|
Post by ErrolC on Nov 5, 2012 18:37:01 GMT 12
I dont quite recognize the location.Whereabouts is the 485 Wing HQ (Spitfire replica) actually located at Whenuapai? See: maps.google.co.nz/maps?q=Toroa+Crescent,+Auckland&hl=en&ll=-36.791407,174.623061&spn=0.004786,0.009645&sll=-36.790763,174.62451&sspn=0.009571,0.01929&oq=toroa&t=h&hnear=Toroa+Crescent,+Whenuapai,+Auckland+0618,+Auckland&z=17 Where the Scout Hall used to be! Who else remembers the wooden radio mast?
|
|
|
Post by jeremyflower on Nov 18, 2012 9:44:50 GMT 12
Thought you might like to see the finished product: We're in the process of obtaining a more correct canopy and there's some landscaping and a fence to put up but that's basically as it will be. Before anyone gets off their bike, this was intended as a representative Spitfire, hence no markings, the "High Speed Silver' paintjob so as to not represent the paintjob of anyone in particular and the full round wingtips were requested by one of the benefactors who donated money towards the project. It's been 2 years in the making and I'm glad that it's finally up for all (who work on RNZAF Whenuapai) to see.
|
|
|
Post by jeremyflower on Nov 18, 2012 10:34:05 GMT 12
|
|
|
Post by suthg on Nov 18, 2012 12:22:13 GMT 12
Well done! A spiffing good job! It looks clean in the silver finish.
|
|
|
Post by McFly on Nov 18, 2012 15:07:31 GMT 12
Cheers Jeremy, I had forgotten about the other thread running on this subject so will suggest to Dave to merge this one into the other as it's probably more appropriate now it's finished (Dave). NB: Jeremy was one of the key players in this project since its inception. He is an Air Force 'Master Aero Metal Worker' and was pivotal to the success of this project and the final striking mounted display. It was his concept for the unique plinth design and display presentation and following his drawings he pretty well constructed it solo. For the fabrication of the additional internal structure for the fuselage and wings, again Jeremy's structural design ideas and fabrication/welding skills ensured we would have a robust display that will handle Auckland's fickle weather. Well done J
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 18, 2012 15:12:52 GMT 12
I have now merged the two threads at McFly's request.
|
|
atgv
Flight Sergeant
Posts: 29
|
Post by atgv on Nov 20, 2012 6:28:47 GMT 12
"up for all (who work on RNZAF Whenuapai) to see."
Haha sure.. I've been to 485 Wing 2 times in almost 4 years. I know people that have never been up there!
|
|
|
Post by McFly on Nov 20, 2012 12:12:21 GMT 12
"up for all (who work on RNZAF Whenuapai) to see." Haha sure.. I've been to 485 Wing 2 times in almost 4 years. I know people that have never been up there! The decision to mount the Spitfire at 485 Wing HQ was made after reviewing and rejecting two other potential sites closer down on base. Both these sites presented a number of significant challenges including extensive expensive ground works, possibility of contaminated soil disturbance, and encroachment into proposed new building works. Furthermore, the linkages with 485 (NZ) Sqn and HQ 485 Wing with this particular replica Spitfire (a number of the wartime pilots made significant monetary contributions) and Spitfires in general deemed it more appropriate to align these elements. Finally, some elements of command felt that as Spitfire didn't actually operate out of Whenuapai that it would be more appropriate to represent something from the current or past RNZAF aircraft inventory for the base, hence influencing the decision to best represent this example at this time up at the Wing HQ. Acknowledging its present location, suitable sinage is currently being produced that will better advertise and point to it from the surrounding roads as well as increased knowledge from notices and word of mouth etc. The Spitfire Memorial now provides a focal and visit point for all base pers, dependants and visitors alike and it's not the Wing HQ being visited but the memorial itself. Whenuapai's lucky to have it so come up and see it..
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 20, 2012 20:35:26 GMT 12
Does that imply that another Gate Guard representing a type that did serve there would be considered by base heirachy?
Most of the types that were and are based at Whenuapai are massive so not really the kind of thing usually seen at a gate (C-47, DC-6, Hastings, Hercules, Boeings, Hudsons, Lodestars, etc) but smaller types like the Baffin, Vildebeest and Tiger Moth are too open to the weather (even if in fibreglass), so the only real option I think is a P-40 or Corsair replica on a pole.
|
|
|
Post by raymond on Nov 20, 2012 20:40:12 GMT 12
Does that imply that another Gate Guard representing a type that did serve there would be considered by base heirachy? Arn't the ozzies retiring their C130H models............
|
|
|
Post by Peter Lewis on Nov 21, 2012 6:21:21 GMT 12
Many years ago I wrote a letter suggesting that a C-47 would be the ideal and appropriate Gate Guardian at Whenuapai.
The Herald published the letter, but nothing eventuated.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 21, 2012 14:40:40 GMT 12
Ohakea had one for a while.
|
|
|
Post by ngatimozart on Nov 21, 2012 14:41:24 GMT 12
Does that imply that another Gate Guard representing a type that did serve there would be considered by base heirachy? Arn't the ozzies retiring their C130H models............ They've either been donated or sold to Indonesia and I think one is going to Point Cooke.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 21, 2012 14:46:21 GMT 12
Six are for sale, four have gone to Indonesia and two to museums.
|
|
|
Post by Peter Lewis on Nov 21, 2012 18:32:23 GMT 12
Ohakea had one for a while. True, ZK-BYF in false colours (but better than nothing) Interesting that Ohakea, mainly a fighter base, had a C-47 while Whenuapai, mainly a transport base, has a Spit. At least they got the Harvard at Wigram right.
|
|
|
Post by McFly on Nov 21, 2012 19:45:46 GMT 12
Ohakea had one for a while. Interesting that Ohakea, mainly a fighter base, had a C-47 while Whenuapai, mainly a transport base, has a Spit. At least they got the Harvard at Wigram right. Ah but Ohakea now has a Vampire back up on a stick (although a Skyhawk would look good too)
|
|
|
Post by McFly on Nov 21, 2012 20:12:22 GMT 12
"up for all (who work on RNZAF Whenuapai) to see." Finally, some elements of command felt that as Spitfire didn't actually operate out of Whenuapai that it would be more appropriate to represent something from the current or past RNZAF aircraft inventory for the base, hence influencing the decision to best represent this example at this time up at the Wing HQ. Who said Spitfires didn't operate out of Whenuapai...
|
|
|
Post by McFly on Nov 23, 2012 20:36:08 GMT 12
Christmas has come early... ;D
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 23, 2012 21:05:05 GMT 12
Nice!
|
|
|
Post by Tony on Nov 24, 2012 22:55:43 GMT 12
Shame NZ5772 couldn't have the Fern Leaf roundels and a mix of 14 & 75 Sqn markings
|
|