Welcome to RNZAF Wigram – The spiritual home of the RNZAF.
This cache is one in a series to remember the Base that was once here, and the iconic aircraft that are remembered in the street names.
A total of 10 Lockheed Lodestars were delivered to NZ onboard the Francis A Willard in Jun 43, and the Fort George in Dec 43. They were all assembled at Hobbsonville, and 9 entered into service in 40 and 41 Sqns and used in the transport fleet, with a couple on VIP duties.
Most of the fleet was sold to Union Airways (later NAC) in the mid-late 40’s. Sadly ZK-AKX (formerly NZ3508) flying with NAC crashed in the Tararua Ranges on approach to Paraparaumu Airport on 18 March 1949, with the loss of all 15 people on board.
But there was a 10th airframe delivered that never saw service in the RNZAF. This had a bit of a bizarre life in NZ. It was given on loan to Union Airways in Aug 43. In May 1945, it was stolen from its hangar by a 19yo apprentice aircraft engineer, who had been turned down for pilot training in the RNZAF. He knew enough to start it up and get into the air, but mistook the throttle for the undercarriage lever and the aircraft veered into a line of trees and caught fire.
The culprit escaped uninjured after initially being trapped in the wreckage by a jammed cockpit door. He was charged with a number of offences but escaped with a nominal fine and a period of probation. I guess you can see why he wasn’t selected for pilot training!
NAC disposed of the aircraft overseas around 1951/52. Later on, a few were bought and converted to aerial topdressers. Currently there is one on display at MOTAT, and one at the Warbirds museum in Wanaka, with a third being restored in Gisborne.
You are looking for a cammoed 150ml bottle.