ZK-AZL Douglas DC-3CS1C3G
(c/n 16568/33316)
Ex C-47B-35-DK
44-76984. Served with the RNZAF as NZ3545 from 1946 until 1953..
It was the first RNZAF aircraft to fly
from New Zealand to the United Kingdom arriving there
on 16 March 1947.
Served in Singapore 1949-1951. Loaned to NZNAC as ZK-AZL in
1953.
Returned to RNZAF for use during Royal Tour of NZ December 1953-January
1954.
Sold to James Aviation in
1954 and converted to aerial topdresser. Withdrawn from use
in
1974. In 1984 it
was donated to the Clydesdale Agricultuiral Museum at Mystery Creek,
Hamilton, and is presently on display in James
Aviation topdresser colours. Both Jim Dyson's
shot (above - c/o David Molesworth) and my
image below, show the aircraft in mid-1950s
James Aviation Ltd
livery. If anyone has it as
NZNAC.....................