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Post by vs on Apr 21, 2010 14:39:29 GMT 12
Just read in Pacific Wings that the Mozzie has been moved to an undisclosed location. Hope it stays in nz
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Post by skyhawkdon on Apr 21, 2010 15:27:43 GMT 12
Could it being going to Bill Reid's collection at Nelson? Let's hope so.
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Post by John L on Apr 21, 2010 15:49:19 GMT 12
Bill Reid.......rebuild.......new wing spar.............fly............mmmmmmm
Whoops....wake up, man!
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Post by vs on Apr 21, 2010 15:59:51 GMT 12
I believe the prototype in the UK is insured for 6 million pounds! Maybe the airforce museum?
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Post by dakman on Apr 21, 2010 16:34:27 GMT 12
Was lucky enough to get into the Mossie back in 74 and always hoped it would be restored
one day and John Smith at Mapua is to be commended for keeping the aircraft preserved
so long . Is there Curtiss p40 airframes still there also ?
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Post by Bruce on Apr 21, 2010 18:03:00 GMT 12
We just have to be a little careful with speculation until everything is done and dusted (if at all) - John has a reputation for being a bit twitchy about his aircraft - especially when it comes to people telling him what he should or shouldn't do with them!
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Post by denysjones on Apr 21, 2010 18:40:50 GMT 12
I think you'll actually find that it is a case of crossed wires as a few weeks ago John dismantled part of his shed and extricated the Hudson for it to go to Bill Reid.
My informant was on site visiting John on Mosquito matters and got a blow by blow of how John accomplished the feat apparently single handed.
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Post by Damon on Apr 21, 2010 19:53:09 GMT 12
He would have had to take off the end of the shed atleast I guess.It was at the 'far' end against the wall when I visited. Funnily I wasnt allowed to progress past the Mossie to see the DH82, P-40 and Harvard MKII. As I have more interest in those particuler aircraft. Magic all the same.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Apr 21, 2010 20:38:42 GMT 12
I called in and was shown around years ago - 1985 I think. Quite a stash.
Problem is, no man is immortal and the vultures are perched on the fence waiting for the day.
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Post by John L on Apr 22, 2010 18:05:06 GMT 12
I think it would go to the RNZAF museum over Johns dead body...he's not particularly enamoured of the institution given what he went through to get the thing in the first place, and later attempts to bully him into donating it...........
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 22, 2010 20:47:53 GMT 12
Your information is outdated there Jon. In recent years various staff at the Museum have told me about the good relationship they have built up with John Smith, patching up from the problems caused by an earlier museum officer.
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Post by John L on Apr 23, 2010 16:36:23 GMT 12
Glad to hear it.
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Post by corsair67 on Apr 23, 2010 16:47:53 GMT 12
Maybe the Museum should consider naming the future museum extention the "John Smith Building" to mark the fact that this guy saved quite a number of the RNZAF's aircraft, when no one else had any interest in doing so?
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Post by baz62 on Apr 23, 2010 17:11:30 GMT 12
Maybe the Museum should consider naming the future museum extention the "John Smith Building" to mark the fact that this guy saved quite a number of the RNZAF's aircraft, when no one else had any interest in doing so? Good idea..... with the Mosquito centre stage! ;D |
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Post by beagle on Apr 23, 2010 17:45:24 GMT 12
I take it cameras are forbidden at his shed and everybody visiting is frisked at the front gate then scanned before going into the shed.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 23, 2010 18:46:17 GMT 12
Beagle, no he does allow photos to be taken (though i didn't take any). However he asks that people respect his wishes not to publish photos of his aircraft anywhere, they are for personal use and enjoyment only. So that is why one of the rules of this forum is no photos taken at his place are to be posted here, to respect his wishes.
When I ment John I got on well with him, I think he's a great bloke and a real enthusiast for aviation, plus of course a visionary for preservation. It is always a privilege for anyone to be invited by him to look at the aeroplanes, one he does not extend to everyone. I am pleased to have met him and been allowed to sit in his lovely Mossie. I've sat in two of them now!
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Post by furyfb11 on Apr 24, 2010 10:10:32 GMT 12
I think you'll actually find that it is a case of crossed wires as a few weeks ago John dismantled part of his shed and extricated the Hudson for it to go to Bill Reid. My informant was on site visiting John on Mosquito matters and got a blow by blow of how John accomplished the feat apparently single handed. So is the Hudson Bill Reids next restoration project? |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 24, 2010 10:30:18 GMT 12
As reported here before they have been working on the Hudson for some time, as the engines and other parts went to Wakefield first. But it is just to be a static restoration sadly. It is an amazingly historic aircraft, probably the most historic combat aircraft in NZ, having has several scraps with the Jap aeroplanes, attacked a submarine, and been flown by numerous top crews. It was the first NZ aircraft to see combat in the Pacific.
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mgmike
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 78
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Post by mgmike on Apr 24, 2010 16:35:37 GMT 12
I visited him after Easter 06, on the way back from Wanaka. I hadn't met him before, just drove in and started chatting about aeroplanes, about Wanaka, and eventually he opened his hangar, and let us take photos and sit in the Mossie. I have not nor will I post the photos, but needless to say its an amazing experience. As a private pilot used to single engined machines, sitting in that time warp of a cockpit with those two Merlins either side is an experience never to be forgotten. We chatted away to him happily for a couple of hours and he was very friendly. I think if you adopt a respectful approach he is a great guy to chat to.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 24, 2010 18:48:11 GMT 12
Exactly Mike.
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