Temora Update

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This weekend Temora Aviation Museum is presenting a Pacific Theatre theme for the last Aircraft Showcase of 2010. On the flying program are the Lockheed Hudson, Spitfire Mk VIII and Allan Arthur’s P-40 Kittyhawk.

 

The Lockheed Hudson is the only twin engine World War II bomber flying in Australia. This aircraft was one of 247 Hudsons which served with the RAAF during and after the war. In addition to the traditional bombing role the Hudson proved to be a versatile aircraft and was used for multiple roles including troop transport, VIP transport and coastal patrol which included air/sea rescue where a lifeboat was carried under the fuselage. At the completion of its RAAF service, our Hudson was owned by East West Airlines as a passenger carrying airliner and then Adastra Aerial Surveys where it was used in the role of high altitude photographic survey. In 1976 Malcolm Long purchased the aircraft and began a restoration process which saw the aircraft returned to airworthy condition and operated in memory of all the Australians that served in bomber crews during WWII. The Hudson became part of our collection in 2004 and is flown on a regular basis during Aircraft Showcase events and Airshows around Australia.

 

The Museum’s Mk VIII Spitfire is also flying this Saturday. Powered by the Rolls Royce’s V-12 Merlin which is harnessed to a propeller which swings four large wood blades, the Spitfire is an aircraft that sounds as beautiful as it looks. Painted in RAAF 457 Squadron colors, the Mk VIII carries the markings of Wing Commander R.H. (Bobby) Gibbes AM WG CMR DSO DFC*.

 

Allan Arthur is bringing his beautiful 1943 P-40N1 Kittyhawk to Saturday’s Aircraft Showcase. Powered by an Allison 1710 V-12 engine which is rated at 1400 horsepower, it was retrieved as a wreck from a fire dump in New Zealand. It has been completely restored and painted to represent GAQ from RAF 112 Shark Squadron, which fought in the Middle East against Rommel. The rebuild process took more then six years and was completed in 2006. Since then the aircraft has flown more then 130 hours. In addition to Allan, three other pilots regularly fly the P-40, Steve Death, Doug Hamilton and Scott Taberner.

 

Temora Aviation Museum’s Aircraft Showcase is an opportunity to get up close to the aircraft and see them where they are meant to be – in the air! After the flying there is time for a tour through the Engineering Hangar to see what projects our Engineering Team is working on. They have prepared many things to show this weekend and will also share with you their knowledge on non destructive inspection techniques, the theory and construction of gas turbine engines and the principles of operation of radial engines. We also screen a film in the Display Hangar and the pilots are available to chat with our visitors as well. The weather for Saturday will be brilliant for flying with clear skies predicted and a top temperature of 25 degrees.

 

MESS HALL

 

The Museum’s Mess Hall will be open for business on Saturday with a menu that would certainly out do the original Mess Hall from WWII. Steak and sausage sandwiches and a selection of cut sandwiches plus hot and cold drinks and ice creams are all available for purchase. This weekend our Mess Hall will be operated by the Temora Quota Club. Quota International, founded in 1919, is an international service organization that links members of all ages, occupations, and nationalities in a worldwide network of service and friendship. With a motto of "we share," Quotarians are known especially for their service to deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired individuals and disadvantaged women and children. Quota members share the values of serving and encouraging others, developing friendships, and promoting international understanding. Recently the Museum introduced a new streamlined method of payment at the Mess Hall which means you will be served faster and you can pay for your food using EFTPOS.