E-mails from Samuel Hepford regarding the Japanese "Oscar" aircraft rebuilt at Eagle Farm by ATIU

E-MAILS FROM SAMUEL HEPFORD
REGARDING THE JAPANESE "OSCAR" AIRCRAFT
REBUILT AT EAGLE FARM BY ATIU

Samuel F. Hepford was one of four sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ross E. Hepford of 3738 Jonestown Road, Progress, East County, USA. All four sons served in the military during WW2.

Capt. Samuel Hepford joined the USAAC before Pearl Harbor and received his Commission after completing his training as an Aviation cadet in October 1941.

Subject:     Eagle Farm, Oscar.
Date:              Fri, 28 Apr 2000 10:50:37 -0700
From:            Samuel Hepford SHepford@aol.com or <SHepford@ia-dc.com>

My father's photo album contains a series photos of the Oscar. The first shows the original aircraft as it was found. Others are progress photos through the rebuilding process. He told me once that he was involved in the work. My father's name was the same as my own, Samuel Hepford. If you like I can scan pictures and send them to you for your use.

Subject:    Eagle Farm, Oscar.
Date:             Mon, 1 May 2000 07:53:29 -0700
From:           Samuel Hepford <SHepford@aol.com>

The photos are interior shots of the Oscar restoration in progress. I could not say if they are actually inside Hanger #7. I also have a few photos of the Oscar taken from a chase plane. My father said that he was the pilot. He did mention once that the US mechanics had gotten the elevator control cables crossed prior to the first flight. He said he could not get the tail to rise on take off when he pushed the stick forward. At the last minute he pulled back and realized what was going on. He circled the field once and returned to the runway.

He did repeat the story you mentioned about a Japanese pilot helping with the take-off check list. He said he was there looking on when it happened.

Gerry Butler told me that Syd Marshall used to have an Oscar in his large collection at Bankstown many years ago. After Syd died he thinks Col Pay acquired the Oscar with the intention of rebuilding it to airworthy standard. Gerry believes that the Oscar was later sold to the Alpine Collection in New Zealand and that it is now in flying condition.

WERE YOU OR A RELATIVE INVOLVED
IN WARTIME ACTIVITIES IN HANGAR NO. 7 AT EAGLE FARM?

I need your help

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