This year was my second year attending the Mareeba Military Muster at the Mareeba Turf Club. It was another good year consisting of plenty of military vehicles, plus numerous displays and people selling gear. Displays included ordinance, uniforms, badges and patches, documentation, relics, books and literature, plus more. I took up the P-38F panel again and also some of my Japanese aviation collection including original IJAAF pilot goggles and helmet with a Ki-43 instrument panel replica with original gauges. I also took some of my WWII RAAF flight gear as well as my P-39 exhaust stack and original ‘Mareeba Butchers’ patch mounting.
It was a great weekend, and people seemed to really like what I had on display and a lot of questions were asked and answered. The best thing about these weekends is the ability to network with others and exchange ideas and trade/selling options. I met the lads from the new proposed FNQAM (Far North Queensland Air Museum) and we had a good chat about a lot of things. I also caught up with the Beck family, Rob from the Australian Armor and Artillery Museum, and everyone from the NQMRC.
Hopefully the Muster continues to grow and expand, as next year will be the 12th year and there will now be a new location, which is still yet to be decided on. Hopefully I get to see some people from the Muster before next year, if not, please take care and I will catch up with you then.
