Warbirds

As the photo shows the aircraft is being hoisted into the air at night by a large crane. If one was to ask why, we can only say go and see the film. ‘Ground Zero’ is produced by Michael Pattinson and stars Colin Friels and Jack Thompson.

Another Economy Warbird

The cost of Avgas and the exchange rate has not stopped Allan Marrietta of Adelaide taking delivery of a new Warbird, a Piper L4-J ‘Cub’.

Imported from the Philippines by Transcorp P/L the Cub was originally 42-36509 and saw service as a spotter during the Philippine campaign. It later became RP-C120. With the ability to pinpoint accurate artillery fire the low powered Cubs could often do more damage than a B-17 or Lancaster.

Rebuilt by Chadwick & Smart at Kingaroy, Old it has become VH-LFJ and was delivered to Adelaide in August. Transcorp have a number of L4’s in the Philippines that are destined for Australia as well as a few Fuji T-34 Mentors that are also likely to come this way. Contact Lang Kidby, Transcorp P/L, Old. Phone: (07) 263 3989.

Disposals

Recently we noticed RAAF Douglas C-47, A65-91, was advertised for sale by tender. The old Gooney Bird is close to being the last on the RAAF books and was at RAAF Base, Laverton Vic. The aircraft was described as being in good condition although sans radio gear.

In Queensland CAC Sabre, A94-914 has been purchased from Toowoomba collector, Les Arthur, by Vic Coote of Mudgeeraba for display in his Gold Coast War Museum. The last pilot to fly the Sabre was a Flt Lt R C Moore and Vic Coote would be pleased to contact him. Can any reader help?

At Amberley, the Old Canberra bomber A84-238 was bought by tender from local motel owner Mr Jeff Cooper. Monday 13th October saw the 1 0 tonne aircraft being towed 4. 5km, from the RAAF Base to the Motel, where it will become a large landmark. Some 6300 litres of jet fuel went with the Canberra and will be used to power a hot water system! Recently two other Canberra bombers have been reported as being sold by Tender and having gone to Toowoomba and Mackay.

Firefly Notes

Former RAN Firefly, WD833, is on the move again. After being exported a decade ago it went to Strathallan, in Scotland, where it was to lay unrestored. In August 1984 it was auctioned at Duxford and in April of this year was again on the move, this time to the USA by sea. As a parting gesture the Firefly crushed the rear of the lorry cab as it was being unloaded at Southampton Docks.

Back in Australia RAN Historic Flight Firefly, WD826, was flown at Nowra on October 4th just in time to star in the big RAN Navy Airshow.

The other Firefly is flying in Australia. VH-HMW, ex WD828, has been out of the air for a while with engine problems. Made serviceable it was noted at the Scone Airshow. The aircraft is currently up for sale at a reported $350,000 and unless a local buyer is forthcoming it may go overseas, probably to the USA.

Of Boomerangs and Wings

Since the advent of ANR 1OBA and the Warbirds boom in Australia, a number of people have expressed a desire to own and fly an Australian-designed and built CAC Boomerang fighter. The stubby little aircraft, which was designed as a stop-gap fighter during the dark days of World War 11, is quite pleasant on the eye and ear with its rounded lines and radial engine.

Only one complete machine exists and that is on display at the Canberra AWM. Around the country, as well as in America, potential rebuilders have gathered parts with the intent of building up a Boomerang to flying standard. Because the Boomerang was built by CAC there is a general feeling among the Booma builders that if genuine Boomerang wings are not available it will be no problem to bolt on a set of Wirraway or, at worst, Harvard/ Texan wings. Such, however, is not the case.

Commenting on the situation Victorian Warbird owner and rebuilder, Richard Hourigan, has pointed out several interesting facts. Firstly only two sets of Booma wings are known to exist, on the AWM aircraft and a second damaged pair to go on a Museum standard Boomerang rebuild that he is working on. Secondly, even if wings could be found they would probably be best used for patterns only. The wings of the AWM aircraft exhibit marked deterioration. Richard goes on to point out that even if Wirraway wings could be obtained they have a different pickup point system and are aerodynamically different. The same would apply to T-6 wings.

One Booma rebuilder in Queensland has taken the bull by the horns by planning to mate a Boomerang fuselage with a Wirraway centre section but at this point he has no wings. An Aeronautical Engineer will also have to be involved in the project at some stage.

Richard summarised by saying that anything is possible but it would probably mean building Boomerang wings from scratch and that would cost mega dollars.

Hawker Demon

The rebuild, or more correctly re-manufacture, of the year must go to Hawker Demon, A1-8.

In 1937 the Demon crashed in Tasmania and lay there until the remains were recovered in 1977. At RAAF Base Point Cook, Vic the remnants were used to totally build up a new A1-8. During October the finished Demon was put on show at Richmond RAAF Base at the 50th anniversary celebrations of No. 2 Aircraft Depot.

The rebuild basically revolves around the drive of three men, Wing Commander Ron Gretham, his father Ern and Jack McDonald. No doubt a book could be written about the blood, sweat and tears shed to breathe life into the Demon and the end result is certainly magnificent. Jack McDonald is working on another Demon but this time one that will fly. The work on the Museum Demon was invaluable in terms of experience and obtaining and making the required components. It is reported that Jack’s Demon will be in the air within 18 months.

What next, you may well ask. As a footnote, Jack recently obtained the fuselage of former RAAF Mirage, A3-16, which was written off following a wheels-up landing at Tullamarine, Vic some years ago. It is understood that the fuselage is only for display purposes but after the Demon project who can be sure?

More Replica Warbirds

Following the item on fibreglass replica Warbirds in the last issue of this column it has come to our notice that not one but two other replica builders are around.

In Queensland Ed Matthews of Biggera Waters, phone: (075) 374 628, has made moulds of both the Toowoomba Spitfire XVI, TE384/VH-XVI and a Sabre Jet Fighter. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, film propsman Neville Mason is also becoming involved in replica manufacture.

Beaufighter for Export

The Australian Aircraft Restoration Group, the operators of the Moorabbin Air Museum, have made arrangements to sell a Fairey-built MkIC Bristol Beaufighter to a Canadian organization.

The aircraft, formerly A19-43 with the RAAF, is disassembled and will need a great deal of rebuild work and parts to bring it up to display standard. It will be completed with two Bristol Freighter radial engines without props. The AARG has another Beaufighter in its collection but that one is complete and on display at the Moorabbin Museum.

First Flights

The last few months has seen quite a surge in the number of Warbird restoration projects that have taken to the air.

The RAN’s Fairey Firefly, WD826, made its first flight at Nowra, NSW on October 4th, just in time for the 75th Anniversary Airshow. Friday September 19th saw Wirraway A20-722 fly at Essendon, Vic at the hands of local Warbirds pilot, Alan Searle, with Engineer Charlie Smith in the back seat. Charlie rebuilt the aircraft. The next day Winjeel, A85-450/VH-HOY, owned by Richard Hourigan, took to the air at Moorabbin Airport, again with Alan Searle as pilot. A few weeks later Alan again used his skills to test fly Nelson Wilson’s Winjeel, A85-457.

Bankstown on the 19th September heard the whistle of a jet engine as Vampire T35 A79-649/VH-ICP took to the air following a long rebuild. Meanwhile at Toowoomba, Qld the Spitfire XVI, TE384/VH-XVI owned by Messrs Hockey Treloar and Brian Hempel, has been reported as being taxied in late October. The first post-rebuild flight cannot be far away.

Scone and Nowra Airshows – Bravo

The gathering of Warbirds at Scone, NSW on October 5th was a great success enjoyed by all the Warbird enthusiasts who attended.

The roll-up included the B-25, three Mustangs and three Sea Furys as well as the DH Vampire, A79-649, the first Australian civil jet fighter. The event was also the first public showing of Wirraway A20-652 which had only just been returned to the air. Toss in the Spitfire, Harvards, Winjeels and Firefly plus the Navy Historic Flight and the day became one to long remember. Next day, at Nowra RAN Air Station (HMAS Albatross) most of the Warbirds again showed their stuff along with more modern Warbirds from the RAN and other participating Navies that were helping to celebrate the RAN’s 75th anniversary. The two events can only be described as memorable and enjoyed by all attending.

Australian Aviation would also like to congratulate the RNZAF A-4 team which totally won our admiration with their excellent formation aerobatics. It made many in the large Nowra crowd feel they were watching the Blue Angels rather than our ‘old’ Skyhawks.

In Brief

•Following up on the item in the last Warbirds, regarding problems at the Drage Airworld at Wangaratta, Vic it has been noted that the City of Wangaratta has called for applications for a Tourism Manager who will be responsible for, among other things, increasing the number of visitors to the Airworld Museum. Australian Aviation visited the Museum in November and can only add that it is one of the best we have seen anywhere in the world and certainly a must for any aviation enthusiast passing through the region.

It has been reported that a number of aircraft certificated under ANR 108A, that were designed to be aerobated, are having their aerobatic approval status deleted from the Permit to Fly as it is issued or renewed. The reason for the deletion of the aerobatic approval is not known. The owners of aircraft affected plan to take the matter further.

• The new Queensland Museum opened on October 2nd. Aside from the two Avro Avians and an Avro Baby, it also features a Flying Flea and an impressive aero engine collection. The Flea was built at Ipswich in the late 1930’s. Although never registered, it was flown unofficially. All the Museum’s aircraft are suspended from the ceiling.

• The official opening of the new Perth International Air Terminal on October 25th saw a 1928 DH60G Gipsy Moth, VH-UAO, share the star billing with a huge Boeing 747. Owned since 1957 by George Aylmore of Sorrento, WA the old biplane has recently been rebuilt. The Moth arrived in company with a Chipmunk, Auster and several Tiger Moths.

Coming Events

• It has been announced that Easter 1987 will not see an Airshow at Mangalore, Vic such as has been seen in the last few years.

The SAAA, organizers of the previous events, have misgivings about the weather and the fact that rain on Airshow day would be a financial disaster without the show being underwritten by a sponsor. Burnout of volunteer manpower is a secondary reason.

While details have not been finalised a low key SAAA members Fly-In type event will probably take place at Mangalore over the Easter break.

• February 21/22, 1987 will see a large Airshow take place at Ballarat, Vic. Organised in conjunction with the Eureka Aviation Museum the event is entitled ‘Australia’s National Airshow’. Several similar Airshows held at Ballarat have seen a good number of Warbirds on display, both in the air and on the ground, and the 1987 event can only be bigger and better.

Warbirds Register

Due to problems beyond our control in obtaining all the information needed for the Warbirds Register it has not been possible to include the listing in this issue of ‘Australian Aviation. To our readers, we can only apologise and say that the register, the only one of its type in Australia, will be in the March/April issue of Australian Aviation. The delay is regretted though we know the register will ultimately be much better for the delay.