MOTAT

[Simpo Two]

I came across the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland. Google brings up an photo of a lovely flying boat there so I went to their website to find out what it was. But it's so full of trendy junk I can't see it: https://www.motat.nz/

Anyone know what the flying boat is?

[Yertis]

I think – it's a crap website isn't it – that it's a Short Solent. Basically a fancy Sunderland by the looks of it.

[2xChevrons]

It is a Short Solent - ZK-AMO of Tasman Empire Airways, formerly used on services to the island of the south Pacific.

The Solent was a civilian version of the Seaford, which was an improved variant of the Sunderland (Hercules rather than Pegasus engines, extended fuselage, wider fin and taller stabiliser).

https://www.motat.nz/collections-and-stories/stori...

[Simpo Two]

Thanks! The website would lead you to think it's a museum of Maori children.

New Zealand seems to have a remarkable amount of aviation heritage given its small population; I wonder why?

I'm currently reading this: https://www.aviation-bookshop.com/shop/from-sea-to... If you want more detail on flying boats than you can possibly digest, buy it

[klootzak]

They have two flying boats on display in the aviation hall, a Solent and a Sunderland ...

https://collection.motat.nz/objects/693/aircraft-s...

https://collection.motat.nz/objects/19687/aircraft...

That's alongside a heap of other aircraft including a Lancaster and Mosquito.

Sadly, the options for getting inside, or even close enough to really appreciate them, are limited (I think the Solent is open every now and again). Both are nice though and well worth a visit if you happen to be here.

Also of interest (though without flying boats) is the NZ Warbirds collection at Ardmore Airport https://nzwarbirds.org.nz about 35 mins out of Auckland. A great many of the planes there are in flying condition.

k

[klootzak]

Pic of the two flying boats taken earlier today. Gives a reasonable idea of the setting and accessibility.

[BrettMRC]

klootzak said:

Pic of the two flying boats taken earlier today. Gives a reasonable idea of the setting and accessibility.

That's cool!