As for the A30-9 the DC-2 out at Tyabb. It's in poor condition I am sad to say. I worked on this aircraft when I was a teenager in the 1980's. I now work for Qantas as a Licensed Aircraft Engineer on the International Crew at Melbourne Airport. I went for a drive a few weeks back to visit the DC-2 and remember all the work we did on it. I remember it was around 1985 the aircrafts restoration was going well. All of the components, instruments, seats, etc were restored ready to be fitted. Most of the fuselage was re-skinned and the restoration project was going well. Several engines were found and they were in need of an overhaul. Then suddenly and I still can't understand why, corrosion was found deep in the centre section wind structure. I still remember the disappointment of the owners when this was discovered.

After this discovery the project was suspended waiting for a decision for possible finance to continue with the project. A decision or finance never came.

I was to later hear that the aircraft was towed to Tyabb which is a two hour drive away from Essendon Airport were the original project was performed. Not too long later a storm passed Tyabb airfield and the DC-2 broke it's tie downs and it hit other privately owned aircraft. The original owner claimed that he didn't own the aircraft to avoid paying the damages, and to this day it appears no- one claims ownership. This is only a story I have heard, I really don't know who owns the aircraft. (I can find out if you wish)

As for the condition of the DC-2. Anything is restorable if you put enough money into it, and sadly this will need lots of money. If you are able to replace or remove the centre section wing structure without a factory jig I think this aircraft could fly again. For A30-9 to fly again it will need attention soon since the weather is getting to it.

( Will Lanting )

 

 
 

Former RAAF DC-2-112, serial A30-9 (c/n 1292) at Tyabb, Victoria. Originally NC13782 with Eastern Airlines in the USA, it was purchased and went to the RAAF as A30-9 on 3 Feb. 1941, with callsign VHC-RK. It operated with 1, 2 and 3 WAGS (Wireless Air Gunnery Schools) in 1941-42, then with 36 Sqn. Placed into storage in late 1944, it was offered for free issue to the Department of Civil Aviation, but rejected. It was then approved for free issue to the CSIRO (an Australian government scientific body). At some time in 1946 it was sold on to Marshall Airways.

Under its civil registration of VH-CDZ, it provided joy flights from Bankstown until 1957. An accident caused damage to one wing, and, with a fresh wing fitted, it flew back to Bankstown. It was towed on its main wheels for storage at Camden, and later towed back to Bankstown where sale to US buyers was arranged. The aircraft remained parked in the open for several years, protected from vandalism by airport staff but exposed to the elements. Some components were stored in the cabin, but holes had been cut in the top of the fuselage. Australian government policy forbade export of historic aircraft, and an airport staff member has been quoted as saying, in 1981, that there were plenty of people around the airport who would have cheerfully helped with restoration if the ownership question was resolved.

A30-9 was transported by road to Essendon, Vic. in 1982 for restoration. In April 1990, VH-CDZ was again moved by road to the Qantas Apprentice Training School in a Sydney suburb. Under ownership of International Air Parts, some restoration work was conducted. Sheet metal repairs were made to the fuselage and the tail rebuilt. IAP hoped to have a plan in place by 1995 to restore the aircraft to flying condition by 2000.

Instead, in 1991, A30-9 found its way to Tyabb, Vic. (apparently having acquired RAAF markings again). The fuselage sat there, again exposed, until it was earmarked for removal to the Aviation Historical Centre (sic), Darwin, NT, during 1999. At that stage it was noted as being badly corroded, and a photograph shows a bare metal fuselage devoid of any markings. The wings, which had been stored under cover, were in better condition.