AIR BASE WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 189, 12 August 1939, Page 10

AIR BASE WORK.

TASMAN TERMINAL.

PREPARATION CONTINUES.

SPADE WORK COMPLETED.

Extensive preparation work which has been continuing at the Mechanics' Bay base of Tasman Empire Airways for some months io now nearing its end. Tb.y solid ground work has been completed and the etaff is now working at full pressure to complete the hundred and 0110 minor tasks necessary to get the workshops ready for tho heavy work they will be required to do in a few months' time.

Members of the staff have been busy lately unpacking and storing gear in the line storeroom which runs the entire length of the building. The extent of the organisation work, which is under direction of tho base manager, Mr. L. E. Turnhill, is indicated in the number of departments being fitted up for use when the trans-Tasman service is in operation.

A big engine testing room has been built at the back of the main block. The main building houses machine stripping and inspection departments, cleaning and assembly rooms, welding and tinsmith's shops, a chief engineer's room, an engine records office, an air department an electrician's shop, an airscrew overhauling and balancing shop, an oil store and staff rooms, all beautifully equipped with modern fittings.

The most interesting department nearing completion is the engine records office. When the service is in operation engines will be dismantled after every 250 hours' flying time. record boards have been prepared and these now oover two walls of the room. Bearing the names of the three flying boats which will be used on the service—Awaru.i, Australia and Aotearoa —this board, by means of clock-like indicators, will notify mechanics when the various engines— each ship has four—are ready- for overhaul.

All overhaul of engines will be done at Mechanics' Bay- Hull repairs will be done at Hobsonville, where the company has already installed a mooring buoy.

Final work is being done on the two launches which will be used to convey passengers to and from the shore, and to mark out the landing run for the flying boats.