Aeroplanes and Trains (Big Boys Toys)

Off this morning to the Air Force Museum at the former RNZAF base at Wigram where we are to meet up with in brother-in-law Mark who works there on the restoration projects  who had arranged a backstage tour for us through the restoration hangers.

A4 Skyhawk in the entrance Hall

Pauline and I certainly had a few memories brought back on the way back to the hangers not the least being the old block 7 of which I was a resident back in 1970.   When I look at where I used to reside compared to a prisoner currently in custody it makes you wonder !   The rooms were astonishingly small but we were happy.

                       Block 7                                    my former room

The restoration hangers were really interesting to tour and these guys must have the patience of Job to toil away on such painstaking work, sometimes with little detail to work from.   We were suprised to find one of Pauline’s old bosses from our time serving at Wigram.   Charlie used to be a driver just like Pauline and now works on aircraft  restoration.   He gave us an interesting talk on the Wildebeest restoration he was assisting with.

                Charlie                                           Wildebeest Restoration

On into the next hanger which was full of mostly complete aircraft which had seen service with the RNZAF or had been flown by RNZAF pilots, ther were some interesting aircraft types on show.

Pauline, Mark  and self at the Andover door

Back to the main exhibition rooms of the museum for a good wander through there, again lots of interesting stuff to see and the museum is a must see if ever in the Christchurch area.

Stained glass memorial window                No 42 Sqn VIP Dakota   
An enjoyable visit appreciated by all of us and finished off with a coffee at the Museum Cafe.