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Post by saratoga on Feb 10, 2013 11:11:35 GMT 12
I know a great deal of things that you lot don't, and I keep them quiet if I am asked to. On this one though, no. I am as specualtive as you lot, but I am not as optimistic as some people here who think it will be remaining in NZ and returning to flight anytime soon here. 'I know a great deal of things you lot don't' ...but if we don't know it how do we know we don't?...from one of the Oiks!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 10, 2013 11:26:14 GMT 12
I know you guys (generally) don't know certain things because I get told when it's not public information and when and when not to place it on the forum. A few of you may be also on the inner circles but most won't be.
I am very grateful to the many warbird and aeroplane owners and restorers, and event organisers, and others who willingly take me into their confidence well ahead of any public announcements. Often it is so if I see someone else spoling the surprises here I can quickly remove the posts or shut down speculation till those people involved are ready - and yes, it does happen occasionally, there are always people who will post regardless and not think about the consequences.
People involved with projects want to release their news at their own schedule and not have others spoil surprises or steal their thunder.
In other cases I am told things simply because those people like and respect me and take me into their confidence as a friend who they know they can trust and perhaps on occasion seek ideas and advice from, so I will never disrespect them by spilling the beans here just for the sake of a scoop. Usually when I do break a scoop story, and as you know I do so on occasions, it is always with the full backing and permission of those involved.
In this particular case I was previously aware that something was going on regarding interest in a sale recently, but wasn't aware of what, when, who and where it is going to.
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Post by corsair5517 on Feb 10, 2013 11:27:51 GMT 12
Really, is it that important that the machine stays in NZ? Why? Anyone who is interested will surely have seen it, so why the perceived near-outrage that it should be sold on?
I well remember the howls of outrage that erupted when Wallis pranged his Spitfire at Waipukurau about how it shouldn't be flown etc etc.: I remember thinking at the time, it's his bloody airplane and if he wants to fly it - and crash it! - then that's his prerogative! I still feel that way; it's his gear and his to do with what he will, legalities notwithstanding.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 10, 2013 11:35:33 GMT 12
I have not seen any outrage here.
But I agree, it doesn't really matter where it is so long as it's well cared for. At the moment it has been static for several years in a small museum that most of the nation finds very difficult nd expensive to get to, great as it is. If it finds a home where it's equally or more appreciated, great! It doesn't really matter if that is here or in Europe, the USA or Australia.
We mustn't forget that for every AFC aircraft we have seen leave NZ we've seen many more warbirds coming this way. It's not the end of the world.
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Post by mumbles on Feb 10, 2013 12:13:09 GMT 12
I have not seen any outrage here. But I agree, it doesn't really matter where it is so long as it's well cared for. At the moment it has been static for several years in a small museum that most of the nation finds very difficult nd expensive to get to, great as it is. If it finds a home where it's equally or more appreciated, great! It doesn't really matter if that is here or in Europe, the USA or Australia. We mustn't forget that for every AFC aircraft we have seen leave NZ we've seen many more warbirds coming this way. It's not the end of the world. Given that it has been many years since this particular machine has been seen flying at a public event, in that respect it has been long gone anyway. Nothing lasts forever, and unless there is any specific obligation to remain in NZ, like any warbird, it's the owner's prerogative to do what they want with it as regards selling it on. It reminds me of the people on the Avspecs facebook page adamant that ZK-MOS should live in the UK rather than the states.
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Post by baz62 on Feb 10, 2013 12:18:30 GMT 12
Well said Dave and Peter. One thing I heard a veteran aircraft owner say once which struck a chord with me is that we don't own these aircraft. We are their custodians and will get passed onto another generation of owners and pilots. Yes it's nice if the aircraft happen to pass on to an owner in good old NZ but that will sometimes not be the case. And look at some of the tasty aircraft that have turned up on our shores, FW190, Anson, Mosquito(temporarily ) and a soon to be restored Tempest. And one day, one or two might go offshore but different types will usually fill the gap as long as there is someone mad enough, rich enough and passionate enough to do it. With the Auster I'm just mad and passionate! ;D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 10, 2013 12:33:34 GMT 12
It is times like this when something departs that makes me grateful for what we have. If you can, never put off till later to see something, embrace it and enjoy it when you can. Soak up the sights, sounds and smells of all the warbird you love right now, and take photos and films to capture those memories, because you never can tell how long it will be around. Appreciate the opportunities while they are there, as Sam says, nothing is guaranteed forever.
Also think of how many other people who will be able to appreciate those same feelings you have had when the departing warbird goes to its new home. In this respect I am really excited about Mosquito KA114 departing for the USA, because I know it's going to open some eyes there and find a whole new and appreciative audience.
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Post by obiwan27 on Feb 10, 2013 14:06:25 GMT 12
Yes well said Dave. Sad to see the Hurricane go, but no doubt it's going to a good home. We have had plenty back in return for any aircraft that have left these shores. Thanks to all the warbird's owners here in NZ who have brought these aircraft to be enjoyed by both enthusiasts and the general public. You've brought a lot of excitement and enjoyment to people from all walks of life.
Let's enjoy the aircraft while we have them. I got to see the Hurricane displaying twice at Wanaka so fortunate to have had the privilege. In fact it's a privilege to see all of these aircraft both past and present.
Thanks for the memories and future memories to come.
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Post by shorty on Feb 10, 2013 16:00:44 GMT 12
. . In this respect I am really excited about Mosquito KA114 departing for the USA, because I know it's going to open some eyes there and find a whole new and appreciative audience. And besides that, it will look good with sharks teeth on it!
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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 10, 2013 16:31:18 GMT 12
Now come on Shorty, I thought you had heard the one about repainting it in Mitsubishi Betty colors for their Pearl Habor re-enactments. It seems that there are so many inconsistencies with the Betty dropping bombs on the ships it doesn't matter what twin it is as long as it is not recognisable to the 'merican public. That rules out the DC3 and 737 I guess...
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 10, 2013 17:59:56 GMT 12
As an aside, who was the pilot of the Hurri at the Masterton air show some years back?
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Post by aeromedia on Feb 10, 2013 19:15:29 GMT 12
My most impressionable memory of the Hurri was when on a rare trip down south to Mandeville, I was standing in a paddock near the airfield, when the Hurricane appeared high at 11 o'clock. The taps were wide open and this thing just got real low and was stacked up on it's edge at super low level, (the tree tops behind it were above it !!), and then this amazing pull up. I just about crapped my pants. It was awesome. I thought "shit if I owned it I dont know how happy I'd be about that," but it left a life-long impression and it was in the quite early days. Thanks Sir Tim, and the pilot whom I won't name. !!!!!! There weren't a lot of people around at the time.
Another thing I recall is when it was still pretty fresh, but had flown, I noticed metal filings from drilling, lying in the landing light assembly. Must have got shaken around a bit and appeared from somewhere.
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Post by ZacYates on Feb 10, 2013 19:21:54 GMT 12
It is an interesting concept, one Graham Orphan has discussed in Classic Wings/CW Downunder several times, and one that can lead to very heated discussion.
I feel fortunate to have seen P3351 fly at three or four events, and I agree with Mumbles' sentiment that as it hasn't been seen flying for a while it already is effectively "long gone". Yes, it'll be sad if it heads overseas, but who's to say the year won't see something else pop up? And how lucky are we - and those who flew her in the war - to have seen her return to flight? It's amazing to think it's been thirteen (13) years since she flew after restoration.
I admit I was sad to the point of tears when it was made public TB863 was going to Temora, but as I've matured I don't seem to mind where things go as long as they'll be cared for.
I look forward to learning of where P3351 will call home, and what new imports appear in the coming months.
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Post by aeromedia on Feb 10, 2013 19:26:12 GMT 12
Might even get a nice early-model Fletcher to replace it Zac ;D With a working hopper and everything !
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Post by rayo on Feb 10, 2013 19:35:05 GMT 12
It may have been John Lamont he is pictured with the veterans and Tim Wallace in a photo on Kiwiaircraftimages see link www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/sho01mst.htmlThough the commentry in the background on the video suggests he was flying the Spitfire but it is not clear I agree with the sentiments we should appreciate and enjoy the Aircraft while they are here and not have regrets when they move on. I managed to get to Ardmore to see the Mosquito thinking it was going to be a oncer then it was here for longer than anticipated and saw it again at Masterton thats just a pure bonus. Now it's gone I have no regrets same with the Hurricane let others share it as well. I never forget how I felt when I saw the AFC Mustang flying for the first time in 1985 I never thought we would ever have a Warbird of this class ever in this country and so savoured very moment and now look what we get to see It's beyond my wildest Dreams.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 10, 2013 19:48:01 GMT 12
Might even get a nice early-model Fletcher to replace it Zac ;D With a working hopper and everything ! That would be like replacing a Ferrari F40 with an old Fordson tractor with a haybayler on the back.
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Post by shorty on Feb 10, 2013 20:07:42 GMT 12
He was talking a Fletcher not an Auster Dave!
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Post by JDK on Feb 10, 2013 20:36:13 GMT 12
It's not the end of the world. No, but you can see the aircraft that go there at Christchurch airport. ;D
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Post by shorty on Feb 10, 2013 20:46:43 GMT 12
I was t Port Chalmers this afternoon and here was no sign of it, mind you with all the containers stacked there it's hard to see much at all. IF it's leaving on the 15th and IF it's going from Port Chalmers it will be on the ship MSC Monica which is due to leave at 1600 so Iwill ensconce myself on my deck with the telescope and peer intently, just in case it's going deck cargo
Oops, sorry I got confused, 15th is Mosquito departure date, not Hurricane
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 10, 2013 20:46:47 GMT 12
It's not the end of the world. No, but you can see the aircraft that go there at Christchurch airport. ;D Ow! :-)
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