The last new C185 brought into country was VH-ECV for the late Vern Reid in Hobart.
Ah, Vern, more than just a 'one off'. He pulled ECV out of his hangar at Cambridge early one morning. Battery flat, so with no assistance used the old 'Armstrong Starter'. Took off on him, didn't she. Tower away over on the hill could see through the binos some movement. Then a croppy called up taxying and tower gave him 'Possible traffic , ECV taxying. He's not called yet.'
Croppy - 'Ah no. Don't think he can. He's chasing his plane round the tarmac.'
ECV finally ploughed into Vern's hangar doors.
(Vern had a Tiger on floats. VH-AIF. Lost her in the February '67 fires.)
Then there was MTL, the Victa, that got away from her keeper in the same
vicinity.