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MOTAT
May 10, 2017 10:11:00 GMT 12
Post by andrewpit on May 10, 2017 10:11:00 GMT 12
Is the plan to move the Solent outside for external repainting at some stage ?
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Post by emron on May 14, 2017 18:12:32 GMT 12
Andrew, When MOTAT considered a number of options for painting the Solent the most practical method was to follow a similar process outside, as used on the Sunderland. It's dependent on the hull rebuild being completed so that the airframe is safe to move. The painting would be best done over summer but I don't know if the timeframe has yet been decided. In the meantime the priority is to complete the paint of the Sunderland. The underside of the left wing is being prepared for recoat and is the last major area to be done. I masked off the second rego on the tail today and our painter will spray them tomorrow, weather permitting. I expect that the whole exterior paint job of the Sunderland can be finished by the end of May. During the week the new right wheel was fitted to the Ventura and it was towed to storage. It's wings were shifted today so now all major components of Lodestar and Ventura have been relocated and the workshop emptied. Housekeeping and rearrangements in the workshop should take no more than a fortnight so it will also be ready to receive the DC3 by the end of May.
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MOTAT
May 21, 2017 17:51:33 GMT 12
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Post by andrewpit on May 21, 2017 17:51:33 GMT 12
Thanks Norm, i saw the Sunderland today for the first time in over a year and it looks fantastic I have seen the Duxgord and Hendon Sunderlands And ours is looking world class. Congrats to all involved
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Post by pjw4118 on Jun 10, 2017 17:29:03 GMT 12
CEO Michael Frawley has had his contract renewed for another four years which will ensure the changes we have seen lately will continue. I have recently seen MOTATS BIG and small plans so look for new things and better presentation of the favourites .We sometimes forget the size of the operation , two sites , hectares of land , dozens of buildings and 100 staff , all of which operates 7 days a week .
So while niggles about which item where , or when that gizzmo is to be painted will certainly continue , I have usually found that its already planned , but when you consider the whole question about the Western Springs precinct with its stadium , rock concerts, Pacifica , soccer and cricket fields , zoo , two MOTATs and the Lake , the bigger picture must be resolved too , like parking and access. So while releasing Lions into the ADH is probably not on , expect lateral thinking to apply in future.
I know most of the management and senior staff at MOTAT and they are all enthusiasts , and professionals, and have been drawn from museums around the world so they dont lack for experience or knowledge . They know they hold a huge number of treasures and that more has to be seen either working , restored , or on show in original state.Roll on 2018.
I have been involved in MOTAT for many years and while there certainly have been some strange bods about at times , they have always been sensitive to criticism and responsive to ideas ( even when its no). I cant think of another museum in NZ that does this openly , try Wigram or the Army museum and see what happens . Maybe its the passion we have for old aeroplanes or trains but its time the MOTAT critics become as professional as the MOTAT staff.
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MOTAT
Jun 15, 2017 15:58:21 GMT 12
Post by andrewpit on Jun 15, 2017 15:58:21 GMT 12
Is there any update on when the Sunderland will move into the Display Hall ?
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Post by corsairarm on Jun 15, 2017 17:35:33 GMT 12
I believe about Sept and I also believe it will stay under the temporary cover until then. I hope to post several photos soon showing what has been going on. Not the Sunderland though as it is unable to be photographed in it present state to show what it now looks like.
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MOTAT
Jun 16, 2017 22:30:59 GMT 12
Post by Richard Wesley on Jun 16, 2017 22:30:59 GMT 12
Always keen for photos to see how things are progressing. September is not too far off now...
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Post by emron on Jun 18, 2017 19:51:01 GMT 12
Although taking a bit longer than my guess from the last report, the next stage of the aircraft shuffle was successfully completed during the week. The workshop was cleared sufficient for our Wednesday team to manouvre the DC3 into place and this was still done on schedule. With the wingtips off and the plane angled, it still takes up the full width of the building. Anyway there's ample workspace remaining for other tasks. Finishing touches are being applied to the Sunderland and signwriting underway. I took time out today to survey the condition of the turrets, as they are the last major parts to be refurbished. If we need to remove them to make repairs, then this may wait until the aircraft's indoors and an action plan can be prepared.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 29, 2017 14:36:09 GMT 12
I was having a look yesterday at the Sunderland at MOTAT. Wow, it looks absolutely fantastic now with the new paint and markings. Lovely glossy, smooth finish with that perfect off-white colour, the aircraft looks better now than I have ever seen it in my lifetime. I am so looking forward to seeing it finished in a few months time and the scaffolding coming off. It's going to look awesome! Well done to the restoration team!
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MOTAT
Jun 30, 2017 9:46:29 GMT 12
Post by ZacYates on Jun 30, 2017 9:46:29 GMT 12
Fantastic! That really brightened my morning, Dave! Thanks for posting those very tantalising photos.
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Post by emron on Jul 24, 2017 20:18:18 GMT 12
The exterior of both the front and rear turrets on the Sunderland are in tidy condition and freshly painted but not so good on the inside and perspex badly weathered. Years ago a spare rear turret was stripped down and moulds cast so new panels could be made. Up until recently the loose pieces were in storage but are now being repaired and reassembled for practice. Extra panels will be moulded sufficient for a replacement set on the aircraft too, so they will be on hand when that restoration commences.
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MOTAT
Jul 24, 2017 20:50:34 GMT 12
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Post by andrewpit on Jul 24, 2017 20:50:34 GMT 12
The exterior of both the front and rear turrets on the Sunderland are in tidy condition and freshly painted but not so good on the inside and perspex badly weathered. Years ago a spare rear turret was stripped down and moulds cast so new panels could be made. Up until recently the loose pieces were in storage but are now being repaired and reassembled for practice. Extra panels will be moulded sufficient for a replacement set on the aircraft too, so they will be on hand when that restoration commences. Is there a date yet for the move inside ?
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MOTAT
Aug 12, 2017 0:22:27 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 12, 2017 0:22:27 GMT 12
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Post by ErrolC on Sept 2, 2017 16:56:01 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 2, 2017 17:59:06 GMT 12
FAN-BLOODY=TASTIC!!!
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Post by ErrolC on Sept 5, 2017 20:24:50 GMT 12
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MOTAT
Sept 5, 2017 21:09:48 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 5, 2017 21:09:48 GMT 12
WOW!! Great to see! Nice photo Michael, thanks for posting Errol.
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MOTAT
Sept 5, 2017 23:27:20 GMT 12
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Post by 11SQNLDR on Sept 5, 2017 23:27:20 GMT 12
And what a wait it's been... but proof that good things take time! Magnificent job, hats off to the dedicated Motat team
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MOTAT
Sept 6, 2017 7:05:12 GMT 12
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Post by andrewpit on Sept 6, 2017 7:05:12 GMT 12
Looks fantastic, will be there next weekend to have a good look. Well done MOTAT
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Post by pjw4118 on Sept 6, 2017 14:53:39 GMT 12
I was at MOTAT this morning and the scaffolding around the Suinderland was nearly gone, just packing up . Q looks superb in dark grey uppers and off white hull. Lots of red stencilling. Even in the days at Hobbie I never saw such a pristine example. Its due to move inside within the week but first a lot of re shuffling in the ADH. The Lanc was on its wheels and will be swung around a little to allow visitors to get a good close view of the rear turret . There are some shots on the NZBCA facebook page. Meanwhile down in the back hangar the DC3 looks clean and dry again.
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