WARBIRD RADIO – In the latest episode of the Warbird Radio Downunder Show, aviation enthusiasts Dave and Grant had an in-depth conversation with Matt Henderson, the curator of the Tocumwal Aviation Museum, who recently acquired an ex-RAAF Macchi 326, A7-083, as the latest addition to their ever-growing collection.
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Matt Henderson and his wife, Kaz, are aviation enthusiasts who moved to the Tocumwal airport's airpark in New South Wales in 2017. Their shared passion for aviation history led them to establish the Tocumwal Aviation Museum in 2019, which has quickly become a renowned hub for warbird enthusiasts and history buffs.
The Tocumwal Aviation Museum, located in the former Tocumwal RAAF base, holds a rich history dating back to World War II. Originally built by the Australian government for the US Forces, the aerodrome was intended to serve as a significant airbase for the United States Army Air Forces. However, as the war situation evolved, the USAAF no longer required it. Consequently, the base was handed over to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), who repurposed it into a massive repair and maintenance facility for RAAF Consolidated B-24 Liberators and other aircraft. Additionally, it served as a paratroop training school, among other functions.
Matt Henderson has dedicated himself to researching and preserving the incredible history of Tocumwal. He shared his insights during the Warbird Radio Downunder show, giving listeners a glimpse into the wartime activities that once thrived on the airfield. Beyond the museum's collection, the Hendersons have made Tocumwal a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts. The museum boasts a popular cafe and organizes thrilling airshows, with their third successful event having just taken place in September 2023. These airshows attract visitors from far and wide and showcase a remarkable range of vintage warbirds and historic aircraft in action.
PLAY THIS EPISODE: https://www.warbirdradio.com/featured-shows-1/episode/1ee784e5/warbird-radio-downunder-matt-henderson-of-tocumwal-aviation-museum
The recent highlight for the Tocumwal Aviation Museum occurred on October 20, 2023, as they officially took possession of a new addition to their collection: an ex-RAAF Macchi 326, A7-083. This historic aircraft, which played a pivotal role in Australia's military aviation history, was handed over by the Royal Australian Air Force, marking a significant milestone for the museum.
The episode of the Warbird Radio Downunder show featuring Matt Henderson and the new addition to the Tocumwal Aviation Museum's collection was recorded two weeks earlier and had been embargoed until the handover of the Macchi 326 took place. This new acquisition adds to the museum's already impressive collection of aircraft and further cements Tocumwal's status as a key destination for aviation history enthusiasts.
The Tocumwal Aviation Museum's dedication to preserving Australia's aviation heritage and their ongoing efforts to share this history with the world make it a must-visit destination for those passionate about vintage warbirds and the rich aviation history of the region.
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PLAY THIS EPISODE: https://www.warbirdradio.com/featured-shows-1/episode/1ee784e5/warbird-radio-downunder-matt-henderson-of-tocumwal-aviation-museum