Old Station Fly In Raglan

 

We had two of these “H” models and a big old “P” model on the farm when I was a kid/teen.
As it was only a display, the bloke was running the hot bulb Bulldogs on straight diesel, they made a heap more power on furnace oil. 

 

 

This Grumman Avenger was drinking buckets of oil. Did not appreciate the cold morning starts either needing the battery cart and even then, had to wait until mid morning to get her running.
 

I think you will find it is a Grumman Avenger. I had a fly of it when Randal McFarlane owned it 20 or30 years ago. A big lumbering thing but it is so huge inside that it is surprisingly quiet, unlike outside.

The Dauntless was a dive bomber while the Avenger was a torpedo bomber. The American carriers had both types on board along with Wildcat or Hellcat fighters. They fought the Coral Sea battle and the Midway battle (no ship to ship action).

 

 

Finally each time I see this video of an Avenger coming back with a mangled gunner and him being buried with the aircraft it brings a tear to my eye.



 

Yes, my mistake.

 

Amazing coincidences.  Obviously owners would have altered bits and pieces over the years but…….
This little Bully had a piece of broken floor.  I remember losing the pin and replacing it with a bolt. First lift of the hydraulics and the extra bolt length fouled the floor snapping off the corner.
She also had a white steering wheel not the usual black, full electrics, number plate light etc. 
I reckon I broke the floor around 60+ years ago. 

I was a bit slack , only got a few photos. 
Managed for the first time ever to beat my son and his Fowler VF in the tractor pull with my D4-7U
 
 

Was talking to a friend up there.Each time i see him at shows over last 10 or more years . I ask if he has started restoring his Diamond Reo yet . Reply is always no ,not yet .
This time it was , Are blind .Didn't you see it on display .
 

Couple of Graham Allens Macks
 
 
 
 

My bosses  Superliner 
 

And the Champion collection Macks .