In 2003 Stichting Noorduyn at Lelystad acquired this Norseman in dilapidated condition and turned it into this beauty in the colours (probably) in which it was delivered to the European theatre in March 1945. Bob Noorduyn, the major designer, was born in the Netherlands. Hence the interest in restoring this aircraft. The restored aircraft was first publicly shown August 20th, 2011.

The serial on this aircraft was not the one it had in USAAF service. Now on display at the USAF Museum in Ohio with its correct serial (44-70534) and Air Transport Command Alaska red and silver markings.

Photo from the Ben Dannecker Collection

When Gibbes Sepik Airways bought this aircraft it was VH-BHG. Gibbes Sepik was taken over by Mandated Airlines in 1958 and in 1959, -BHG was reregistered VH-GSB. The Gibbes Sepik titles were eventually replaced by Mandated Airlines titles. Ansett bought Mandated to form Ansett-MAL in 1960. -GSB was sold in 1962 to the founder of Gibbes Sepik, World War II fighter ace Bobby Gibbes. He reregistered it VH-RHG. Photo from the Ben Dannecker Collection.

VH-GSF loading superphosphate for another cropdusting mission somewhere in the Upper Hunter Valley or New England region of NSW. In 1970 it ditched into the sea off Sydney while being used for skydiving. Photo Wally Scott.

VH-GSE seen here after being converted to a cropduster by Pay & Williamson. Pay was the late Col Pay, of Scone, who became a leading light in the Australian warbird movement. It is believed the farm airstrip being used at the time of the photo is in the Upper Hunter Valley or New England areas. -GSE was destroyed in a crash and fire near Armidale on September 26, 1966 with Pay at the controls. He was unhurt. Photo from the Ben Dannecker Collection.

Originally developed for rugged Canadian bush country operations, the Norseman's qualities were recognised by the USAAF and so Noorduyn produced 762 examples for the USAAF before WWII ended. On Dec. 15, 1944, a UC-64A disappeared on a flight from England to France with bandleader Maj. Glenn Miller on board. The aircraft was never found. This Norseman on display at the National Museum of the USAF is actually 44-70296 but marked as a plane based in Alaska late in WWII.

Under repair after a take-off accident April 3, 1981 which damaged the belly. This Norseman was first delivered to the USAAF October 13, 1943 as 43-5237. Sent to the Reconstruction Finance Corporation on November 30, 1945 for disposal, it became N55555 flying many years in Alaska. After refurbishment (again) in 1992 it was donated to the Alaskaland Pioneer Air Museum, Fairbanks, Alaska where it remains on display.

1944-built Norseman attending the 2010 EAA rally from its base at Basin, Montana.

Modified 1944-built UC-64AS from Canada visiting Oshkosh Seaplane Base during the 2010 EAA gathering.

Sold in Canada as CF-ISM in 1973

Photo taken a few days before VH-GSF crashed off Sydney's Manly Beach on January 18, 1970.