Two Limited Edition Prints (50) and |
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Fox Moth ZK-ADI on the
Fox Moth ZK-ADI at Franz Josef Aerodrome |
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De Havilland DH 83 Fox Moth ZK-ADI fine scale printed paper model available now just email and order International Orders |
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The 1930’s de Havilland DH 83 Fox Moth was a biplane created in response to the depression era need for cheap and simple aircraft able to transport people and freight over short distances. The Fox Moth was a development of the de Havilland DH 82a Tiger Moth, and was developed from the standard Tiger Moth wings, tail, undercarriage and engine mountings. The enclosed cabin could accommodate four passengers on a short journey and three for up to 360 miles. Versions were made as landplanes and float fitted seaplanes, from a total production of 98 aircraft. The Fox Moth was operated principally in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. In the latter country the airplane occupied a unique place in that nation’s aviation history by being operation on New Zealand’s first Licensed Airline which inaugurated its service with a flight on December 18, 1934. The company, Air Travel (NZ) Ltd had been established to provide aerial service in New Zealand’s rugged South Westland. Based in Hokitika, the genesis for the company was the purchase of the Canterbury Aero Club’s new Fox Moth in March 1934. It’s qualities and commercial possibilities inspired Bert Mercer, one of the pilots who had been operating scenic flights to the magnificent scenery of the Westland region. Mercer raised finance from individuals and ordered a new Fox Moth from the de Havilland agents in Auckland. The company that would become Air Travel (NZ) Ltd, was registered on May 1, 1934 and the aircraft, ZK ADI, would become that airline’s first aircraft. Fox Moth’s would be a familiar part of the Westland aviation until the mid 1950’s. |
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