Warbird Information Exchange

This is cool!



https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/ ... PlrzR6KXEQ

https://youtu.be/G3oC0hfheWo


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Beautiful aircraft! I've flown twice in Ford Trimotors and they were wonderful low and slow adventures.

The Fokker Trimotors have an interesting history in the US that may be of some interest, though not directly related to this replica. It does illustrate the hazards of early air travel however.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/3/29/ ... m-lefebvre

That is awesome! I flew out of Adelaide's Parafield airport a few times in early 2000 and got to see it up close while they were doing maintenance (pre-accident). It was (and now is again) a beautiful ship, and I recall being saddened when I heard of its subsequent mishap.

The aircraft had a successful taxy on all 3 engines the other day.

I've been a fan of this replica since I was a kid and was sad to hear of the accident at the time, but HARS is definitely the best place for it to be. It's been wonderful to follow the restoration and know that the return to flight is so close. I am sad that the only passengers carried will be HARS members, but perhaps that's just an incentive for me to join! Back in 1990 she flew across the Tasman Sea for a New Zealand tour. Wouldn't that be nice to see repeated...

Brenden S wrote:The aircraft had a successful taxy on all 3 engines the other day.

Video here: https://youtu.be/x3QPk-ep2Aw

Amazing replica. The original "Southern Cross" had a neat history...and it still exists...

APG85 wrote:Amazing replica. The original "Southern Cross" had a neat history...and it still exists...

I've seen a photo of the original and replica together on the tarmac. Sure would be cool to do that again!

The original is in poor condition from what I have been told, so I doubt it will ever be moved from Brisbane airport.

For those on facebook, a link here for the video.
https://fb.watch/aBPdlqgIZs/

Brenden S wrote:The original is in poor condition from what I have been told, so I doubt it will ever be moved from Brisbane airport.

I'd like to visit it one day.

Brenden S wrote:The original is in poor condition from what I have been told, so I doubt it will ever be moved from Brisbane airport.

I was always under the impression that the original Southern Cross was in good condition. It's in a purpose built display hangar at the airport in Brisbane. It was restored in the 80's (not sure to what extent). Strangely, it was used in the film Smithy in 1945 and actually flown.

I'd heard that her condition was less than stellar also.

APG85 wrote:Strangely, it was used in the film Smithy in 1945 and actually flown.

The man himself was still flying joyrides to keep himself in the black (always an issue for him) up until the bitter end. I believe the RAAF overhauled her for the movie, which I'd quite like to see (CAC Boomerang masquerading as the Lockheed Altair Lady Southern Cross)!

She looks good externally....at least from pictures on the internet...

I know a few people that went and looked at the aircraft close up and advised of the poor state that it is in. While it is undercover and in a building I am lead to believe that it is not temp controlled etc.

Brenden S wrote:I know a few people that went and looked at the aircraft close up and advised of the poor state that it is in. While it is undercover and in a building I am lead to believe that it is not temp controlled etc.

The website below has some great pictures and a full history of the original Southern Cross through the years including it's various display venues and attempts at restoration. Interestingly, there are pictures of the original plane parked next to the replica.

http://www.adastron.com/southern-cross/default.htm