft, a little history as I like to do in my builds.

 

Obviously the 1950's was still "Post War", but while that is true, 1950 began a period of "Modernization"

for the RNZAF, my comments are validated by this Book in my collection

b576b5b1-d08d-48a5-8e13-481ed70f3b1b.jpg

 

The Architect for the Modernisation was AVM Nevill who took over form AVM LM Isitt.

Upon his recommendations the New Zealand Government agreed to order new(er)

aircraft (this came with newer Schemes/Roundels and so forth).

 

AVM Nevill CAS (Graduate of Duntroon and member of NZPAF/RNZAF since 1930)

Port%20Nevill%20AdeT.t5e31d001.m600.xBYy

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

AVM Nevill was followed by CAS AVM Carnegie (RAF) taking over in 1951

Port%20Carnegie%20DV.t5e31cf8a.m600.x-kt

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

So the following were ordered (Best part is I can use my Dad's photos:D)

 

Bristol Freighter ( photo date circa 1958/59 note Fern Leaf on Roundel of Harvard - RNZAF Station Wigram)

 

684d038f-c554-42a4-b8c3-ccda97cabfcd.jpg

 

DH Devon (Photo at RNZAF Station Whenuapai)

23168672-2378-4b44-a1ab-349f6f41c63d.jpg

 

DH Vampire (RNZAF Station Wigram - Note Kiwi on Roundel so after Nov/Dec 1970 when changed to Kiwi)

2dcb8e02-6d1d-4c2f-b70f-e734d03b11cc.jpg

 

This Photo is definitely early 1950's,   Note the Vampire in main hangar at RNZAF Station Hobsonville.

Note the Auster with floats

a78b6660-3fdb-412f-8ee8-ac82d94d914e.jpg

 

HP Hastings  (NZ5801)

28024130-55e1-41ab-8fe3-7506031c541c.jpg

 

I have flown on a Hasting (only young mind you, between Whenuapai and Fiji), this particular airframe when SOC, parts were

donated to MOTAT (including flight deck (I have a photo of this, but can't find it at present) below is the power egg from

this Hastings

898efbe4-3cb5-40a6-88fc-56dfd631d745.jpg

 

Last but not least Short Sunderland Mk V/ MR5 - this is 1960/61 at least, only

one code letter, foremost Sunderland is NZ4107 - Lauthala Bay

c3510eb1-b029-4120-b57b-4d7aadf0dd68.jpg

 

So on with the history blog, the 1950's saw New Zealand and our Armed Forces in overseas conflicts, namely

Korean war, Malaya Emergency, where RNZAF Aircraft flew Fire Dog Missions (Bristol Freighter/Dakota), we lost

a few aircraft and crews there 🇳🇿:poppy:

Other events were of note

the London to Christchurch (New Zealand) Air Race this is a photo of an RAF Canberra at Harewood Airport

(previous RNZAF Station Harewood) from mt Dads collection

3bb8571d-7bcb-44cd-aa0b-134ca29bbfb6.jpg

From the RNZAF Museum Archives a close up/additional Photos

Pilot & Navigator

WgG3791-53.t6137d4bc.m600.xMl8CM2k8.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

RAF Guards to keep the Colonials in check :D

WgG3801-53.t6137d4c8.m600.xFISQ9IWR.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

This Race/ending in Christchurch, has a personal family connection (other than my Dads photo)

This next photo from the RNZAF Museum, is of the then New Zealand Governor General Sir Willoughby Norrie

presenting first prize to the RAF Canberra crew, - I am related to him through my Paternal Grandfather (Great Uncle)

WgG3808-53.t613663d1.m600.xpHyG2dRk.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

Anyways on to what other two aircraft I am going to build?

Well next aircraft is a 42 Squadron Mustang, again inspired by Dads photos

this is one of Dads photos of an RNZAF TAF Mustang (No. 3 Christchurch Sqn at Wigram)

f8f3428d-e30c-40d3-a84f-64e750b24a27.jpg

 

A photo of my build topic - the NMF scheme will test my modelling skills :whistle:

88db0d97-6ddb-4901-836f-a0f2daeedea9.jpg

(Used for Illustration Purposes only)

 

Finally - the third aircraft is an RNZAF Catalina based at Lauthala bay circa 1951

My discussion with the RNZAF Museum, give me three aircraft there at the time,

being NZ4050, NZ4046, and NZ4055.

I don't have a photo of NZ4050, but my Dad has photos of both NZ4046/4055

 

NZ4046 - on the hard at Hobsonville

03db1455-f843-4f71-86ee-189965de630e.jpg

 

NZ4055 in the main hangar Lauthala Bay -Note twin guns in "Eye Ball" turret

09f4f721-df75-4520-8691-cd1846f15c9e.jpg

 

OK, lastly the box art and I'll leave it there for tonight

Avenger - yes that's a Queen Mary with it (see Original Photo of NZ2504 above)

cb5cf37c-bd3c-48e5-bfdd-3ee14ec7e2e1.jpg

 

Mustang

cdca1685-d938-4215-b47d-4f7c12d78e07.jpg

 

Last but not least the Catalina - Yes it's a PBY5A - The RNZAF flew PBY5/PB2B-1's, so major surgery there

61c45f6b-243c-40ab-a3d8-f6a598fa2f7d.jpg

 

Well I'll leave it there tonight, I have more history/photos to share, so more soon.

 

Thanks for looking in :D

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

 

 

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Looking forward to you giving these your build treatment Alan.  The three choices will be fantastic . Can't wait to see the Avenger and Catatlina especially. 

Lovely photos and historical backround too.  It was lovely that your Grand daughter got a grand tour too.

Chris

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12 hours ago, LDSModeller said:

his is one of Dads photos of an RNZAF TAF Mustang (No. 3 Christchurch Sqn at Wigram)

f8f3428d-e30c-40d3-a84f-64e750b24a27.jpg

LOVE this photo Alan! Would love a hi-res version sometime if that's ok?  Personal use only.  I have seen some pics of TAF Mustangs later in service with painted fuselages and wings and polished engine cowls.  I am wondering if this was the case with '26'?  I was deciding to do this airframe or Brendons '23' in this scheme.  Brendon has invited me up to see rebuild progress on '23' which I am looking forward to.

 

Anyway, you have me captured my friend...always love your informative builds

 

Cheers Anthony

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11 hours ago, bigbadbadge said:

Looking forward to you giving these your build treatment Alan.  The three choices will be fantastic . Can't wait to see the Avenger and Catatlina especially. 

Lovely photos and historical backround too.  It was lovely that your  daughter got a grand tour too.

Hi Chris, Thank you, glad you like the photo/information - more photos to come :)

My daughter was really chuffed, my Dad passed before she was born, but she has always had a close connection to him, and at least yearly we (she and I)

make the pilgrimage to MOTAT to see her Grandpa's plane - she has her own model Sunderland, which we have been building together:)

 

11 hours ago, Beard said:

Thanks for sharing those photos, fantastic. Good luck with the builds.

Thank you, glad you like the photos, more to post soon:)

 

1 hour ago, Anthony in NZ said:

LOVE this photo Alan! Would love a hi-res version sometime if that's ok?  Personal use only.  I have seen some pics of TAF Mustangs later in service with painted fuselages and wings and polished engine cowls.  I am wondering if this was the case with '26'?  I was deciding to do this airframe or Brendons '23' in this scheme.  Brendon has invited me up to see rebuild progress on '23' which I am looking forward to.

 

Hi Anthony - PM'ed/Emailed you :)

 

When I looked at the photo of NZ2426, I initially thought it was HSS on the fuselage, and

the traditional Natural Metal Prop cone, but now you've got me curious - the Rudder looks different too

though that could just be the lighting - said to my Wife, I'm gonna need another Mustang kit - got to build that one :D

 

I'm glad you will get to see NZ2423, do you think Brendon will finish her in her in the 42 Squadron scheme or

No. 2 Wellington Squadron colors?

 

Thanks/regards

 

Alan

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20 minutes ago, gingerbob said:

I'd love to see a "close-up" of that Harvard?

Hi Bob,

 

I currently don't have any other photos from my Dad's collection of NZ1029

but this is from the RNZAF Museum, and a little more clearer?

NZ1029 at RNZAF Wigram - Rear Fuselage band is Yellow

 

WgG8643-58.t5f74f5b3.m600.xSlK3qIYy.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

These colour photos are of NZ1027 behind NZ1029 in photo above will give you an

idea of Colour scheme

MUS1002411_1.t6079e940.m600.x4HA8v7Kw.jp

MUS1002412_1.t608b2ee5.m600.xPsVOlczr.JP

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

Hope the above of some help?

 

Regards

 

Alan

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14 minutes ago, gingerbob said:

This begs the question of where one gets silver fern roundels suitable for, say, a 1/48 Harvard!  (Apologies for a bit of thread tangent.)

 

bob

 

Hi Bob,

 

The Above Harvard's more than likely are wearing the very short lived "White" Fern Leaf

on the RNZAF Roundel (from 1957-58), before changing to the Standard Silver Fern

from 1958 - Nov/Dec 1970

This Short Blog from the RNZAF Museum, gives a Brief History of the  more modern RNZAF Roundels

( I know the Author, Great Guy and very knowledgeable :D)

 

Brief History of RNZAF Fern Leaf Roundel

 

Now where to buy them?

You could  try Ventura here in New Zealand, but current Covid Levels may restrict any postage to

your part of the World (sorry)

Ventura NZ

 

Hannants do stock them if that helps?

RNZAF Fern Leaf Roundels - Hannants

 

Hope that's of Help?

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

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Hi All,

 

Bit more to this little saga before posting kit sprues etc

 

For New Zealand in the 1950's, it was a period of adjustment/growth.

New Zealand didn't have a large Lend Lease debit, as the United States

considered all the help it had from New Zealand during WWII as part of payment.

For example the likes of  Bases/Camps constructed in New Zealand and places like Fiji (Lauthala Bay/Nandi/Nausori), from

which the US Army, USAAF/USMC/USN operated from during the Pacific campaign.

 

RNZAF Lacala Bay (Lacala pronounced Lauthala) - 5 Squadron Short Singapore's in Main Hangar

PR4461.t5ea5ef3d.m800.x1-K6rwfP.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

RNZAF Nadi (Nandi) - RNZAF Headquarters building - Nadi is now Fiji's main Airport

MUS160056.t5d71b63e.m800.xi0ODhz4e.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

RNZAF Nausori - with either Vincent or Vildebeest being serviced - Nausori is now also an Airport

PR4453.t5f334526.m800.xxkZ2VzpG.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

Those who have seen "Sands of Iwo Jima" and Marine Sgt Stryker (John Wayne's character) mentions (in scenes from movie)

"Camp Paekakariki" (he even says it correctly :D) where US Marines were quartered before they went

to the main Operating Areas - (phonetically it sounds like Pie- kock -a -re-key)

 

USMC Camp Paekakariki

 

Other things, like supplying material - wood/concrete/land/foodstuffs.

My Paternal Grandfather was a Market Gardner before being called up for service, supplying the US Military Hospital in Avondale,

Auckland (now Avondale collage) with Fruit/veges. All these activities went toward helping minimize the Lend Lease debit to pay.

 

So with that New Zealand in the 1950's was in a great position to advance in it's Economy/Defence spending

and so forth.

For those with 10 minutes time to spend, a film shot in 1955

New Zealand 1955

 

for those with around 30 minutes a little more cheesy colour film :D

1950's New Zealand

 

However with the good comes the trials/challenges, 1951 was a horrendous year for Auckland/Wellington City.

 

in 1951,The Ports of Auckland/Wellington Wharfies went on strike for 151 days, essentially stopping incoming and

out going goods via shipping into/out of the Country - not good for the local or national economy.

To this end the New Zealand Government called in the Cavalry, the Armed Services (Air Force/Army/Navy)

to man the Auckland/Wellington Wharves.

New Zealand had it's own "Civil issues",  some younger Kiwis joined up to a movement/gang called Bodgies & Widgies

(to me James Deans wannabe's)

 

Link - Bodgies & Widgies

 

These "Individuals" took a dislike to the Young Men/Women of our Armed Services - there were in Auckland at the

time, 3 RNZAF Stations (Ardmore/Hobsonville/Whenuapai), 1 Naval base (Devonport) and 1 Army Camp (Papakura).

On the weekends many Service Personnel (including my Dad) would have leave and frequent Auckland City (Queen Street especially).

These Bodgies and Widgies took to beating up our Service personnel, and the New Zealand Police were

seemingly unable to stop this.  The Air Force, Army & Navy decided enough was enough, planned an little get together,

and told the Police that "We" will be going through the streets on Friday Night, "look the other way".

My Dad recounted that teams of Air Force, Army and Navy personnel went down through Auckland City, any Bodgies

found were given a bit of a "Biff" around the head, then the hand shears came out and they were given a "Hair Cut"

Not short back and sides........... The Bodgies and Widgies never touched the Armed Forces again.

 

So onto Aircraft related themes

New Zealand has long been associated with Fly Boats - the Walsh Brother trained pilots

for the RNAS and RFC during WWI here in Auckland on single engined flying boats

The below Film gives a brief history of the Walsh Brothers, The below is on YouTube, but I have the CD

 Wings on the Waitemata

 

The 1950's continued that association with the likes of the Sandringham and Solent Flying boats plying

the Tasman and Coral routes.

This photo from my Dads Collection is of Solent Mk IV ZKAMO "Aranui" at Lauthala Bay circa 1960

b91911a6-43d6-40c8-acc2-4819a313b6eb.jpg

 

The Lap of Luxury was the order of the day (photo taken during refurbishment)

e2cacaae-cd9a-4312-b540-c23160eaeb02.jpg

 

Solent Flight Deck - Similar but different to Short Sunderland

e3ba8a61-a0fc-40a0-bacb-072bd7640387.jpg

245a25a0-e55a-4f06-aed7-f349ed01700f.jpg

 

So with that, the RNZAF, as mentioned in my initial post above purchased 16 refurbished Mk V Sunderland's

to replace the aging Catalina fleet

NZ4109 at Lauthala Bay with Catalina NZ4053 in the main hangar - cross over with Old & New

(Note this photo is circa 1953, so NZ4109 is reasonably new - no Codes on sides of fuselage yet)

LbG719-53.t5de5b8bc.m600.xHfgikqR8.jpg

(RNZAF Official - Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Used with Permissions)

 

Some additional Catalina photos for my Dads collection

7ab49c3c-b721-4630-9e11-78415949b2ec.jpg

598b9a77-fed2-4c1a-9313-1c21b761a7fb.jpg

This is a scene, I can never tire of :D Catalina either being beached or going into the

water at Hobby

1588d1e2-cc9c-4f26-bea2-9d06bf846424.jpg

 

I have more photos, but I'll share them next installments, this is about model kits right?

 

The Sprue shots etc of all three models

Avenger

282508be-79d9-4e82-a607-82561f2d277e.jpg

8de2b852-f6bf-43ca-ae43-9366ef9a8e53.jpg

The Plastic is not that great, compared to the older kits by Monogram

 

Kit Assembly Instructions - Note I also have the original one I built as a teen with folding wings

660cfa15-427d-4fe4-b8b2-552099628f0a.jpg

6c82760a-72ab-4ed8-b0e7-b7e7cad0020b.jpg

 

Folding wing version - kit still has the parts too - who knows maybe I'll do it that way:whistle:

c5dd0e22-2ed1-4990-b3eb-688d5e8a5161.jpg

 

Mustang (P51-D)

 

This is also the Monogram kit, not a lot of parts, but better plastic

f11cbca6-9491-49d6-8ace-1662e5e460e5.jpg

 

Of Note in the above photo, is the "Cuffed" Propeller, I ordered an "Un-Cuffed" one to use on my build

fbbb1196-6246-451d-8bfe-4504423fa523.jpg

 

fcb7c876-e9fa-4083-aae3-1dd4069f67ce.jpg

 

Of Note only one RNZAF P51-D Mustang had a "Cuffed" propeller, and that was NZ2413 (subject of a current Build)

 

Canopy - not a lot there

e9bc3db4-515e-4613-a8be-986c244034b2.jpg

 

Kit Instructions

944ab48e-007c-4c1b-a743-194446cdb910.jpg

 

Now one thing to note and I have to give considerable thought to this (once bitten twice shy type thing)

The kit lower wing has the main Spar at an angle (not correct) as in photo below

d3c9fe61-55ff-4f07-a97e-aff3ea93f895.jpg

 

Now I have a 1/32Hasegawa P51-D Mustang I'm currently trying to complete, to which had the same issue.

I decided on that one to redo the main spar - major headache :fraidnot: :wall: - The photos below show the end

result but, in 1/48 hmmm..........

Model of NZ2413 (one with "Cuffed" Propeller)

d7ddca87-afe5-4529-9649-c4d1825366ac.jpg

6897fad2-375c-4a26-b82b-148e96e5d70b.jpg

 

Finally Catalina

 

Fuselage - Major Surgery there with main wheel wells but been there done that^_^

670ad9f4-880d-4a40-ba82-a5e700fb0fb0.jpg

 

Old Panda Kit I did some surgery on sometime ago

a66045be-1ce8-4067-bd51-5221a54b2b0b.jpg

 

The fuselage also has this cutout, which is important for the "Target Towing"  role

cfcaf216-cf5a-42e1-a2ba-79f5969ccc8f.jpg

 

This kit has the "Stub" exhausts - RNZAF Catalina's (unless with a shroud) had Exhaust Stubs

0728ca0f-cc7b-424d-9068-cf8c0696491f.jpg

 

I chose this kit over the Academy/Revell kit, as the Engines/cowls are better, more correct, size wise

6379b481-73d3-4455-931b-8761c0219968.jpg

Kit Transparencies

6b952184-8bf4-4097-b6c4-65a2a8595e7a.jpg

 

Finally Kit Instructions - pretty basic but that's OK :)

ac3e5cc5-7bb7-4cb1-9df4-2a146731210e.jpg

 

Well I'll leave it there for today - More soon :)

 

Thanks for looking in :D

 

Regards

 

Alan

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Just now, bigbadbadge said:

Again  awesome history provided with some cracking photos Alan, very interesting and good to read the Bodgies and Widgies got their comupence.   

Seeing the kits laid out was good and looking forward to seeing their development. 

Chris

Thanks Chris :D

 

I have something for you, I had planned to post this later but now is just a s good as

any

I see your FAA Build WIP with a Skyraider.

From my Dads Collection an RN Carrier visiting Auckland (can't recall what Carrier this is) but She has a

Skyraider on the stern,  one for you :)

09ef890a-8b6f-480e-b2d7-50718fc84a5c.jpg

 

I have a couple of extra's I'll sort and post later

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

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Hi Alan 

Looking at the photo I wonder if it is 422/WT968 a C flight machine , its a shame I can't see the ship designation letter on the vertical tail plane to see what ship it was attached to. If it is that Airframe it would be pre 1959 as it was SOC on 25.02.59.  I can see the V on the Whirlwind and wonder if it would be HMS Victorious,  but looking at the deployment map for that ship, I can't see a deployment to New Zealand. It is all a bit of a mine field!!!

 

Thanks for posting Alan

Chris

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11 hours ago, bigbadbadge said:

Hi Alan 

Looking at the photo I wonder if it is 422/WT968 a C flight machine , its a shame I can't see the ship designation letter on the vertical tail plane to see what ship it was attached to. If it is that Airframe it would be pre 1959 as it was SOC on 25.02.59.  I can see the V on the Whirlwind and wonder if it would be HMS Victorious,  but looking at the deployment map for that ship, I can't see a deployment to New Zealand. It is all a bit of a mine field!!!

 

Hi Chris,

The best person to ask what Carrier it was, would be my Father, but he's not here anymore, so

plan B ^_^

 

This is the Carrier from Port side (note again another Skyraider :D) moored alongside

Wynard Wharf here in Auckland  (Devonport Naval Base is literally just across the water)

84d86d21-4be9-4e62-82ea-8cdcbad4dc61.jpg

 

 

After reading your comments above, there is another photo I have of the Carriers forward Flight Deck

b1fa55d1-65b9-4c25-819a-abc758090d47.jpg

 

Using your information about the Ship Letter on the Aircraft tail, I noted that the Closest

Sea Venom had a letter on its tail fin

So one enlargement screen shot later - The letter looks to be an "A"

a75c997a-3783-4df5-9a29-b41609a4dd5a.jpg

 

Did some searching, and the only Royal Navy Carrier I could find with the name beginning with "A" which visited

Auckland/New Zealand, was HMS Albion, circa 1958/59

(I was hoping Ark Royal, but nothing to show she was here (though you never know :)))

 

This Film link below, was shot in the late1950's during Albions visit here, has some great shots of Sea Venom's/Skyraider's

etc.

 

HMS Albion New Zealand Visit Late 1950's

 

The above is what I have found. You might have/know additional Information -  could be another Carrier?

 

Hope you enjoy the photos

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

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@LDSModeller @bigbadbadge

 

Gents,

 

The following info is taken from the BARG publication on the Skyraider AEW.1, in particular the section on 849 NAS's C Flight. It states that C Flight embarked on HMS Albion 20th October 1958 for a Far East Cruise until 17th August 1959. It 'flew the flag' in Cyprus, Karachi, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and South America, including taking part in a SEATO exercise (Sea Demon) in April 1959.

 

There is one photo of of WT959/424/A captioned as being taken at Wigram in 1959. The individual aircraft histories have WT952 as 422/A from 22nd Jan 58 through to Aug 59.

 

Regards,

 

Mark.

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19 hours ago, LDSModeller said:

 

Hi Chris,

The best person to ask what Carrier it was, would be my Father, but he's not here anymore, so

plan B ^_^

 

This is the Carrier from Port side (note again another Skyraider :D) moored alongside

Wynard Wharf here in Auckland  (Devonport Naval Base is literally just across the water)

84d86d21-4be9-4e62-82ea-8cdcbad4dc61.jpg

 

 

After reading your comments above, there is another photo I have of the Carriers forward Flight Deck

b1fa55d1-65b9-4c25-819a-abc758090d47.jpg

 

Using your information about the Ship Letter on the Aircraft tail, I noted that the Closest

Sea Venom had a letter on its tail fin

So one enlargement screen shot later - The letter looks to be an "A"

a75c997a-3783-4df5-9a29-b41609a4dd5a.jpg

 

Did some searching, and the only Royal Navy Carrier I could find with the name beginning with "A" which visited

Auckland/New Zealand, was HMS Albion, circa 1958/59

(I was hoping Ark Royal, but nothing to show she was here (though you never know :)))

 

This Film link below, was shot in the late1950's during Albions visit here, has some great shots of Sea Venom's/Skyraider's

etc.

 

HMS Albion New Zealand Visit Late 1950's

 

The above is what I have found. You might have/know additional Information -  could be another Carrier?

 

Hope you enjoy the photos

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

Wicked thanks Alan , loved the film too great coverage of the Skyraider and loved seeing the Seahawks and Sea Venoms too  a Sea Venom will be an up and coming project too. Great to reveal the ship mystery too  thank you very much for posting.

 

15 minutes ago, Harry Lime said:

@LDSModeller @bigbadbadge

 

Gents,

 

The following info is taken from the BARG publication on the Skyraider AEW.1, in particular the section on 849 NAS's C Flight. It states that C Flight embarked on HMS Albion 20th October 1958 for a Far East Cruise until 17th August 1959. It 'flew the flag' in Cyprus, Karachi, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and South America, including taking part in a SEATO exercise (Sea Demon) in April 1959.

 

There is one photo of of WT959/424/A captioned as being taken at Wigram in 1959. The individual aircraft histories have WT952 as 422/A from 22nd Jan 58 through to Aug 59.

 

Regards,

 

Mark.

Thanks Mark, there's so much info to go through that Barg publication is wonderful.  Thanks for the info.

Chris

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12 hours ago, Harry Lime said:

The following info is taken from the BARG publication on the Skyraider AEW.1, in particular the section on 849 NAS's C Flight. It states that C Flight embarked on HMS Albion 20th October 1958 for a Far East Cruise until 17th August 1959. It 'flew the flag' in Cyprus, Karachi, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and South America, including taking part in a SEATO exercise (Sea Demon) in April 1959.

 

There is one photo of of WT959/424/A captioned as being taken at Wigram in 1959. The individual aircraft histories have WT952 as 422/A from 22nd Jan 58 through to Aug 59.

 

Regards,

 

Mark.

 

Hi Mark, thanks for the information - will have to hunt through either my Dads photos

or RNZAF photos to see if I can find a pic is the above mentioned Skyraider at Wigram

 

11 hours ago, bigbadbadge said:

loved the film too great coverage of the Skyraider and loved seeing the Seahawks and Sea Venoms too  a Sea Venom will be an up and coming project too. Great to reveal the ship mystery too  thank you very much for posting.

 

Hi Chris, glad you enjoyed - quite enjoyed seeing the line of Seahawk's

all starting one after the other with the Black plumes of smoke shooting up

from the cartridge starters - pretty cool (amongst other things)

Look forward to your Sea Venom build

As an aside, my Wife's Grandfather served on HMAS Melbourne, which had Sea Venom's embarked

aboard

 

Regards

 

Alan

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25 minutes ago, LDSModeller said:

 

Hi Mark, thanks for the information - will have to hunt through either my Dads photos

or RNZAF photos to see if I can find a pic is the above mentioned Skyraider at Wigram

 

 

Hi Chris, glad you enjoyed - quite enjoyed seeing the line of Seahawk's

all starting one after the other with the Black plumes of smoke shooting up

from the cartridge starters - pretty cool (amongst other things)

Look forward to your Sea Venom build

As an aside, my Wife's Grandfather served on HMAS Melbourne, which had Sea Venom's embarked

aboard

 

Regards

 

Alan

Watching the line of Seahawks start up one after the other was awesome as was coming into land too.  

The Sea Venom will be an HMS Centaur  embarked aircraft I just need to try and find 1/32 Tiki badge .  I do have a 72nd one to do too which I have the Tiki badge for.

When did your Wife's Grandfather serve aboard HMAS Melbourne? Any photos???

Sorry to distract your thread Alan feel free to tell me to go away fella!!!😄

Thanks 

Chris

 

 

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24 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said:

When did your Wife's Grandfather serve aboard HMAS Melbourne? Any photos???

Sorry to distract your thread Alan feel free to tell me to go away fella!!!😄

Thanks 

Chris

 

Hi Chris,

 

My Wife's Grandfather was on Melbourne for her fitout in the UK and sailed

with her to Aussie 1955 and served with Melbourne for around 12 months

Previously Her Grandfather served in WWII on HMS Shropshire (Radar)

I believe my Wife has some photos of Melbourne, will have to dig them out

 

No problems on the Naval discussion (quite enjoy it :D), funnily enough the RNZAF and RNZN

are quite intertwined here in Auckland, both previously at Hobsonville and now at Whenuapai

with No 6 Squadron Sea sprites quartered there (Previously the Westland Wasp)

 

I have some other information you might be interested in

 

Circa Sept 1947, HMS Theseus berthed in Auckland (same Wynard Wharf as Albion above),

and left a couple of Aircraft here when She departed.

A Seafire, and Firefly - both damaged in onboard accidents.

 

The Seafire languished at RNZAF Hobsonville for a period and the Firefly ended up at HMNZS

Tamaki (Naval Training Centre), before being sent to Hobsonville.

These aren't my photo's so I have linked them for your viewing pleasure :)

 

Seafire & Firefly at Hobsonville

 

Seafire & Firefly Wynard Wharf Auckland

 

Firefly

 

Firefly 1

 

Firefly Wynard Wharf

 

Seafire Wynard Wharf

 

There was quite some discussion a few years ago on the Firefly markings on an RNZAF

Forum I belong to here in NZ - I would like to build models of them one day

 

I have some other Navy Photos (RN/French/US) to post here - I recall from memory (bad thing)

that my Dads collection had other RN Stuff but will have to wait for my Sister to sort and send to me

 

Regards

 

Alan

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Thanks Alan, looking forward seeing the further photos, from your Wife's Grandad and your Sister too, all sounds very intriguing.   Lovely to see the Seafire, is that an XV ? and the Firefly too, I wonder what happened to them on deck? Quite recently I finished a BPF Firefly Mk.I  and was looking at various Decal sheets before starting and I have seen similar markings with the lightning artwork on but in the end opted for one of the kit options 

Lucy-Quipment in BPF  markings.  Love the Firefly and Seafires and looking forward to your builds too, got a few Seafires to do myself, so many models, so little time!!!

Thanks

Chris

 

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