Forrestair DC-3 VH-TAK Pics and info Request
Thread Starter
Forrestair DC-3 VH-TAK Pics and info Request
I saw this old girl at Esssendon back in 1975. I am preparing to build a model of this aircraft and I'd like some reference information and history on her.
She started off as a RAAF machine A65-52 and at sometime went to TAA, I have seen a picture of her in the TAA scheme with the big window modification.
Does anyone know the whys and whens of the window mod
Any interior pictures?
What did Forrestair use her for?
What is the significance of that logo that looks like the Rolls Royce Lady riding a bullet? Anyone have a close up of this logo?
If you know anything about her I'd like to hear from you.
The windows were called Viewmaster Panoramic windows, and were installed in the following aircraft, AEQ, ANR and TAK
From the book DC-3 Downdunder, Forrestair used four DC-3's on cargo work to Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands between 1974 and 1978.
Thses included TAK and SBL.
They also operated a Piaggio P-166 on night freight as well
From the book DC-3 Downdunder, Forrestair used four DC-3's on cargo work to Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands between 1974 and 1978.
Thses included TAK and SBL.
They also operated a Piaggio P-166 on night freight as well
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TAK sat at BN for quite a while. Forrestair purchased it and I ferried it to Essendon in Jan 1975. It was still in TAA colours and fitted with the original passenger door, the C47 freight doors were fitted by Forrestair.
Forrestair was owned by H.G.Sleigh and that is their logo behind the cockpit window. It was one of four DC3s used on the Tasmanian freight runs, the others being EDD SBL & MMF.
I have a few photos if I can work out how to post them.
Forrestair was owned by H.G.Sleigh and that is their logo behind the cockpit window. It was one of four DC3s used on the Tasmanian freight runs, the others being EDD SBL & MMF.
I have a few photos if I can work out how to post them.
cac_sabre
Here is an enlargement of the logo on the port side of VH-TAK.
The text underneath the logo reads:
It's enlarged from a full-frame shot of the aeroplane so it's the best I can do. You might be better off researching it from the HC Sleigh angle. Here's the full-frame shot:
PM me if you would like the high res scan. (Give thanks to Mike Madden and Kodachrome, both sadly deceased).
Rgds
Here is an enlargement of the logo on the port side of VH-TAK.
The text underneath the logo reads:
A Division of H C Sleigh Limited
PM me if you would like the high res scan. (Give thanks to Mike Madden and Kodachrome, both sadly deceased).
Rgds
Were not the 'Viewmaster' windows fitted by Arthur Butler / Butler Air Transport...waaay back when??
(Memory banks fading...but....)
(Memory banks fading...but....)
Griffo
It is believed that VH-ANR was the first Viewmaster mod performed in Australia. The work was done by Fairey Aviation at Bankstown in July 1958. VH-ANR was operated by Butler Air Transport but by this time Ansett had gained control of Butlers.
Rgds
It is believed that VH-ANR was the first Viewmaster mod performed in Australia. The work was done by Fairey Aviation at Bankstown in July 1958. VH-ANR was operated by Butler Air Transport but by this time Ansett had gained control of Butlers.
Rgds
Thread Starter
VH-TAK
Thanks very much for that info. Love any more pics of the aircraft
cheers
I just realised the aeroplane has a name, just under the cockpit Peter? something...anyone know?
cheers
I just realised the aeroplane has a name, just under the cockpit Peter? something...anyone know?
Last edited by cac_sabre; 8th Feb 2010 at 12:45. Reason: added picture
VH-TAK c/n 13338
42-108949
A65-52
VHCII
Part of the front end of VH-TAK is now in the collection of the Mitiamo Air Museum at Mitiamo, 85 km north of Bendigo, Victoria. The new museum is operated by Richard Winterburn. The wrecked nose section extends from the forward bulkhead (Station 20) to just aft of the cockpit (Station 86).
VH-TAK was scrapped at Essendon in 1983.
SOURCE: Census of Australian DC-3s
42-108949
A65-52
VHCII
Part of the front end of VH-TAK is now in the collection of the Mitiamo Air Museum at Mitiamo, 85 km north of Bendigo, Victoria. The new museum is operated by Richard Winterburn. The wrecked nose section extends from the forward bulkhead (Station 20) to just aft of the cockpit (Station 86).
VH-TAK was scrapped at Essendon in 1983.
SOURCE: Census of Australian DC-3s
Had a look through some photos, but only have a picture of Brain and Browns DC-3 taken at Point Cook Airshow in the mid 1970's.
Didn't Sleigh's own the Golden Fleece petrol stations in Victoria?
Didn't Sleigh's own the Golden Fleece petrol stations in Victoria?
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Sorry cac sabre for this slight deviation to your thread,but I'm an aviation artist & some time ago I painted a Connair DC3.
The annoying bit was the reference photo's signage on the side said ''Australia's Airline...*something*''
As the photo was taken of VH-PWM on the ground with doors open,I don't know what the full wording was.
Maybe an old Ppruner could help?
The annoying bit was the reference photo's signage on the side said ''Australia's Airline...*something*''
As the photo was taken of VH-PWM on the ground with doors open,I don't know what the full wording was.
Maybe an old Ppruner could help?
Aye Ess
I believe that the full titling was:
By the time they had F.27s it had become CONNAIR The Territory Airline so perhaps someone challenged the previous claim.
The good news is you don't have to change your painting!
Rgds
I believe that the full titling was:
CONNAIR Australia's Airline
The good news is you don't have to change your painting!
Rgds
Moderator
If memory serves me correctly, that was the HC Sleigh logo fifty years ago. I seem to recall that logo on oil bottle metal spouts.
HC Sleigh produced motor oil and owned or operated Golden Fleece service stations.
HC Sleigh produced motor oil and owned or operated Golden Fleece service stations.
Thread Starter
Thanks Tail Wheel
You have stirred a distant memory I do think I remember the metal woman logo.. it really is quite strange. I have researched the net trying to find reference for it to no avail. That close up pic will be good enough for my project
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Thank you,Fris B....I had what titles I could see on the painting,fully expecting some eagle eyed observer to correct me;took the painting to an art show & sold it to a gentleman who had once lived in Alice Springs,but he bought it as a reminder of his time in Central Australia rather than the a/c.....anyhoo,I've always wondered if the signage was correct & you confirmed that....thanks again.
Thread Starter
yeah living in Moonee Ponds I used to hear the buggers
flying over at night.
Before Tulla opened I remember on more than one occasion seeing the odd Bristol Frightener and DC3 with prop feathered overflying Moonee Ponds West state school.
Before Tulla opened I remember on more than one occasion seeing the odd Bristol Frightener and DC3 with prop feathered overflying Moonee Ponds West state school.
Last edited by cac_sabre; 11th Feb 2010 at 05:52. Reason: spelling