Topic: Australian Annual Chipmuk Fly-in September 2009

[Rob Merrylees]

Some photographs from the Australian Chipmunk Fly-in held at the Historic World War II aerodrome at Tocumwal New South Wales




Convenor Ken Farley with his daughter Rachel and their Chipmunk VH-RSM



Winner of the long distance trophy John Murphy who together with his son Michael flew VH-UPD from Coffs Harbour


Mike Hannell’s VH-ZIZ “Most Improved” prize winner. Note the polished metal spinner and stylish ground equipment.



VH-ZIZ  University of London  Air Training Squadron Decal



The Clever Caple Canopy lock as developed in Australia by Glen Caple annd featured on VH-ZIZ.  Note the neat stencilling on the battery compartment.  VH-UPD in the background.



Note the kink in the end of the exhaust stack.  This looks similar to the early Canadian type exhaust, but I suspect that it is an Australian manufactured “generic Gipsy Major” exhaust



Winner of the Golden Rudder award for the best presented Chipmuk VH WGI owned by Roger Miller

[Rob Merrylees]

VH-WGI and more stencils.  I doubt that the coffman cartridge starter is operational these days!  At least there are no exhaust stains.

[Rob Merrylees]

I am not quite sure why,but the caption for the photograph of the kinked exhaust appears out of the intended sequence.  To clarify, this exhaust stack is as fitted to VH-ZIZ.  Also an interesting point that the brake calipers on this aircraft (that are not original)  are positioned differently to those shown in the preceeding photographs.  I seem to recall that there was a TNS suggesting that the original Dunlop calipers should be rotated upwards about 30 degrees and repositioned as on VH-UPD to give better ground clearance for the hoses.  I notice that even on the sealed runways of Tocumwal, the hose has managed to pick up a bit of grass!

[DGH]

Excellent photo's Rob, thanks for taking the time to post them - seems like you all had a lot of fun. 

[Rob Merrylees]

Yes, it was a great social occasion with good organisation by Ken Farley and his on site assistants, Jenny and Tim Becroft.  The Mid Murray Flying Club were great hosts and we enjoyed the use of their facilities. They provided refreshments, catered for the presentation dinner and  a bacon and egg breakfast next day.  Thanks to all who helped make the weekend so enjoyable.

The hostoric World War II Tocumwal aerodrome proved to be a very good venue and the weather was fine.

[Fitzy]

Rob,

Thanks for posting the photos.  I was very disappointed not to make it but Paul and Doug from Wangaratta went and were suitably impressed.  Hopefully they will be motivated to get both of our aircraft to the next one!

Regards

Mark

[Rob Merrylees]

Yes, Paul and Doug from Precision Aviation were there together with Doug's wife Annette on the Saturday.  They did seem to enjoy themselves and Annette made herself useful welcoming visitors and handing out the flight line passses! In fact Annette was dissapointed that they were not staying on for the dinner.  I must say I saw another side of both gentlemen while mixing with them socially and they left me in no doubt about their genuine interest in vintage aviation.

[Berry Vissers]

Great to see yet another set of Chipmunk pictures from 'down under' Rob! I've sorted the 'kinked exhaust' picture so it doesn't appear out of sequence.

Cheers, Berry