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The Albion Park Vintage Aircraft & Light Rail tour
Saturday, 11th of December 2004 |
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The anticipated day arrived, something different, a bus trip to see planes. We waited for our bus wondering what would it be, old slow and noisy? Were we wrong our deluxe transport arrived on time. Very comfortable air conditioned and very comfortable.
Telfords supplied the excellent “coach” which was to convey us to our destination in luxury.
We left Central behind and headed down the Highway watching the poor souls going to work or sitting in their hot cars.
The journey passed quite quickly and before we notice we were in front of the Australian Historical Flying Museum, Illawarra Regional Airport, Albion Park. Here lives the Super Constellation ( Connie) one of the premium level of air transport of its time, Consolidated Catalina the work horse of may an air force during the pacific war and after , Lockheed Neptune used in many forms from coastal surveillance to weather monitors , Dakota C-47s used for passenger and cargo for many years and many more aircraft are on display.
The Australian Historical Flying Museum members showed as around the planes and the new hangers that are under construction. It was plain to all they are very proud of their Aircraft and they have every right to be. Nothing was too much trouble and every question was answered. The exhibits are magnificent and well worth a trip to see, just stepping on some of these aircraft puts one back in time, what a feeling.
We wish to thank the Australian Historical Flying Museum for their hospitality and kindness and highly recommend the Australian Historical Flying Museum as a must see for all.
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| Our Coach, we had a very comfortable ride to out destination. Smooth and reliable Thank you Telfords |
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| the Neptune represents the last era of piston engined bombers, a World War II design concept flying into the 1970s. |
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| Inside the Neptune’s cockpit, notice the sunshades to keep the interior safe form UV. The instrumentation is advanced for the era of plane. |
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| By the time its career was drawing to a close, the Neptune was beginning to become jam packed with the ever increasing number of 'black boxes' it needed and was replaced by the larger P-3 Orion
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| One of the world's best loved airliners, the Lockheed Constellation, Super Constellation and Starliner family overcame early difficulties and uncertainties to become a favourite with international airlines in the 1950s and early 1960s. |
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| Inside Connie, small by today’s standards the Super Constellation represented the best possible in flight, who can remember the BOAC VISCOUNT service. |
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| Some people are born into greatness, some have it thrust upon them, others…well others just dream….(were are my subjects) |
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| The new hanger under construction. This will house and allow under cover servicing of a number of the exhibits.(still looking for his subjects?).
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| Looking out the door of the Lockheed Constellation towards a Cessina that has just landed. |
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| The Consolidated Catalina flying boat and amphibian is properly recognised as being one of the great aircraft of the World War II era. The most widely-used flying boat of the war. |
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Photos courtesy of Ed Sutton
More Illawarra Tour Pictures |
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| The Catalina operated between 1939 and 1945 in a variety of offensive and secondary roles including antisubmarine, air-sea rescue, minelaying, bombing and transport some are still used as firebombers and survey aircraft. |
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