Blenheim’s Brayshaw Park

Press, 8 July 1976, Page 31

Blenheim’s Brayshaw Park

What is perhaps New Zealand’s largest collection of old firm machinery is here at Brayshaw Park in Blenheim. The 14-acre park con-

Perhaps the best title for this picture would be “a Friendship doing an ostrich act.” But it is what is going on in the hangar that counts. This NAC Friendship aircraft is one of 13 being converted from 36 to 40seaters. Because of prob-

tains many other examples of vintage horse-drawn transport, as well as a row of shops depicting early Blenheim, or Beavertown. The park has a model boating pond, a flying

lems with hangar space at Christchurch, five of the Friendships are being converted by Safe Air staff at Blenheim’s Woodbourne Airport. The Safe Air staff, who usually work on the company’s Argosy and Bristol Freighters, as well as some Air Force aircraft, are

circle, and a miniature railway layout, and demonstration days are held there from time to time. The entire park has been promoted and built by voluntary effort, and the vint-

working on the Friendships under the supervision of an NAC inspector. An average of 800 manhours is required to complete each aircraft. The job involves altering the pitch of the other seats in the aircraft so that another row of four can be fitted in. In some cases extensive modifications to the floor are also needed.

age and historical displays were constructed under the supervision of a local historian and author, Mr Norman Brayshaw, and members of the Marlborough Historical Society.

Two extra windows also have to be added. While the refitting work has been going on, the sight of an aircraft tail sticking out of a building has become a common sight to people passing the airport, and it is likely to ■ remain so for some timei until work on all five 1 Friendships has been completed.