VH-BRC. Short S-25 Sandringham Mk 4 Tasman Class. c/n 2018 - SH.55C.

Was also registered as: JM715; ZK-AMH; N158C; VP-LVE.

 

 

This aircraft was built by Short Bros at Rochester, Kent as a Sunderland Mk III - July 1943

Built to the U. K. Ministry of Transport Contract No. B.78939/40/c20(b) for 31 Sunderland Mk 3 aircraft

Delivered to Royal Air Force as 'JM715' at Wig Bay, Stranraer, Scotland

Received by No. 1 Flying Boat Servicing Unit - July 08, 1943

Transferred to No. 57 Maintenance Unit, Wig Bay - January 08, 1944

The aircraft was held in reserve and not used on operations

This aircraft, and 5 other Sunderlands, were to be used in the 'Chariot' project but this was not proceeded with

Flown to Scottish Aviation's Flying Boat Modification Unit, Cairds Yard, Greenock for conversion to Mk V - April 1945

Returned to No. 57 Maintenance Unit, Wig Bay - July 30, 1945

It was damaged when blown off its beaching trolley at Wig Bay - April 21, 1947

The minor damage was repaired on site

Transferred to Short Bros & Harland, Belfast for conversion to a Sandringham Mk IV Tasman Class - April 30, 1947

The conversion included seating for 30 passengers

Transferred to British Ministry of Transport & Civil Aviation on completion of this conversion

Entered onto the New Zealand Aircraft Register as ZK-AMH - May 29, 1947

Registered to Tasman Empire Airways Limited, Auckland, New Zealand

Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA 9580) issued - October 10, 1947

Departed Poole Harbour, Dorset on the delivery flight to Auckland (Captain H. J. Rose) - October 15, 1947

It arrived at Auckland on completion of the delivery flight - October 29, 1947

Delivery route: Marseilles - Augusta (Sicily) - Cairo - Bahrein - Karachi - Calcutta - Rangoon - Bangkok -

Singapore - Sourabaya - Darwin - Bowen - Sydney - Auckland

Total flying time on the delivery flight - 87 hours

Leased to Tasman Empire Airways Ltd (TEAL) - October 29, 1947

The aircraft was named ' RMA Auckland'

Operated its first revenue service Auckland - Sydney (Rose Bay) - November 07, 1947

Withdrawn from use due to engine overheating problems - February 22, 1948

Returned to service following rectification of the engine problems - June 17, 1948

Operated its final revenue service Sydney (Rose Bay) - Auckland - December 16, 1949

Withdrawn from use and stored at Hobsonville, Auckland

Ferried Auckland - Brisbane (Captain S. Middlemiss) for sale to Barrier Reef Airways - April 27, 1950

Sold to Barrier Reef Airways Ltd for 5,000 pounds - April 28, 1950

Overhaulled and converted to seat 41 passengers

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-BRC - May 22, 1950

Registered to Barrier Reef Airways Pty Ltd

The aircraft was named 'Coral Clipper'

Operated its first Barrier Reef revenue service Brisbane - Lindeman Island - Daydream Island - May 23, 1950

Operated its first service to Hayman Island - July 02, 1950

Cancelled from the New Zealand Aircraft Register - October 27, 1950

Operated its final scheduled Barrier Reef Airways service - November 12, 1950

Withdrawn from use - January 23, 1951

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - August 06, 1951

Returned to the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-BRC - September 14, 1951

Stored at Colmslie until September 1952

Underwent a refit, completed in seven weeks following the sinking of sister aircraft VH-BRD

Registered to Ansett Flying Boat Services Pty Ltd - December 15, 1952

Underwent test flight from Brisbane River - December 17, 1952

Ferried to Sydney (Rose Bay) for Department of Civil Aviation checks - December 18, 1952

The aircraft was then renamed 'Beachcomber'

Entered commercial service with Ansett Flying Boats on Sydney - Brisbane route - December 21, 1952

Commenced operations to Lord Howe Island on charter to Trans Oceanic Airways - January 13, 1953

Operated the final flying boat service from Hamilton Reach, Brisbane - March 1953

Registered to Ansett Airways - 1954

The aircraft was almost lost in a taxiing accident on Sydney Harbour - March 07, 1954

The PIC made a sharp left-hand turn to line up for take-off, causing the port wing float to dig into the water

The stress broke the float support structure resulting in the port wing almost entering the water

A number of passengers climbed onto the starboard wing to provide a counter balance

The aircraft was repaired and returned to service

Flight crew: Captain J. Coles; Captain J. McKosker; Flight Engineer H. Hamburg

Repainted into Ansett Flying Boat Services 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney - 1969

Registered to Ansett Transport Industries (Operations) Ltd, Melbourne - March 01, 1970

Operated the final scheduled flying boat service to Lord Howe Island - May 31, 1974

Maintained a 'token' service until the Island's airstrip was completed

It was damaged whilst moored overnight at Lord Howe Island - June 09, 1974

Temporary repairs were made on site before it was ferried to Sydney for permanent repairs - July 30, 1974

Test flown at Sydney (Rose Bay) on completion of repairs - August 29, 1974

Operated the final Short Flying Boat passenger service Sydney - Lord Howe Island - Sydney - September 10, 1974

Returned to Lord Howe to pick up airline equipment this being its 1,360th island flight - September 11, 1974

Sold to Antilles Air Boats Inc, Virgin Islands - September 10, 1974

Aircraft was named 'Southern Star' during repaint but this was changed to 'Southern Cross' before it left hangar

Entered onto the United States Aircraft Register with the temporary registration 'N158C' - November 28, 1974

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - November 28, 1974

The aircraft had flown 17,820 hours to date

Departed Sydney (Rose Bay) on the ferry flight to the Virgin Islands - November 28, 1974

It arrived at St. Croix, British Virgin Islands on completion of the ferry flight - December 09, 1974

Ferry route: Sydney (Rose Bay) - Pago Pago - Honolulu (Pearl Harbour) - San Francisco -

Fort Worth (Texas) - Boston - St Croix

Flight crew: Captains C. Blair, B. Monkton; Engineer N. Holle

Due to F. A. A. restrictions the aircraft could not take up a permanent U. S. Registration

Entered onto the British Virgin Islands Aircraft Register as VP-LVE - April 1975

Departed St. Croix on trans-Atlantic flight to Foynes, Ireland - July 06, 1976

It arrived at Foynes, Ireland - July 09, 1976

The aircraft was based at Killaloe on Lough Derg during its stay in Ireland

Visited Belfast - August 19, 1976

Visited Poole, England - August 23, 1976

During the next five days nine passenger sight-seeing flights were carried out from Studland Bay

It arrived at St. Croix on completing the return trans-Atlantic flight - August 28, 1976

Chartered by Aer Arann, Ireland to conduct sight-seeing flights from Lough Derg - August 1977

Flown to Calshot for further sight-seeing flights - September 05, 1977

Over the next 4 days the aircraft made 17 sight-seeing flights from the mouth of the Beaulieu River

Departed the United Kingdom on the return trans-Atlantic ferry flight - September 09, 1977

Registered to AAT Inc c/- Antilles Air Boats, Christansted, British Virgin Islands - June 17, 1978

The aircraft was stored at Grande, Puerto Rico following the death of Captain Charles Blair - September 02, 1978

A proposed sale to the Science Museum, England was conditional on the aircraft reaching the United Kingdom

Returned to a servicable condition and registered 'N158C' - October 1980

Departed San Juan on the ferry flight to Ireland (Captain R. Gillies) - October 09, 1980

It arrived at Killaloe (Ireland) on completion of the ferry flight - October 24, 1980

Ferry route: San Juan - St. Croix - Boston - Port Washington - Oyster Bay - Sydney (Nova Scotia) -

Gander - Killaloe (Eire)

Stored at Killaloe for 3 months awaiting approval to enter the United Kingdom

It arived at Calshot, England and beached for storage - February 02, 1981

Total flying time to date - 19,500 hours (this was the highest number of hours for any Sunderland)

Launched at Calshot and taxied to HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-Solent for storage - July 06, 1981

Purchased by the Science Museum, UK for 85,000 pounds - 1982

Transferred to Southampton Eastern Docks for storage - March 01, 1983

This journey was undertaken by the British Army using a self-propelled Royal Army barge

Aircraft was partially dismantled and stored in a secure compound where some maintenance was undertaken

A new museum building - 'R.J. Mitchell Museum' was constructed to house this aircraft at Southampton

Whilst stored it was prepared for painting in A.F.B.S. 'delta' livery as 'VH-BRC'

Unfortunately during the repaint an error was made whilst reapplying the aircraft's name 'Beachcomber'

An incorrect font and print size was used and the title was located on the nose in the wrong position

An error was also made when reapplying the airline's name on the rear fuselage

Installed in the Hall of Aviation, Southampton - August 27 / 28, 1983

The Southampton 'Hall of Aviation' opened - May 26, 1984

The Southampton 'Hall of Aviation' was renamed 'Solent Sky - 2005

Cancelled from the United States Aircraft Register - September 30, 2012

Currently on display at the 'Solent Sky' Museum, Southampton

 

 

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Auckland Harbour, October 29, 1947.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-331.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, October 29, 1947.

(Whites Aviation Copyright Image 2545-939.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Auckland Harbour, January 1948.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-202.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Auckland Harbour, November 1948.

(M. Holle Collection Copyright Image 2545-679.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, March 1950.

(Whites Aviation WA-24151-F, Alexander Turnbull Library, Copyright Image 2545-751.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, March 1950.

(Whites Aviation WA-24150-F, Alexander Turnbull Library, Copyright Image 2545-753.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, March 1950.

(Whites Aviation WA-24136-F, Alexander Turnbull Library, Copyright Image 2545-752.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, March 1950.

(Whites Aviation WA-24136-F, Alexander Turnbull Library, Copyright Image 2545-752.)

ZK-AMH. Tasman Empire Airways Ltd - 'RMA Auckland' in the original livery at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, March 1950.

(Whites Aviation WA-24135-F, Alexander Turnbull Library, Copyright Image 2545-940.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'Barrier Reef' livery at Hayman Island, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-190.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'Barrier Reef' livery on the Brisbane River, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-063.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'Barrier Reef' livery at St Kilda, Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, March 23, 1953.

(P. Sheehan Collection Copyright Image 2545-908.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'Barrier Reef' livery at unknown location, date unknown.

(P. Sheehan Collection Copyright Image 2545-909.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original 'white' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, date unknown.

(G. Wilkes Collection Copyright Image 2545-064.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-789.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-021.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Lord Howe Island, date unknown.

(M. Holle Collection Copyright Image 2545-404.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Lord Howe Island, date unknown.

(M. Holle Collection Copyright Image 2545-405.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Lord Howe Island, date unknown.

(M. Holle Collection Copyright Image 2545-407.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Lord Howe Island, date unknown.

(M. Holle Collection Copyright Image 2545-406.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, March 07, 1954.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-681.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Port Lyttelton, Christchurch, November 1957.

The aircraft has a large camera turret installed in the bow hatch for the filming of the 'Cinerama' movie.

(V. C. Browne Copyright Image 2545-776.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Port Lyttelton, Christchurch, November 1957.

The aircraft has a large camera turret installed in the bow hatch for the filming of the 'Cinerama' movie.

(V. C. Browne Copyright Image 2545-777.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery on the Clarence River, New South Wales, date unknown.

(G. Wilkes Collection Copyright Image 2545-020.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-398.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Airways - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, date unknown.

(R. McDonald Collection Copyright Image 2545-709.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Lauthala Bay, Fiji, June 1960.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-680.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, circa 1962.

The following series of images captures the aircraft undergoing a major overhaul.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-408.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, circa 1962.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-409.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, circa 1962.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-410.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, circa 1962.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-412.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, circa 1962.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-411.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, circa 1962.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-414.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, circa 1962.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-413.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, circa 1962.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-415.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Lord Howe Island, March 1963.

(B. Colledge Copyright Image 2545-044.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the original livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, February 1965.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-022.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery on the Derwent River, Hobart, date unknown.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-043.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-416.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-303.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-417.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-304.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-305.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-306.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-418.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-419.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-420.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-421.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-422.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, April 1967.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-695.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, October 02, 1967.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-719.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, March 1968.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-061.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the revised livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, October 1968.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-091.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-066.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-067.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-068.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-069.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-070.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-071.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-072.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-073.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1970.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-092.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rathmines, Newcastle, September 1972.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-094.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rathmines, Newcastle, September 1972.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-034.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rathmines, Newcastle, September 1972.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-214.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rathmines, Newcastle, September 1972.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-031.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, August 1973.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-115.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-116.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' somewhere over southern New South Wales, November 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-118.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lake Eucumbene, New South Wales, November 17, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-037.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lake Eucumbene, New South Wales, November 17, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-093.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lake Eucumbene, New South Wales, November 18, 1973.

(E. S. Favelle Copyright Image 2545-802.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' somewhere over southern New South Wales, November 18, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-117.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-423.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-424.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

The Flight Engineer or Steward was responsible for securing the aircraft to the mooring buoy.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-425.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-426.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-524.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-525.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-427.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-428.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-430.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-431.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-435.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

An overall view of the flight deck.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-436.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

The Captain's side of the flight deck.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-088.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

The co-pilots side of the flight deck.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-437.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, December 20, 1973.

The flight engineer's station was situated behind the wing carry-through beams.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-438.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-075.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

(E. D. Daw Collection Copyright Image 2545-030.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-640.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-639.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-439.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-641.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-440.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

An Australian Army Engineer retrieves the smashed starboard wingtip float.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-444.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at Lord Howe Island, June 09, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-642.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

The starboard wingtip buried in the sand.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-443.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

The badly crushed leading edge of the starboard wing.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-441.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

The badly crushed starboard wing leading edge and the float attachment points.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-442.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

Repairs commence on the starboard wing in very primitive conditions.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-509.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

Repairs commence on the starboard wing in very primitive conditions.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-510.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

Repairs commence on the starboard wing in very primitive conditions.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-445.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

Repairs are made to the damaged hull.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-447.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

Repairs are made to the damaged hull.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-448.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

A large sheet-metal patch was afixed over the damaged section of the starboard wing.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-446.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, June 1974.

A large sheet-metal patch was afixed over the damaged section of the starboard wing.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-511.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

With temporary repairs complete it was now time to return the aircraft to the water.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-645.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-648.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-644.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-643.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-647.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-646.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-644.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(M. Holle Collection Copyright Image 2545-450.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-650.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-649.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-651.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Lord Howe Island, July 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-652.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, July 1974.

With the aircraft now safely back at Rose Bay permanent repairs can be undertaken.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-099.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, July 1974.

Close-up view of the temporary patch on the starboard wing leading edge.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-100.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, July 1974.

A close-up view of the temporary patch on the starboard wing tip along with the wrinkled surface.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-101.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, July 1974.

A close-up view of the damaged starboard wing tip along with the wrinkled surface.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-102.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, July 1974.

A close-up view of the damaged internal starboard wing leading edge structure.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-103.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, July 1974.

A close-up view of the damaged internal starboard wing leading edge structure.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-104.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 1974.

A new starboard wing leading edge structure had to be built.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-105.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 1974.

A new starboard wing leading edge structure had to be built.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-106.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 1974.

The repaired and reskinned starboard wing leading edge.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-107.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

With repairs complete it was now time to return the aircraft to the waters of Sydney Harbour.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-502.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-512.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-513.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-514.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-516.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-517.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-519.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-520.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-521.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-522.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-523.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

Mr Ron Bush, Manager of the Flying Boat Base supervises the relaunch of 'Beachcomnber'.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-503.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-527.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-528.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-529.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, August 29, 1974.

(E. S. Favelle Copyright Image 2545-809.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, September 10, 1974.

The end of a golden era - the last commercial flight to Lord Howe Island.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-500.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, September 10, 1974.

The end of a golden era - the last commercial flight to Lord Howe Island.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-501.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, September 10, 1974.

Captain Lloyd Maundrel accepts the last consignment of Royal Mail to be carried on a Short Flying Boat anywhere in the world.

(G. Wilkes Copyright Image 2545-674.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' at Rose Bay, Sydney, September 10, 1974.

L to R: Lindy McKew (flight attendant); Captain Lloyd Maundrel (PIC); Lester Lewis (steward); Captain Bill Wilcher (co-pilot); Jim Davidson (Flight Engineer).

(G. Wilkes Copyright Image 2545-673.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, October 1974.

The aircraft is prepared for its ferry flight to the Virgin Islands.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-453.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, October 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-452.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, October 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-459.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Star' in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1974.

The name that never was. The aircraft was originally named 'Southern Star' but it was subsequently changed at the suggestion of Maureen O'Hara.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-454.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Star' in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-455.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Star' in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-457.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-221.)

VH-BRC. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-222.)

VH-BRC. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 26, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-788.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Rose Bay, Sydney, November 28, 1974.

(R. N. Smith Copyright Image 2545-076.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' somewhere over the Pacific Ocean during the ferry flight, November 1974. L to R: Margaret Holle; Noel Holle; Unknown; Captain Brian Monkton; Maureen O'Hara.

(M. Holle Copyright Image 2545-690.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the basic Ansett 'delta' livery at Honolulu, November 1974.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-686.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at St Croix, Virgin Islands, May 06, 1975.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-779.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at St Croix, Virgin Islands, May 1975.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-808.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at St Croix, Virgin Islands, August 20, 1975.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-720.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at St Croix, Virgin Islands, August 30, 1975.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-710.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at St Croix, Virgin Islands, September 1975.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-401.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at St Croix, Virgin Islands, January 1976.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-781.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at Lough Derg, Killaloe, Ireland, July 1976.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-049.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at Studland Bay, England, August 1976.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-689.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at Studland Bay, England, August 1976.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-693.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at St Croix, Virgin Islands, April 1977.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-096.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at Lough Derg, Killaloe, Ireland, August 1977.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-780.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at Lough Derg, Killaloe, Ireland, August 1977.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-807.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery somewhere over England, August 1977.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-691.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery somewhere over England, August 1977.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-062.)

VP-LVE. Antilles Air Boats - 'Southern Cross' in the standard livery at St Croix, Virgin Islands, April 1978.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-782.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic primer livery at St Croix, October 1980.

(P. Sheehan Collection Copyright Image 2545-941.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic primer livery at Lough Derg, Killaloe, Ireland, January 1981.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-783.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic primer livery at Calshot, England, April 1981.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-097.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic primer livery at Calshot, England, April 1981.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-046.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic primer livery at Calshot, England, April 1981.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-653.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic primer livery at Calshot, England, April 1981.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-694.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic primer livery at Calshot, England, April 1981.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-692.)

N158C. Antilles Air Boats - in the basic primer livery at the Royal Navy Base HMS Deadalus, Lee-on-Solent, England, July 1981.

(E. D. Daw Collection Copyright Image 2545-047.)

VH-BRC. Ansett Flying Boat Services - 'Beachcomber' in the 'delta' livery at the Hall of Aviation, Southampton, England, August 2004.

The following sequence of images depict the aircraft as it is preserved today.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-466.)

 

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-464.)

 

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-467.)

 

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-468.)

The entry vestibule step-down with the toilet opposite the main cabin door.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-469.)

The toilet compartment consisted of an old-fashioned 'pan' system which did not flush.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-470.)

To the left of the entry vestibule was the forward freight hold with the nose mooring compartment in front of it.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-471.)

To the right of the entry vestibule was the lower deck passenger seating arranged in four cabins. Access to the flight deck was via the ladder.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-472.)

The first passenger cabin had seating for 7 passengers and the Flight Attendant.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-473.)

The second cabin - Cabin B - had seating for 8 passengers.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-475.)

The second cabin - Cabin B - had seating for 8 passengers - including the two 'individual' seats with a modern airconditioning system.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-474.)

The third cabin on the lower deck - Cabin C - had seating for 8 passengers.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-477.)

The third cabin on the lower deck - Cabin C - had seating for 8 passengers.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-478.)

The third cabin on the lower deck - Cabin C - had seating for 8 passengers - this was the single seat.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-476.)

The fourth cabin on the lower deck - Cabin D - had seating for 5 passengers. This cabin was liked by parents with young children because they had room to play on the floor.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-479.)

Behind Cabin D was the rear freight hold. It could be accessed in flight from Cabin D or from the upper deck. It was also the emergency exit route for passengers.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-480.)

Behind Cabin D was the rear freight hold. It could be accessed in flight from Cabin D or from the upper deck. It was also the emergency exit route for passengers.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-481.)

The upper deck cabin - Cabin E - had seating for 14 passengers. This image was taken from the top of the internal staircase, looking rearwards.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-483.)

The upper deck cabin - Cabin E - had seating for 14 passengers. This image was taken from the top of the internal staircase, looking rearwards.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-484.)

The upper deck cabin - Cabin E - had seating for 14 passengers. This image was taken from the rear of this cabin, looking forwards to the galley.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-485.)

The upper pantry and galley were situated against the wing centre section bulkhead. The wing structure could be accessed in flight if necessary.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-486.)

The upper pantry and galley were situated against the wing centre section bulkhead. The wing structure could be accessed in flight if necessary.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-487.)

The upper pantry and galley were situated against the wing centre section bulkhead.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-488.)

The upper pantry and galley were situated against the wing centre section bulkhead.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-489.)