VH-BMT  Miles M65 Gemini 3A     (c/n  6521)
  
                              

                                  This is the 3A version of the Gemini with the 145 hp de Havilland Gipsy Major 10 engines. A total
                                  of 170 Geminis were built (along with two of the more powerful M75 Aries variation).  Ten Geminis
                                  and one of the Aries made it to Australia.  VH-BMW was previously G-AKHT and was withdrawn
                                  from use in 1963 due to DCA's policy at that time regarding the use of glue in the wings on wooden
                                  aircraft.   My shot, above was taken at Moorabbin in 1955 when the Gemini looked relatively pristine.
                                  A decade later it was found abandoned at Inverell, NSW (below, from the Geoff Goodall collection)
                                  and became the "featured" unit in the Guy Fawkes Night bonfire on 5th November 1966.  (Such was
                                  the value of a Gemini once the type was grounded!)