85 years ago...

[emfrat]

The first successful crossing of the Tasman was by Smithy and Ulm, in 'Southern Cross', Richmond NSW to Wigram, landing on 11 Sept 1928.
The first commercial crossing was by Smithy and Taylor, in January 1933, also in 'Southern Cross', Seven Mile Beach NSW to New Plymouth.
These pics relate to that flight.
I got the dates muxed ip - TG I'm not female - but having dug them out I thought I may as well share them...
Link to gallery:
http://postimg.org/gallery/6zg9dgy8/

[Ian Warren]

Thus 85 years ago makes Wigram the first International Airport , Wigram the birthplace of the RNZAF , all that history now gone .

[emfrat]

Once I get my head around Gimp, which says it will let me directly edit dds files, I will look at doing a retro NZ, a la CalClassic, and back to the flying boat era, too.
First job is Frigate Bird II, though

[Ian Warren]

Mike you gotta start in the place that interests or your primary mission for the starters - Your Frigate Bird II is my Wigram or Christchurch Airport

[emfrat]

Umpsly Correct - no sense in duplicating effort

[Ian Warren]

Guess be for the Aerosoft Cat , Cap P.G.Taylor will be proud of ya

[emfrat]

Just a matter of figuring out which lies to tell it - once I get the 6A to think it is really a non-amphibious 6, well, "full steam ahead", to coin a phrase