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Post by skyhawkdon on Jan 21, 2012 18:49:13 GMT 12
This has been a rumour around the RNZAF Museum for a while but sounds like a deal is close. Is anyone (Don?) able to confirm this?
I believe part of the deal is Don's machine will come to Wigram to be finished before going to the UK. This will allow the RNZAF Museum to compare the only surviving Vildebeest and Vincent side by side. For their part the RAF Museum will build new wings for both airframes using the RNZAF Museum's examples as patterns. Sounds like a win-win for all concerned. I know the RNZAF Museum is having a terrible time trying to figure out where things go and even what things are without any drawings or manuals. Having both aircraft side by side can only help sort it out.
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Post by Damon on Jan 21, 2012 20:45:42 GMT 12
I particularily dont agree with it.Why cant the two aircraft be here in N.Z? Another peice of significant aviation history going off shore.
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Post by basicstall on Jan 23, 2012 19:34:09 GMT 12
With respect, I have yet to see a finished Subritzsky project. Hind, Spitfire now this....
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 23, 2012 21:41:05 GMT 12
What is the point you are trying to make basicstall?
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Post by kb on Jan 24, 2012 9:30:05 GMT 12
With respect, I have yet to see a finished Subritzsky project. Hind, Spitfire now this.... Don is not in the business of aircraft restoration. He is a really good guy with limited resources who has a great interest in restoring aircraft. I have known Don for years and I think his attitude was summed up by a friend of mine who in the car on the way home from Don's, made the comment that he appeared to be more interested in the journey than the destination. I think that probably sums it up! He has every right to push ahead at his own pace. In any case the Spitfire was restored. As far as the Vincent is concerned the RAF Museum has been interested for years and I believe that they would pay very well. Don has done the hard yards and if he wants some reward and New Zealanders are not willing to pay then so be it. If Don Simms is correct and the project he has suggested comes to fruition, then a very good thing has been done to ensure that we will have a keeper Vildebeeste. I think your comments are quite unneccessay. |
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Post by fwx on Jan 24, 2012 11:33:15 GMT 12
No-one who has seen the most advanced Hind, and the workmanship that's gone into it, could question the Subritzky's commitment or professionalism. I got the impression that it was the project closest to their hearts, likely to be a flyer, and that perhaps some of their other restorations to static/museum standard may be used to help fund the process along the way?? I think the most important fact is how many aircraft they have saved, whatever the status of each in the interim.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 24, 2012 15:56:45 GMT 12
If it was not for Don, Steve, Mike and others associated with the collection, those aircraft would not have been saved in the first place. They are to be heartily congratulated for the amazing job they have done in rescueing and restoring the warbirds in their collection.
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Post by shamus on Jan 27, 2012 9:07:40 GMT 12
I just thought I would bring a new perspective into the Subritzky collection by showing some before and after shots to record the progress that has been happening over the years by what is essentially a father and son team not working full-time. The Provost, as it came to NZ.  Now flying.  Fletcher BYC crashed in the bush, Raglan.   Now, completed (minus prop)  Spitfire, JG891 in the jungle, New Guinea.   Rebuilt fuselage when swapped for the Mk 9.  The first Hawker Hind, at Havelock Nth. before coming to Dairy Flat.  Today.  The other Hind being rebuilt to airworthy standard.  The Vincent as it was 10 years ago.   Today.  Don't have any photos at the moment of the Oxford when it first arrived but will post some before and after soon. As Don says, 'he has 300 years work ahead of him to complete the lot, so will give you an update in Jan. 2312. |
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Post by skyhawkdon on Jan 27, 2012 18:54:32 GMT 12
Well said (and illustrated). They are their aircraft to do as they wish with. 'Nough said!
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Post by obiwan27 on Jan 27, 2012 20:59:10 GMT 12
Agreed Don, well said.
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Post by shamus on Jan 28, 2012 8:53:04 GMT 12
Omitted to credit the superb flying shot of the Provost (Steve Subritzky at the controls) to John King,
Beautiful photo. Also Sptifire swapped for Mk.16 not Mk.9.
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Post by thomarse on Jan 28, 2012 9:49:11 GMT 12
I've never heard whether the FU24 is intended to fly again?
Hope so!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 28, 2012 12:02:41 GMT 12
Great post there Shamus. You also omitted to state that the Spitfire Mk V is now airworthy too. And two P-40's they have worked on restoring have also flown overseas. Don is my most favourite aircraft collector, he has such an interesting and ecclectic bunch of aeroplanes, all come by through hard graft and taking the right chances as oportunity arose. We should all admire the things he's done to save these aeroplanes. He's also a bloody nice bloke too.
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av8rsm8
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 93
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Post by av8rsm8 on Jan 28, 2012 13:43:26 GMT 12
those photos really add perspective...
what an amazing job they have done to turn a bunch of old bits & pieces into recognisable aircraft!
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Post by baz62 on Jan 29, 2012 16:02:10 GMT 12
those photos really add perspective... what an amazing job they have done to turn a bunch of old bits & pieces into recognisable aircraft! I shall remember you said that next time I spend money on the Auster sweetie! ;D |
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Post by skyhawkdon on Jan 29, 2012 16:45:02 GMT 12
;D ;D
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Post by ZacYates on Feb 14, 2012 16:02:08 GMT 12
I hope this isn't seen as muckraking or the like, but has anyone asked the Subritzky clan whether there is any truth to this rumour that has apparently been circulating "for a while"?
I would hate to see such an exquisite machine leave these shores, even if it is in a trade.
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Post by skyhawkdon on Feb 15, 2012 14:03:14 GMT 12
It is more than a rumour. Nothing is a done deal yet but it is very likely to happen from what I have been told.
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Post by corsairarm on Feb 17, 2012 16:35:06 GMT 12
What I would like to know is can you just ring them up and ask if you can pay a visit as I would very much like to see the Vincent before it goes. I missed out on last years visit as I had something else on that weekend. I presume phone number is in the phone book.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 18, 2012 10:55:09 GMT 12
Yes Richard, Don has made it clear that forum members and enthusiasts are most welcome to ring up and arrange a visit with him. He loves having people visit and particularly from the forum, which he reads every day. His number is in the book, D. Subritzky at Escott Road.
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