It did indeed look like a boat, your wife was correct the guy standing where the starboard wing should be gave it that image. Here is another easy one to keep you busy, not a very clear photograph I am afraid.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c6...Airquiz13b.jpg

Thanks Mel. Heading out shortly - taking youngest to work. Will look closer this afternoon. Sleep well mate. :ok:

Running with that, I'm thinking it's not from the USA?

This one was not from the USA.

How bout South America?

What's worrying me (not to the point of losing sleep of course) is as you mention the quality of the photograph. My peanut brains asks "why would he do that?" and I'm now thinking, cause it's the only decent photo available on the net.

Conclusion > This is one very rare aircraft?

It is from South America. You are partially correct, it is a rare aircraft. However it is not the only photograph on the net, the other one would allow the aircraft to be found using Google Image search facility. Turning in now Graeme have a great morning.

I found a slightly clearer image of the mystery aircraft. It is from South America and first flew circa 1947.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c6...Airquiz13c.jpg

Hi Mel. Big place, any chance of narrowing it down to one particular country?
I had a look at Argentina - no luck.

Brazil/Brasil?

Brasil's CNNA HL-14 ? Although it does look kinda "IMPA ish"

Not Brasil's CNNA HL-14 Bri this aircraft did not come from Brazil or Argentina. Graeme the country it came from has a long Pacific coast line.

Good evening Mel,

I can't find any pictures; but could it be the 1947 built Tricolo ?? an experimental two-seat cabin monoplane designed by Alfredo Ferrer; the first indigenous Chilean aircraft?

Edit: off to be now, so Open House please in the unlikely event of it being correct

Good Morning Trevor. :ok: The aircraft is the Triciclo Experimental , according to Jane's yearbook of the time "the first Chilean airplane design." It was designed by aeronautical engineer Senior Alfredo Davius Ferrer and built by Chilean engineers from the Central Workshops of the Chilean Air Force with local materials. The only imported component being the 100 h.p. Franklin engine.
The enclosed cabin seated two side-by-side with complete dual controls.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c6.../Airquiz13.jpg

SincoTC has requested Open House.

Thanks Mel,

I now see that a "typo" on the web page that pointed me to the answer prevented me from finding the picture evidence I wanted :ugh: I guess that's part of the fun :)

I'm going to be in and out all day, but I'll claim back my OH and post another to keep things moving and monitor as often as possible.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/.../TC_wtf255.jpg

Trevor, something from the continent of Europe perhaps?

Good evening Mel,

Yes, continental Europe is correct :ok:

I had this pegged as an early Arado. Not to be...

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/566/img249izm.jpg

German though?

G'day Graeme,

Sorry mate, it's not German!

Roger that. Returning to base, over and out.

A clue before turning in!

It had a 16HP inline 4-cylinder engine that sounded like a military rank :)

Good Morning TC - I will go with the Belgian Wielemans S.W.1.