RAAF
83 Squadron
Wartime History
A46-54 saw service in defence of northern Australia operating
out of Millingimbi and Gove in the Northern Territory.
Restoration
Owned by Gregg Batts, is progressing toward completion with
the airframe some 95% finished. Still to be completed is the fitting
out of electrics, hydraulics and fuel tanks, along with the engine, prop
and instrument overhauls. As at May 2003, some 20 years of work has gone into
research, parts sourcing and the rebuild of A46-54, with a least 2
more to go.
When finished it will adorn its original wartime colours and markings.
Components Used
The fuselage remains came off the property of an aviation collector
at Wellcamp via Toowoomba, Qld. The late Les Arthur had collected
more than 7 remains from different sources including the scrap
sites
at Oakey Qld and Tocumwal NSW. A46-54 was one of those remains. Others
identitied were -142 with Don Brown Vic, -25 with Moorabbin
Air Museum,
Victoria, -166 with Kermit Weeks in Florida USA, -158 now broken
up to supply components to other projects. Others from the Oakey
area known to exist are -144 with Lionel Long, -77 with Greg Batts,
-147 with Nick Knight, -92 with Rod Proven. Several cockpit sections
are with Matt Denning.
Southern survivors are -249 with Dick Hourigan (the last Boomerang built) and -55 with Ron Lee. The cockpit frames of -3 and -5 are held by southern Museums.
References
Thanks to Gregg Batts for assistance with this profile.
Boomerang
Beaufort
Restoration Group
