First registered in December 1985 after import from Canada as C-GSJM. Photo from Christopher Doyle via Tim Martin

The prototype Sea Bird on the ramp outside the Fleetwings seaplane factory. The FAA serial number is confirmed by the log book of pilot William H. Engle whose first flight in it was on 25 March 1937. That and all subsequent flights were recorded as on X16793. The skin is 0.010 thick stainless steel and it has been given a swirl finish to make it look attractive. The wing and empennage structures are also made from stainless steel with fabric covering. Engine is a Jacobs L-5 giving 285 hp. The three-section landing gear fairing disappeared from photos from 1938 on, however this aircraft was seen at Oshkosh 1992 with fairings, although possibly not originals. Texas based as N16793 in 2024. Photo from: Alan Reddig via Tim Martin

The prototype Sea Bird still in beautiful shape after over 80 years. The only sign of its age is the wrinkled skin which is a mere 0.010 inch thick stainless steel. At a period when most aircraft lasted about 10 years I'm sure Fleetwings did not worry about long-term skin durability at the design phase. Thanks go to then owner Walter Bowe, who arranged the photo session, for allowing its use. The aircraft is Texas based in 2024. Photo from: William Engle (photo credit Scott Slocum) via Tim Martin

Registered in August 1962. Photo by: Ken Morris

Initial registration date was 28 March 1929 (ex NC4938). It was later acquired by New England Airway, which was incorporated on 1 January 1931, and painted in their livery. Considering the factory applied swirl pattern on aluminum areas (a la Spirit of St Louis) the photo date would be closer to early 1929. The aircraft ended up in Papua New Guinea where it was destroyed by enemy action at Wau on 21 January 1942. Photo from Robinson Family Album via Tim Martin

First registered in 1929 and initially flew with Virtue's Air Travel. Here it is part of the ANA flying school, likely up from their Victoria base with two others of the breed. It was later impressed as A7-105 and wrecked in a mid-air collision with A7-110 at Essendon/Vic on 1 October 1940. (The far Moth VH-UND (c/n 1422) was impressed as A7-102) Photo from Robinson Family Album via Tim Martin

Keith Virtue obtained his pilot's license age 19 and here a year later he has gone into business with his brother to operate this Moth as Virtue's Air Travel. The Moth then flew with Australian National Airways from November 1936 to June 1940. It was later impressed as A7-105 and wrecked in a mid-air collision with A7-110 at Essendon/Vic on 1 October 1940. Photo from Robinson Family Album via Tim Martin

This Ryan Brougham (ex NC4938) was acquired by the original NEA which was incorporated on 1 January 1931. Could that be managing-director George A. Robinson proudly showing it off? For the record, a copy-cat New England Airways started operating after World War II, prompting legal action which caused them to desist. The aircraft ended up in PaPua New Guinea where it was destroyed by enemy action at Wau on 21 January 1942. Photo from Robinson Family Album via Tim Martin

CC-CBW (ex USAAF 43-49443) arrived at the museum by the mid 1990s. Since then it has been slowly shedding major components in the dump area attached to the museum. The forward fuselage is missing in this photo.

G-RODC crashed on landing at North Coates on July 20, 2023. At the time of the photo, it was to form part of a crazy golf course (miniature golf course) being built next to Perfect Aquatics' building. Photo by: Dave Hill

Photo by: Ken Morris

Photo by Ken Morris

VH-WSE photographed from 177RG VH-EJB enroute from Coober Pedy to Andamooka after a Cardinal Club fly-in at Coober Pedy. Photo by: Steve Weber via Brian Watts, then owner of VH-WSE

Delivered to the US Army as H-25A 51-16621. To the Royal Canadian Navy in 1954 as an HUP-3 and retained its US serial. Used as a ground trainer at Vancouver marked as C-BVSD by 1980. To the Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation at Langley/BC in 1982 then to Classic Rotors in 2000 and registered as N7089F. Photo supplied by Joe Gwizdak, museum Director of Maintenance via Tim Martin

Tethered gas-filled balloon offering an elevated view of the town. Photo by: Antony Meadley

Tethered gas-filled balloon offering a viewing platform of the town. Photo by: Antony Meadley

Fine photo showing a line-up of NWA Lockheed 10s at the airline's base against the backdrop of the St Paul skyline and the First National Bank Building standing tall. Photo from: Mark Vanney

Sold to BOAC as G-ANTY in October 1954. Later N108Q with Transocean and Aero Spacelines. Photo from: Mark Vanney

Sold to BOAC as G-ANTY in December 1954. Later N106Q with Transocean. Photo from: Mark Vanney

BOAC Britannia G-ANBN departs Lusaka's former air gateway in this splendid colour photo. Photo by: Sheila Slaney (via John Slaney)