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.... the STM-S2 (c/n 489) is one of the 34 surviving aircraft from the Netherlands East Indies. Entering service as a floatplane, it was given the Dutch serial number S-53 and then, following the aircraft's arrival in Australia, its floats were replaced by normal landing gear and it gained the RAAF serial number A50-13. After being released from the RAAF, it went through several owners in Australia before being imported to this country and registered as ZK-BEM in 1955. Once here, it passed through several further owners before the now derelict aircraft was donated to Auckland's Museum of Transport and Technology in August 1967. The donation was made on the proviso that it be restored to flying condition, however very little was done to the aircraft until 1994 when an agreement was reached between MOTAT and the NZ Warbirds association. Under the terms of the agreement, NZ Warbirds would restore the aircraft to airworthy condition in return for the exclusive use of it for a set time. Just over four years later (December 13, 1998 to be exact) the Ryan took to the air again as ZK-BEM and presently carries its original S-53 wartime markings