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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 15, 2010 23:31:02 GMT 12
Bruce (in Masterton), I'd suggest that you visit MOTAT on a Saturday or Wednessday as the aviation volunteers are normally there those days and you get to see more, and meet some interesting veterans. However check their site in case they have one of their monthly 'live' Sundays as that's even better, everything is open generally and the military vehicles, trams and trains all run. They might let you have a drive of a train if you show them your credentials ;D (a busman's holiday I think they call that, isn't it?)
I'm sure I heard that they found RAF paint on the Tomahawk. Sadly it will be paintd as yet another shark mouth boring Chinese one.
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Aug 16, 2010 11:32:59 GMT 12
Oh yeah Throttlejockey - I'd suggest Motat in December - to give the mud a chance to dry out!  I was tending to think that way after seeing recent photos (and reading commentary at this group). I will probably visit the War Memorial Museum next month, then visit MOTAT in December. It's mainly the exhibits at the Sir Keith Park airfield I'm interested it. I'd love to take a look inside the Sunderland and Solent flying-boats. Does anyone know the right people who could get me interior access? |
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Post by philip on Aug 16, 2010 11:55:49 GMT 12
My son and I often pop up there for a look. Even if the sign is up on the workshop hangar saying no admittance we still slip in for a look. The guys in there are very friendly especially when they see you have a genuine interest. I'm sure with the right approach they would let you have a look inside.
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Post by baz62 on Aug 16, 2010 15:45:37 GMT 12
Strictly speaking the Tomahawk is not a P40C. It was built for the RAF as AK295 and was therefore a Tomahawk IIB ( Curtiss model H81-A2 ). The IIB was the export version of the P40C built for the RAF. This aircraft was recovered from Russia, but I am not sure if it was one of the aircraft shipped directly from America to Russia or if it went to the UK first. Dammit you've done it now!! Gavin will be replying back going "See? I was right!!" Probably have to buy him a beer now  Seriously though thanks for the correction , I was going by Avspecs description and hadn't realised the export variant, Though I see in the photos there is a drop tank fitted so does that mean the RAF orders had all the hardpoints installed as for the true P40C model or is this just been incorporated in the rebuild by the owner ? |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 16, 2010 19:54:57 GMT 12
Bruce, they used to open up the Solent on the 'live' days for groups to look through, but now that it's outdoors it's unlikely that will occur, unless it is back inside by Decemebr (also unlikely). The best thing to do is email Norm, head of the aviation section. i'll look out his email ft you, and PM it soon.
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Post by joesmith on Aug 16, 2010 21:02:46 GMT 12
[ Dammit you've done it now!! Gavin will be replying back going "See? I was right!!" Probably have to buy him a beer now Seriously though thanks for the correction , I was going by Avspecs description and hadn't realised the export variant, Though I see in the photos there is a drop tank fitted so does that mean the RAF orders had all the hardpoints installed as for the true P40C model or is this just been incorporated in the rebuild by the owner ?[/quote] Think that you will find that the drop tank has been installed as per P-40C/tomahawk IIb spec. Nice original drop tank too. Listing AK295 as a "C" model as opposed to a "IIb" probably simplifies its designation for the average joe |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 16, 2010 21:25:23 GMT 12
I guess technically it will revert officially to P-40C status when it is restored and goes home to the USA, becoming an import version instead of export version.  |
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Post by Gavin Conroy on Aug 23, 2010 18:37:49 GMT 12
Don't worry Baz, am not sure exactly as to B or C but it's a Tomahawk and it will be very exciting to see this long nosed beauty take flight.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 23, 2010 18:50:36 GMT 12
Has anyone here seen a P-40B or C model flying? Are they quite different to listen to than the later examples or do they sound the same?
I ws amazed at how different the Mk V Spitfire sounded compared with the later IX and XVI examples we are more used to here.
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