MAy 19 2024
New youtube channel
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The Museum now has its own dedicated Youtube Channel. Subscribe and be updated when new videos are uploaded.
This is the first video created by volunteers at the Museum, a history on the de Havilland Drover. Click here to go to the Youtube Channel |
25th MAY 2023
FUTURE MUSEUM DRAWINGS - FUNDRAISING
The Museum is delighted to share the new drawings for the future expansion of the Museum!
Planned expansion includes:
* New Civilian Collection Gallery on other side of exisiting Museum.
* Replacement of existing building to create nearly 4000sqm of space.
* Three storey archive, research and library centre.
* All aircraft finally undercover for the first time in the Museum's history.
While we seek out major funding, the Museum asks that members of the public, businesses etc please donate to our project fund. As a DGR Status 1 and 4, any donation over $2 is tax deductible.
You can also contact the Museum if you wish to donate via bank transfer.
Link to GoFundMe for the Library - https://rb.gy/wlffv
Link to GiveNow for the Museum and Aircraft Restorations - https://www.givenow.com.au/moorabbinairmuseum
Here are some pictures of the new Museum buildings - you can see how big this will become and allow us to display a lot of aircraft that we currently cannot bring out due to space constraints.
Thank you for your support!
Planned expansion includes:
* New Civilian Collection Gallery on other side of exisiting Museum.
* Replacement of existing building to create nearly 4000sqm of space.
* Three storey archive, research and library centre.
* All aircraft finally undercover for the first time in the Museum's history.
While we seek out major funding, the Museum asks that members of the public, businesses etc please donate to our project fund. As a DGR Status 1 and 4, any donation over $2 is tax deductible.
You can also contact the Museum if you wish to donate via bank transfer.
Link to GoFundMe for the Library - https://rb.gy/wlffv
Link to GiveNow for the Museum and Aircraft Restorations - https://www.givenow.com.au/moorabbinairmuseum
Here are some pictures of the new Museum buildings - you can see how big this will become and allow us to display a lot of aircraft that we currently cannot bring out due to space constraints.
Thank you for your support!
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17th March 2022
EXCITING MILESTONE!!
After an incredible eight year overhaul, the Museum’s P-40 - A29-53 ( the oldest surviving RAAF P-40 and the sole survivor of the Battle of Darwin) has finally come off the jig and has had the instrument panels, engine mount and plenty of other parts fitted back on. A monumental occasion
Work will move soon to the wings - another big and expensive undertaking, so please consider donating to this project! This aircraft was always known as the Kittystang as it sat on a set of Mustang wings for years. A new set will be fabricated from pattern materials.
And yes, the pig’s bum artwork will go back on eventually!
EXCITING MILESTONE!!
After an incredible eight year overhaul, the Museum’s P-40 - A29-53 ( the oldest surviving RAAF P-40 and the sole survivor of the Battle of Darwin) has finally come off the jig and has had the instrument panels, engine mount and plenty of other parts fitted back on. A monumental occasion
Work will move soon to the wings - another big and expensive undertaking, so please consider donating to this project! This aircraft was always known as the Kittystang as it sat on a set of Mustang wings for years. A new set will be fabricated from pattern materials.
And yes, the pig’s bum artwork will go back on eventually!
MUSEUM EXPANSION
The Museum Board is delighted to announce that a lease has been signed with Goodmans on the land across the road from the Museum at 24 First St.
This land - appox 4000sqm – will be the site of a NEW MUSEUM BUILDING, which will house the Civilian Collection. The existing site will continue in its current format, but will eventually be rebuilt as well.
Most importantly, all aircraft will finally be undercover for the first time.
The culmination of over eight years of behind the scenes activity, this represents a major step forward for the Museum, and will help us establish the Community Heritage Precinct.
To that end, the Board voted to revert the name of the Museum back to Moorabbin Air Museum. Having the suburb of Moorabbin in the name easily identifies the location, something that has been a problem in the past, and as the Museum area becomes a Precinct it made sense to pinpoint the location. The old name of Australian National Aviation Museum is still going to be in the background but Moorabbin will be the key focus.
With the lease done, the hard work for the next couple of years begins! We are certainly looking for any donors who may wish to contribute to the construction of Phase One (the Civilian Collection) At the moment we are working on a budget of approx. $6-8 million for construction and fit out. Talks with the Government have been underway but hampered by the pandemic.
Quotes for the demolition of the old archive building are already out for request, and the concept drawings will be available soon. In addition the MAC have kindly offered to repaint the existing building with the colour being set at Dark Blue with White lettering.
Our sincere thanks to the team at MAC and Goodmans for realising our dream to expand at last. This is truly an exciting chapter in the history of the Museum.
And so the hard work begins! This is a big fundraiser but it covers a number of aircraft, some of them extremely big - Freighter, Vickers Viscount, DH Heron Prototype, Dauphin, DC-3 and Ceres!
Best of all - the fundraiser is set as a charity (which we are - Not For Profit, DGR status 1 and 4) so any donation made over $2 is tax deductible.
We thank you all for your support.
DONATE TODAY! (CLICK THE LINK ABOVE)
VICTORIA POLICE AS-365C1 DAUPHIN 2 HELICOPTER VH-PVF
11th October 2021
Say hello to our new arrival - the first Victorian Police helicopter AIR491 - registered VH-PVF
It made its journey across town today and has been hoisted over into the museum (unlike other times where aircraft have been hoisted out) and will now have a quick rest before the work starts. The Museum would like to acknowledge the generous support of Gen Services in transporting the Dauphin to the Museum on Friday.
Say hello to our new arrival - the first Victorian Police helicopter AIR491 - registered VH-PVF
It made its journey across town today and has been hoisted over into the museum (unlike other times where aircraft have been hoisted out) and will now have a quick rest before the work starts. The Museum would like to acknowledge the generous support of Gen Services in transporting the Dauphin to the Museum on Friday.
GAF CANBERRA A84-226
June 21, 2016
Over the weekend the Museum created a bit of a showstopper across parts of NSW and Melbourne with the transport of our newest addition to the collection. Donated by RAAF Heritage, GAF built Canberra A84-226 had been stationed as a display inside RAAF Base Wagga. During previous weeks a number of trips were made to prepare the aircraft for travel including removal of engines, nacelles and wheels. The huge fuselage made its way to Melbourne on one truck while the equally huge and oversize wings were on another truck - so wide thy had to have a 2am police escort into Melbourne ! The fuselage caught the attention of the news featuring overhead chopper footage on both Channel 7 and Channel 9.
Our sincere thanks to the RAAF for such a wonderful donation. Now safe at the Museum we will begin some prep work on it prior to refitting the wings, but already it is an impressive sight. Photos as credited on images
Over the weekend the Museum created a bit of a showstopper across parts of NSW and Melbourne with the transport of our newest addition to the collection. Donated by RAAF Heritage, GAF built Canberra A84-226 had been stationed as a display inside RAAF Base Wagga. During previous weeks a number of trips were made to prepare the aircraft for travel including removal of engines, nacelles and wheels. The huge fuselage made its way to Melbourne on one truck while the equally huge and oversize wings were on another truck - so wide thy had to have a 2am police escort into Melbourne ! The fuselage caught the attention of the news featuring overhead chopper footage on both Channel 7 and Channel 9.
Our sincere thanks to the RAAF for such a wonderful donation. Now safe at the Museum we will begin some prep work on it prior to refitting the wings, but already it is an impressive sight. Photos as credited on images
MUSTANG FUNDRAISING NEARLY THERE !
May 5, 2016
The Fundraising effort to acquire, restore and display the Australian built CA-17 Mustang A68-71 is incredibly close to completion, thanks to the amazing support of so many. This is so clos, only a few thousand to go ! All we ask is fo you to consider a donation and spread the word. All amounts over $2 are tax deductible. We have had amounts from $10 through to $50,000 and every dollar counts ! Click here to go to our donation page.
The Fundraising effort to acquire, restore and display the Australian built CA-17 Mustang A68-71 is incredibly close to completion, thanks to the amazing support of so many. This is so clos, only a few thousand to go ! All we ask is fo you to consider a donation and spread the word. All amounts over $2 are tax deductible. We have had amounts from $10 through to $50,000 and every dollar counts ! Click here to go to our donation page.
SURPRISE ARRIVAL AT MUSEUM - GAF NOMAD DONATED!
March 20,2016
A surprise donation for the Museum this week with the arrival of a GAF Nomad N22, in the RAAF scheme with the number A18-316. Sincere thanks to Mahindra Aerospace for the donation. A couple of museum members actually worked on the construction and servicing of this aircraft and it is in amazing condition ! Special thanks also to DDT Haulage for the support and help with the freighting of this aircraft from Gippsland to Moorabbin.
A surprise donation for the Museum this week with the arrival of a GAF Nomad N22, in the RAAF scheme with the number A18-316. Sincere thanks to Mahindra Aerospace for the donation. A couple of museum members actually worked on the construction and servicing of this aircraft and it is in amazing condition ! Special thanks also to DDT Haulage for the support and help with the freighting of this aircraft from Gippsland to Moorabbin.
NEW WW1 GALLERY NOW OPEN
March 1, 2016
The Museum volunteers have been working flat out designing and building their most ambitious project to date. Australians in the Skies is a WW! Gallery that focuses on Australian Air Aces of WW1 but also includes the amazing story of the German raider SMS Wolf which menaced our shorelines and led to aerial patrols off Gippsland.
Some amazing exhibits on display include - the mystery Fuel tank that is widely believed to be the Red Baron's Fokker DR.1 tank, the molten remains and personal effects of two German Zeppelins, the Be-2a wings that are possibly the oldest RAF aircraft parts in the world. maps, propellers, engines, medals, personal effects and more.
The Gallery will run until March 30, 2017. Entry is included in normal admission price.
The Museum volunteers have been working flat out designing and building their most ambitious project to date. Australians in the Skies is a WW! Gallery that focuses on Australian Air Aces of WW1 but also includes the amazing story of the German raider SMS Wolf which menaced our shorelines and led to aerial patrols off Gippsland.
Some amazing exhibits on display include - the mystery Fuel tank that is widely believed to be the Red Baron's Fokker DR.1 tank, the molten remains and personal effects of two German Zeppelins, the Be-2a wings that are possibly the oldest RAF aircraft parts in the world. maps, propellers, engines, medals, personal effects and more.
The Gallery will run until March 30, 2017. Entry is included in normal admission price.
MUSEUM ACQUIRES EX KANGAN TAFE 737
COCKPIT
August 28, 2015 In a surprise announcement, the Museum is thrilled to announce they have rescued the Cockpit and forward section, along with both engines, of the former Kangan TAFE 737-200. This was scrapped in mid August and it was through sheer luck that we managed to become actively involved with the stripping, decanting and ultimate destruction of the rest of the plane, while saving the forward section for display at the Museum.
When finished it will rest on its nosewheel and all gauges and lighting will be turned back on, making it an interactive display for everyone to enjoy.
A gallery below of the images during the scrapping process and travel to the Museum.
When finished it will rest on its nosewheel and all gauges and lighting will be turned back on, making it an interactive display for everyone to enjoy.
A gallery below of the images during the scrapping process and travel to the Museum.
MUSEUM OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK IN 2015
DECEMBER 29, 2014 - From January 5, 2015 the Museum will be open SEVEN DAYS. Please note the new hours below :
MON - FRI 10am until 4pm
SAT - SUN 10am until 5pm
The only day we are closed is Christmas Day
See you there !
MON - FRI 10am until 4pm
SAT - SUN 10am until 5pm
The only day we are closed is Christmas Day
See you there !
First Family Open Cockpit Day a great success !
Despite 34 degree heat and a hot north wind, over 700 people attended the Museum's first Family Open Cockpit Day. Some travelled from as far away as New Zealand for the event. A great video below from Keith Webb.
CAC Wirraway Day Celebrations
On Saturday September 6, 2014, The Museum celebrated it's Wirraway A20-10's 75th anniversary - 75 years to the exact day that it made its first flight. Over the previous 10 weeks and around 2,500 volunteer hours the aircraft was overhauled and returned to a static ground running aircraft. The video below, shot by Keith Webb, is a fantastic overview of the day's events. Enjoy !
Wirraway A20-10 update from Keith Webb on Vimeo.
June 13, 2014 Head over the Beaufort Restoration page for the latest updates, some serious work has been completed !
June 11, 2014 An incredibly exciting announcement. The Desoutter has finally had her first engine run at the Museum! All went very well, and we look forward to doing it again soon. In the meantime here is a short video of the event.
June 1, 2014 It has been a very busy weekend indeed! We held a Market Research day with Tastepoint, who conduct lamb sampling for the Meat & Livestock Association. We brought in 60 people to sample seven different cuts of lamb and the Museum received $1000 for its efforts. A great result.
Not only that but much work was done on many aircraft. The Sea Venom cockpit is nearly complete, the DC-3 received more attention on the engine cowls, The Desoutter has had its Gipsy Engine (on loan from Nelson Wilson) installed and the Wirraway has been taken off display for major works. All in the space of a balmy Saturday !
On the Sunday morning the Kickstarter campaign for the Beaufort Sternframe Restoration came to an end. We had a target of $5,000 and in the end raised nearly $6,900 - a fantastic result ! Well done and thank you to everyone around the world who has supported us on this campaign!
Pictures below.
Not only that but much work was done on many aircraft. The Sea Venom cockpit is nearly complete, the DC-3 received more attention on the engine cowls, The Desoutter has had its Gipsy Engine (on loan from Nelson Wilson) installed and the Wirraway has been taken off display for major works. All in the space of a balmy Saturday !
On the Sunday morning the Kickstarter campaign for the Beaufort Sternframe Restoration came to an end. We had a target of $5,000 and in the end raised nearly $6,900 - a fantastic result ! Well done and thank you to everyone around the world who has supported us on this campaign!
Pictures below.
May 9, 2014 The Museum held a fundraiser for restoration projects in conjunction with the Melbourne Old School Cruisers. We expected to have around 1,000 visitors but instead we had nearly 3,000 custom cars, trucks, bikes and spectator vehicles turn up, with the organisers and police estimating around 8,000 attendees. Thanks to the Moorabbin Airport Corporation for their full support which allowed this night to happen with no fuss. Have a look a the pictures below for some highlights!
May 2, 2014 The Beaufort Restoration Project moves up a gear with the launch of our Kickstarter project ! You can see it here - any contribution you can make is gratefully received.
April 27, 2014 As part of our ongoing programs, we have started waking up some of the Museum aircraft from their slumber. Today we ran the CAC CA-28 Ceres Cropduster (successor of the CAC Wirraway) for the first time in 20 odd years. As you can see in the video, it has a bit of power!
April 18,2014 The Museum is incredibly proud to have been a supporter of the Royal Childrens Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
This year, the day raised $16.8million, topping last years' effort. We took our DeHavilland Dove Cockpit along as part of the Kids Day Out at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Though the expectation was for 20,000 visitors, the real number on the day was nearly triple that with around 60,000 attending, so it was a very busy day for all. As a special extra, the RCH Auxiliary team knitted a cover (known as yarnbombing) for the cockpit ! It stopped many people in their tracks and aside from the 1,000 or so that passed thru the cockpit on the day, easily 20,000+ saw the cockpit, took pictures, flyers etc.
The Cockpit has now returned to the Museum complete with the cover, though this will only be on display until May 4, when it will be returned to be cut up for blankets. Click on the images below for bigger version.
April 9, 2014 Sometimes you have some of the most incredible and rare things under your nose without knowing it.
The following pictures are of a tank that we found in the stores room, and intended to sell it on eBay as it had been in there for 30 odd years and no interest in it. By all accounts it was an original WW1 German LVG tank. However when checking the data plate on it, this was incorrect. We posted up to a forum to see if anyone recognized it. The response has been nothing short of incredible. What we know so far is that
a) It is WW1 German - and Fokker
b) Either a DR-1 or DVIII (there is a lot of research being undertaken on this aspect as there are conflicting opinions and timeline overlaps)
c) The tank is made from copper and is a split tank - half oil and half fuel
What is curious is that neither aircraft made it to Australia as far as anyone can verify. There were remnants of a very well known DR-1 bought back as souvenirs by the troops that shot it down. Could it be? We simply don't know at this point, but felt a rare piece such as this is worth sharing.
The following pictures are of a tank that we found in the stores room, and intended to sell it on eBay as it had been in there for 30 odd years and no interest in it. By all accounts it was an original WW1 German LVG tank. However when checking the data plate on it, this was incorrect. We posted up to a forum to see if anyone recognized it. The response has been nothing short of incredible. What we know so far is that
a) It is WW1 German - and Fokker
b) Either a DR-1 or DVIII (there is a lot of research being undertaken on this aspect as there are conflicting opinions and timeline overlaps)
c) The tank is made from copper and is a split tank - half oil and half fuel
What is curious is that neither aircraft made it to Australia as far as anyone can verify. There were remnants of a very well known DR-1 bought back as souvenirs by the troops that shot it down. Could it be? We simply don't know at this point, but felt a rare piece such as this is worth sharing.
March 26, 2014 The Museum is pleased to announce the return to the Aviation Register of our BA-Swallow, and it continues to hold it's registration of VH-UUM.
The Swallow has had a number of owners since arriving in Australia in 1935, including mining magnate Lang Hancock. It is being fully restored to airworthy status.
A detailed list is below and was kindly provided by John Hopton who also provided the shot here, which is from 1962
-- Aug 35 importers Adastra Airways, Ltd. apply for allottment of registration letters
21 Aug 35 VH-UUM allotted
01 Nov 35 C. or R. no. 551 as VH-UUM issued to R.H.F.Hickson, 3 Beaconsfield Pde., Lindfield, W.A.
- at this time fitted with Pobjoy “Cataract” II of 85 h.p.
04 Nov 35 DAM on landing Wallerawang, W.A. - minor only
09 Dec 35 C. of A. no. 508 issued as above
-- May 37 Pobjoy “Niagara” fitted
30 Jun 37 ‘Register shows owner as R.H.F.Hickson. c/- Airlines (W.A.), Ltd.; Aerodrome, Maylands, W.A.
04 Mar 39 Sold to J.Finch & P.P.Patterson, Box 164, P.O., Wiluna, W.A.
06 Mar 39 registered to above
09 Nov 39 C/O - J.Finch now sole owner
01 May 43 ‘Register shows owner as J.Finch,Wiluna Motor Garage, Wiluna, W.A.
22 Jun 43 Sold to L.G. “Lang” Hancock; “Mulga Downs” Stn., Roebourne, W.A.
07 Aug 43 registered to above
16 Nov 43 DAM in forced landing 12 mls. ex “Mulga Downs” Stn. - no details
06 Oct 47 struck off register in census
late in 1956 Peel Valley Air Service at Tamworth, N.S.W. purchased airframes of VH-UTQ and VH-UUM, from
which one complete machine was rebuilt, as VH-UUM - although mostly composed of VH-UTQ
07 Feb 57 test-flown at Tamworth, N.S.W.
04 Mar 57 reg’d to J.W.Packer, West Tamworth, N.S.W.
14 May 57 C/O - D.B.Harris, Manilla Rd., Tamworth, N.S.W.
02 Dec 58 C/O - L.Dorrington, c/- P.O., Burren Junction, N.S.W.
early in 1962 sold to E.R.Burnett-Read, 68 Finniss St., North Adelaide, S.A.
18 May 62 reg’d to above
18 May 62 flown to Parafield via Walgett, Bourke, Wilcannia & Broken Hill
20 May 62 arrived
06 Apr 63 LOG - flown by E.R.B-R. during Women Pilots’ Reliability Trials at Parafield
-- - - - 63 grounded by the D.C.A. under “old wooden aircraft” policy - TT 47 hrs.
-- May 64 for sale with new C. of A., half-time engine, V.H.F. radio for 550 pounds
03 May 65 withdrawn from use - stored at Burnett-Read’s house
-- Mar 67 towed to Plympton, S.A. - stored in shed at used-car yard
18 Jun 67 towed to Salisbury, S.A. - stored in shed
The Swallow has had a number of owners since arriving in Australia in 1935, including mining magnate Lang Hancock. It is being fully restored to airworthy status.
A detailed list is below and was kindly provided by John Hopton who also provided the shot here, which is from 1962
-- Aug 35 importers Adastra Airways, Ltd. apply for allottment of registration letters
21 Aug 35 VH-UUM allotted
01 Nov 35 C. or R. no. 551 as VH-UUM issued to R.H.F.Hickson, 3 Beaconsfield Pde., Lindfield, W.A.
- at this time fitted with Pobjoy “Cataract” II of 85 h.p.
04 Nov 35 DAM on landing Wallerawang, W.A. - minor only
09 Dec 35 C. of A. no. 508 issued as above
-- May 37 Pobjoy “Niagara” fitted
30 Jun 37 ‘Register shows owner as R.H.F.Hickson. c/- Airlines (W.A.), Ltd.; Aerodrome, Maylands, W.A.
04 Mar 39 Sold to J.Finch & P.P.Patterson, Box 164, P.O., Wiluna, W.A.
06 Mar 39 registered to above
09 Nov 39 C/O - J.Finch now sole owner
01 May 43 ‘Register shows owner as J.Finch,Wiluna Motor Garage, Wiluna, W.A.
22 Jun 43 Sold to L.G. “Lang” Hancock; “Mulga Downs” Stn., Roebourne, W.A.
07 Aug 43 registered to above
16 Nov 43 DAM in forced landing 12 mls. ex “Mulga Downs” Stn. - no details
06 Oct 47 struck off register in census
late in 1956 Peel Valley Air Service at Tamworth, N.S.W. purchased airframes of VH-UTQ and VH-UUM, from
which one complete machine was rebuilt, as VH-UUM - although mostly composed of VH-UTQ
07 Feb 57 test-flown at Tamworth, N.S.W.
04 Mar 57 reg’d to J.W.Packer, West Tamworth, N.S.W.
14 May 57 C/O - D.B.Harris, Manilla Rd., Tamworth, N.S.W.
02 Dec 58 C/O - L.Dorrington, c/- P.O., Burren Junction, N.S.W.
early in 1962 sold to E.R.Burnett-Read, 68 Finniss St., North Adelaide, S.A.
18 May 62 reg’d to above
18 May 62 flown to Parafield via Walgett, Bourke, Wilcannia & Broken Hill
20 May 62 arrived
06 Apr 63 LOG - flown by E.R.B-R. during Women Pilots’ Reliability Trials at Parafield
-- - - - 63 grounded by the D.C.A. under “old wooden aircraft” policy - TT 47 hrs.
-- May 64 for sale with new C. of A., half-time engine, V.H.F. radio for 550 pounds
03 May 65 withdrawn from use - stored at Burnett-Read’s house
-- Mar 67 towed to Plympton, S.A. - stored in shed at used-car yard
18 Jun 67 towed to Salisbury, S.A. - stored in shed
BA Swallow II Reg VH-UUM
Photo © John Hopton
March 20, 2014 The Museum has expanded into the technoverse this week. You can now find us on Twitter (ANAMAviation) Instagram (ANAMAviation) and YouTube (ANAMAviation1)
Don't forget it's the Book Fair this week too ! We hope to see you there !
Don't forget it's the Book Fair this week too ! We hope to see you there !
March 10, 2014 After a little bit of tinkering around there is now a new Donate button on the website in the Memberships section, but it's added here as well for reference. Public (and anonymous) donations are one of the most important things for a volunteer Museum. Anything that anyone is able to afford is always gratefully appreciated and will go towards ongoing restorations and conservation.
February 27, 2014 The Museum extends a warm welcome to interstate visitors (and locals of course) who are attending the Centenary of Flight Airshow at Pt Cook this weekend. As a result of many enquiries the Museum is pleased to announce that it will be open specially on Monday March 3 from 10 am to 5 pm for those who would like to extend their aviation experience following the airshow. Hope to see you there !
Click on image for larger version Image © Brenden Scott 2014
February 26, 2014 A WW2 Veteran Pilot is reunited with one of his Aircraft at the Museum
Today the Museum was proud to have what is becoming an all too rare event occur in the Hangar.
A WW2 Veteran Pilot, 94 year old Murray Adams, was reunited with one of his trainers, the Museum's CAC Wirraway A20-10. As stated in the aircraft notes on the website, this is the oldest surviving Wirraway and also the oldest CAC aircraft. To have a pilot reunited with such a rare aircraft made for a unique experience.
Murray first flew A20-10 on Jan 15, 1941 and proceeded to fly it another four times including one solo trip. He then went on to the Middle East where he flew among many others, a Spitfire, Hurricane, Tempest and a Tomahawk. He was shot down in a Tomahawk, and after crash landing, removed the clock and found his way back. To this day he still has the clock, a constant reminder of his amazing effort, and amazingly the clock still works ! Murray also flew a Fairey Gordon, a Fulmar and even a Blenheim.
His first remark was that he was sure that he had left the aircraft in better condition than what it was now - he still has a sense of humour! David Soderstrom showed him the sections that were being worked on to bring the aircraft up to better condition. Then it was time to present Murray with a special picture, which was provided by John Hopton. The framed print showed A20-10 in original silver finish in flight with another aircraft. Murray thrilled all present by announcing that the other aircraft in the picture was A20-4 which he had also flown - a remarkable coincidence.
The pictures in the gallery below are supplied and copyright Brenden Scott except the shot of the clock which is copyright Keith Webb. Special thanks to Keith Webb for putting us in touch and facilitating the reunion. We all hope that Murray enjoyed his time at the Museum today.
Today the Museum was proud to have what is becoming an all too rare event occur in the Hangar.
A WW2 Veteran Pilot, 94 year old Murray Adams, was reunited with one of his trainers, the Museum's CAC Wirraway A20-10. As stated in the aircraft notes on the website, this is the oldest surviving Wirraway and also the oldest CAC aircraft. To have a pilot reunited with such a rare aircraft made for a unique experience.
Murray first flew A20-10 on Jan 15, 1941 and proceeded to fly it another four times including one solo trip. He then went on to the Middle East where he flew among many others, a Spitfire, Hurricane, Tempest and a Tomahawk. He was shot down in a Tomahawk, and after crash landing, removed the clock and found his way back. To this day he still has the clock, a constant reminder of his amazing effort, and amazingly the clock still works ! Murray also flew a Fairey Gordon, a Fulmar and even a Blenheim.
His first remark was that he was sure that he had left the aircraft in better condition than what it was now - he still has a sense of humour! David Soderstrom showed him the sections that were being worked on to bring the aircraft up to better condition. Then it was time to present Murray with a special picture, which was provided by John Hopton. The framed print showed A20-10 in original silver finish in flight with another aircraft. Murray thrilled all present by announcing that the other aircraft in the picture was A20-4 which he had also flown - a remarkable coincidence.
The pictures in the gallery below are supplied and copyright Brenden Scott except the shot of the clock which is copyright Keith Webb. Special thanks to Keith Webb for putting us in touch and facilitating the reunion. We all hope that Murray enjoyed his time at the Museum today.
