Post by lesterpk on Jul 10, 2015 12:27:46 GMT 12
Ernie is ex-RNZAF crewman.
www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/70101898/mustang-pedal-plane-latest-in-rescue-helicopter-fleet
It may not be quite the same size as its predecessor, but this little Mustang is sure to impress even the most discerning aviation fan.
Paul "Ernie" Bryant, a crewmember from the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, recently finished the pedal plane, a scaled down model of a P51 Mustang.
The P51 aircraft were first designed in the United States in 1940, and were flown in both World War II and the Korean War.
Some of the Mustang planes remained in service with some air forces until the early 1980s, and many have now been converted for civilian use in air racing and air shows.
Bryant's interest in building the plane was sparked when he found plans for one on the internet.
"They're basically just cartoonised and squashed down, but replicate the actual aircraft very well in terms of their design and shape," he said.
Bryant decided the project would be a good opportunity to practice his woodworking skills, and offer something fun for children to play with.
He built the plane primarily out of marine plywood and aluminium, but also added a few special touches to increase its authenticity.
He hoped the plane will be able to be used at future open days at the helicopter base for kids to hop in and have a ride on.
It was the plane's interactivity that made it particularly special.
"It's just the fun of jumping in and making something mechanical work, rather than the technical age now where everything is downloadable, and there's an app to fly a plane.
"This one you actually have to physically get in it, you have to pedal it, get it moving and you have to steer it to make it work and have fun."
The plane's test pilot Chloe Blincoe, 7, thought it was "fantastic", and also pretty hard work.
She said she has occasionally thought about being a pilot.
Bryant is currently in the process of building a second plane, this time a Tiger Moth, which he said will have more of a "girly" theme.
www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/70101898/mustang-pedal-plane-latest-in-rescue-helicopter-fleet
It may not be quite the same size as its predecessor, but this little Mustang is sure to impress even the most discerning aviation fan.
Paul "Ernie" Bryant, a crewmember from the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, recently finished the pedal plane, a scaled down model of a P51 Mustang.
The P51 aircraft were first designed in the United States in 1940, and were flown in both World War II and the Korean War.
Some of the Mustang planes remained in service with some air forces until the early 1980s, and many have now been converted for civilian use in air racing and air shows.
Bryant's interest in building the plane was sparked when he found plans for one on the internet.
"They're basically just cartoonised and squashed down, but replicate the actual aircraft very well in terms of their design and shape," he said.
Bryant decided the project would be a good opportunity to practice his woodworking skills, and offer something fun for children to play with.
He built the plane primarily out of marine plywood and aluminium, but also added a few special touches to increase its authenticity.
He hoped the plane will be able to be used at future open days at the helicopter base for kids to hop in and have a ride on.
It was the plane's interactivity that made it particularly special.
"It's just the fun of jumping in and making something mechanical work, rather than the technical age now where everything is downloadable, and there's an app to fly a plane.
"This one you actually have to physically get in it, you have to pedal it, get it moving and you have to steer it to make it work and have fun."
The plane's test pilot Chloe Blincoe, 7, thought it was "fantastic", and also pretty hard work.
She said she has occasionally thought about being a pilot.
Bryant is currently in the process of building a second plane, this time a Tiger Moth, which he said will have more of a "girly" theme.
