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  • Witham Specialist Vehicle Sales, Colsterworth

    Help needed !

    The first 30 Gazelle to pass through Witham were:-

    XW484, XW909, XX913 (G-HSDL), XX371 (G-CHLU), XX383 (ZU-RMU), XX386 (G-KEMH), XX394 (Private owner Brighton), XX398, XX409 (G-CHYV), XX416, XX437, XX438, XX439 (G-CHLW), XX445, XX455, XX456, XX462, XZ291 (Gabon), XZ292, XZ296 (ZU-RMT), XZ304, XZ314, XZ338 (G-CHZF), XZ344, ZA726, ZA728, ZA776, ZB673, ZB688 (G-CHMF)

    Other than those with subsequent registrations all those highlighted in bold are still believed to be stored at Stapleford Tawney ?

    Then there was a further batch going to them around 1.20 ( it is believed these are the ones that had the fenestrons cut off and a couple of photos seem to prove that.

    XX378 Where did this go ?
    XX403 Lot No 3 sold on 10.1.20 for reported hammer price of £6,000 (fenestron noted cut off)
    XX447 Where did this go ?
    XZ303 Lot No 182 sold 1.2.20 to where ? (fenestron noted cut off)
    XZ311 Where did this go ?
    XZ337 Where did this go ?
    XX442 Where did this go ?

    Another batch known to go to Witham was :-

    XW897 Believed sold to a private owner in Bulgaria/Italy
    XW899 Became G-CLSA
    XZ322 Where did this go ?
    ZA771 Believed sold to a private owner in Bulgaria/Italy

    Lastly another batch of Gazelles were noted road running on the M40 on the 8.9.20 ex AMSU Shawbury to an unknown destination ?
    They were:-

    XX460, XZ294, XZ328, XZ341, XZ343, ZB667

    Reports for these say they were destined for reduction to produce, but the MOD has said that before and they turned up at Witham, so anyone know where these went ?

    any help appreciated
    Helipixman

    Comment




    • Air Grisha's HB-XFW

      SA341G HB-XFW (WA1124) seen in Switzerland c. late 70's (Photo: Anton Heumann)



      And computer graphic by MP Design Studio of the same machine:

      Comment


      • Savoia
        Savoia commented
        Editing a comment
        A lovely shot of XFW Zis, and another new addition to Snow Gaz collection! 👍



    • SA341B XX398 (WA1318) as seen in Bardufoss, Norway on 3rd March 2006

      Attached to 4 Regiment AAC.

      And seeing as Elipix showcased F-HGUN ..


      F-HGUN start and depart from Courchevel in October 2013

      Comment




      • SA.342J cn.1393 F-GCCZ in the French Alps






        N2FW Sunset Departure

        Comment


        • Savoia
          Savoia commented
          Editing a comment
          Lovely Zis! 👍



      • SA341H RA-1347G as seen in Russia in February 2017




        Serbian warfare training, short Gaz segment at 2:50 mins

        Comment




        • A few images from the USA (Rotorleasing) N341SH and N931XZ







          Helipixman

          Comment


          • Savoia
            Savoia commented
            Editing a comment
            Wonderful stuff Elipix! We really have been blessed with a host of new Snow Gazelles this Christmas! 👍



        • SA342J F-GCCZ (cn.1393) as seen in the French Alps in the 1970's


          Air Zermatt's SA342J(S) HB-XMU (cn.1470) as seen in Switzerland c.1986 (Photo by Anton Heumann)


          Polizei Niedersachsen SA342J D-HOPP (cn.1695) as seen in Germany in the 1980's (Photo by Detlef Böntgen)

          Comment


          • Helipixman
            Helipixman commented
            Editing a comment
            Excellent photos again, so many this year, Happy New Year to all on Aviafora!

          • Savoia
            Savoia commented
            Editing a comment
            Grazie Elipix! 👍

        • Originally posted by Helipixman View Post
          Witham Specialist Vehicle Sales, Colsterworth

          Lastly another batch of Gazelles were noted road running on the M40 on the 8.9.20 ex AMSU Shawbury to an unknown destination ?They were:-

          XX460, XZ294, XZ328, XZ341, XZ343, ZB667

          Reports for these say they were destined for reduction to produce, but the MOD has said that before and they turned up at Witham, so anyone know where these went ?

          any help appreciated
          Helipixman

          These 6 are reported as "RTP 9/20, ex AMSU Shawbury". I believe this stands for "Reduction To Parts Sep-2020".

          Happy New Year to all!

          Cheers,

          Jos.

          Comment


          • Originally posted by Rotor-spot View Post

            These 6 are reported as "RTP 9/20, ex AMSU Shawbury". I believe this stands for "Reduction To Parts Sep-2020".

            Happy New Year to all!

            Cheers,

            Jos.

            There were 7 of these I believe. I have photos of seven anyway at Middle Wallop after the Spares reduction.




            Plus, my annual contribution to the Snow Gazelles:


            Gazelles at Crab Tree Farm

            Comment


            • Savoia
              Savoia commented
              Editing a comment
              Ciao Stefano, Felice Anno Nuovo!

              '𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙩 𝙈𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙥 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.' — Ha ha, I know someone who will be after you for these! 😁 The question (I am sure) will be .. do these photos display any aircraft markings.

              Over to you Elipix! 😊



          • SA341G C-GSHL (cn.1200) as seen at Edmonton Municipal Airport in Alberta, Canada c.1977


            SA342J SE-HUN (cn.1095) as seen at Nyköping Skavsta Airport in Sweden in 2003

            Perhaps the only ever Swedish Snow Gaz.




            SA341B G-KEMH (WA1284) engine start at Redhill

            Comment




            • Happy New Year from Prague!

              Here is something for modellers, first sprues of 1:48 AMP Gazelle. Enjoy

              Comment


              • Savoia
                Savoia commented
                Editing a comment
                Felice Anno Nuovo/Happy New Year Jakub! 👍



            • Mini Gazelle and in the snow in Scotland at last ! (one I built many many years ago and amazed it has survived)

              Comment


              • Savoia
                Savoia commented
                Editing a comment
                Ha ha, lovely Elipix! As you say, a Scottish Snow Gaz .. at last! 😄 👍

            • G-BAGJ

              I have just received from Holland (via ebay) a photograph of G-BAGJ over Central London, the one and only Gazelle I have flown in so far ! It was this helicopter that started my love of the Whistling Chicken leg. My flight was from Battersea Heliport to Leavesden in 1974 !



              Comment


              • Savoia
                Savoia commented
                Editing a comment
                Fantastico Elipix! 👌

                '𝙖 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙂-𝘽𝘼𝙂𝙅 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣' .. Yes, over BP no less! 😲 👍



            • Philip Amadeus with a British Army Gazelle at Hardangerfjord in Norway in January 1983 (Photo courtesy of Filippo)


              SA342L1 E7-ABI (cn.139) as seen refuelling at Sokolac in Bosnia in 2012


              SA342J F-GFDG (cn.1204) as seen at Courchevel on 13th January 1989 (Photo courtesy of Zishelix)

              No season of Snow Gazelles would be complete without Zis' photo of 'DG'.

              Comment




              • First time to obtain a shot of this Gazelle CF-BBO c/n 1053.

                Was wondering whether it was owned by Totem Air or just operated by them?



                Comment


                • Rotorspot
                  Rotorspot commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Totem Air also operated Gazelle C-GXQE (1286), which crashed and caught fire during landing on 22-Jun-1981. And then miraculously became N341CF in Jan-2020.

                • Zishelix
                  Zishelix commented
                  Editing a comment
                  CF-BBO was the first Gazelle in Canada. Couldn't find anything about Totem Air so far

                • Helipixman
                  Helipixman commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Was it the joint first with CF-BBN, think they were both registered on 20.3.73



              • Heli Cap SA341G F-BVUI (cn.1122) in the France Alps in 1978 (Photo by Frédéric Rolland)


                SA341G C-FEDG (cn.1181) as seen in Alberta, Canada on 14th December 1978 (Photo by Steve Aubury)

                Comment


                • Helipixman
                  Helipixman commented
                  Editing a comment
                  Great to see more snow Gazelles 👍



              • As Rotorspot mentioned, C-GXQE miraculously re-appeared as N341CF ?

                On checking, two Canadian Gazelles must have been hiding somewhere, maybe Triggers broom cupboard ?

                C-GVHC c/n 1137 was cancelled in Canada 4.88 and then re-appered as N71PU with Qualitair LLC along with N341CF. N71PU then changed ownership to Fresh Heli LLC 1.8.20. This has now been cancelled on 21.12.20 to South Africa ? Fresh Heli have kept the registration N71PU and paid a fee for it.

                C-GXQE c/n 1286 this is the one that caught fire, how badly ? The story goes it was picking up some firefighters from Fort Simpson and due to a missing fuel filler cap, fuel was sucked out and the rest is history. That was on 22.6.81 but was not cancelled until 4.9.84 It then re-appeared as N341CF with Qualitair 31.1.20 but currently the registration is in question. It also has a change pending to International Air Services Inc dated 4.11.20

                For the same company (Qualitair) to acquire both Gazelles were they stored together somewhere ?

                Comment


                • Savoia
                  Savoia commented
                  Editing a comment
                  '𝗔𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝗖-𝗚𝗫𝗤𝗘 𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲-𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝟯𝟰𝟭𝗖𝗙?' — Yep, pretty interesting. The good thing is that over time most things come out in the wash, so we may find out eventually.

                  From one-thing-to-another, was Stefano able to assist you in identifying any more ex-MoD's Gazelles?



              • With our thanks to Predrag for assisting us with the Epiphany Day Gazelle.

                If you would like to support those who support us, then feel free to order your Gazelle simulator here.




                Shirley Helicopters SA341G C-GSHL (cn.1200) as seen in the Ogilvie Mountains of the Yukon territory of Canada in June 1979
                (Photo by John Biczok)


                And yes, according to John (the photographer) that date is correct. Evidently you can still get snow in the Yukon in the middle of the year!


                SA341G(S) F-GBMC (WA1065) as seen in France


                SA342J N65AR (cn.1602) as seen in Crested Butte, Colorado in January 2015

                Comment




                • Hi, sorry I'm late! I came across this one N-Regd presumably 'Snow Gaz', sadly no additional info

                  Comment


                  • Zishelix
                    Zishelix commented
                    Editing a comment
                    Thanks for info!

                    I wonder what else rare Gazelle pics you keep for 'SGII'? Don't let us wait too long

                  • Savoia
                    Savoia commented
                    Editing a comment
                    The ones I have of N6957 were specifically with you in mind Zis, so you will certainly receive them.

                  • Helipixman
                    Helipixman commented
                    Editing a comment
                    I have another shot of N6957 but it is in a completely different scheme !



                • I am wondering if this is the film that Zis and myself nearly purchased ?

                  It shows lots of Gazelle from the 11:30 minute mark !

                  Comment


                  • Savoia
                    Savoia commented
                    Editing a comment
                    '𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙕𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙?' — It seems to be.



                • Wishing all of our Orthodox members and readers a very Merry Christmas!

                  To find out why Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on 7th January, click here.




                  SA341C RA-05708 (WA1045) in Abkhazia


                  SA341G RA-05706 (WA1802) near St. Petersburg in 2018


                  SA341G RA-05706 (WA1802) snow landing in Russia


                  Avia member Vitaly Christmas Gaz departure


                  SA341G RA-05706 (WA1802) Russian snow departure


                  I wish to send out a very special 'Grazie' to Zis and Elipix for helping make this season's Snow Gazelles especially enjoyable with the addition of a number of new Snow Gazelles, as these photos are not easy to come by.


                  Comment


                  • Helipixman
                    Helipixman commented
                    Editing a comment
                    It is a pleasure and I am always surprised to find new ones, but one year I am sure we will run out ?

                  • Savoia
                    Savoia commented
                    Editing a comment
                    Yes, that is a possibility, but not really a problem as we now have a nice little collection which can be displayed each year, much like Christmas decorations. However, we may yet obtain some new Snow Gaz photos in the years ahead, especially from Russia.



                • SA341G C-GSHL (cn.1200) as seen in the Yukon in the late 1970's


                  656 Squadron Gazelles over Sek Kong Airfield in Hong Kong in June 1977

                  Comment








                  • SA341G F-GEHB (cn.1099) as seen at Aérodrome de Bourg - Ceyzériat NFI

                    Comment




                  • A few posts ago we mentioned Monsieur Roland Fraissinet. Below you can see him photographed in May 1980 with his family in F-GCCZ.

                    Comment


                    • Savoia
                      Savoia commented
                      Editing a comment
                      This is lovely Zis! 👍



                  • SA341F2 ZU-RNV (cn.1608) as seen at Lomas Creek Lodge in South Africa on 9th January 2021 (Photo courtesy of Jean-Pierre)




                    SA341G(S) YU-HEY (cn.1320) as seen at Stapleford on 9th January 2021



                    SA342L TR-KCQ (cn.5015) as seen in Nyonié, Gabon in January 2021




                    SA342M F-MGJQ as seen at Marseille Marignane on 18th December 2020 (Photo by Damien Fournier)




                    Soko production line

                    Zis, have you posted this before? Can you confirm whether this is Mostar or Marignane?




                    Syrian Air Force Gazelle NFI

                    Comment


                    • Originally posted by Savoia View Post
                      Zis, have you posted this before? Do you know whether this is Mostar or Marignane?
                      Mostar, mid 1980s

                      F-MGJO is c/n 4042. Nice finding, btw

                      Comment


                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Grazie Zis, was sure you would know.

                        Is that construction number also valid for 'JQ'?

                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Oops sorry, F-MGJQ is #4022



                    • Hi, in these cold days, we need something warm.

                      Here is SA342L1/4222/125/BWH during Gulf war.

                      Comment


                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        I agree, let's see one more 'Sunny Gaz' pic




                    • Montenegrin Air Force SA342 NFI




                      SA342J(S) N624EL (cn.1094) as seen at Issy les Moulineaux on 10th January 2021 (Photo by Nico Parsis)




                      SA341B G-CDNO (WA1385) as seen at Blackpool Airport on 15th December 2020 (Photo by Simon Waterhouse)




                      SA341H YU-HEI (cn.012) as seen at Wellesbourne Airfield (Photo by Graeme Lovell)

                      Zis/Elipix, do you happen to know whether HEI was the only Soko Gaz to operate in the UK?

                      Comment


                      • Zishelix
                        Zishelix commented
                        Editing a comment
                        I have YU-HEK (unknown c/n) as well but can't confirm info.

                      • Helipixman
                        Helipixman commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Here is what I know to have been in the UK....

                        011 YU-HEH was with MW Helicopters (leased to Kestrel Shipping) then to John Mallinson
                        012 YU-HEI was with MW Helicopters (leased to Mike Roberts t/a FCS - think he died in a Citation crash) then to Mark Weir
                        014 YU-HEE was with MW Helicopters
                        021 HA-LFR re-registered as HA-PPY with private owner in UK maybe still owns it ?
                        052 YU-HDL was with Griffair Ltd and became 4O-HJS in the UK before export !

                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        Zis & Elipix .. what a team .. bravo! 👍

                        That's quite a few more than I imagined.

                    • 012 YU-HEI was with MW Helicopters (leased to Mike Roberts t/a FCS - think he died in a Citation crash)
                      Yes he did.


                      021 HA-LFR re-registered as HA-PPY with private owner in UK maybe still owns it ?
                      Yes, he still owns it. It is based in Yorkshire.

                      Comment


                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        HA-PPY is in Yorks? 😲

                    • Originally posted by Savoia View Post
                      HA-PPY is in Yorks? 😲

                      Yes, in the owners hangar.

                      Comment


                      • Helipixman
                        Helipixman commented
                        Editing a comment
                        I suspected it was still in the UK, and did not want to put owners name on here to keep his privacy ! Thanks for confirmation.

                      • Savoia
                        Savoia commented
                        Editing a comment
                        How is it that we haven't seen a single photo of her in ages?

                        The last I remember of this aircraft (I think) was a video of her in Hungary some years back.
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