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Post by johnnyfalcon on Apr 11, 2019 19:04:30 GMT 12
Today, southbound on the expressway near Christchurch airport, I saw a pair of wings trestled on a tandem trailer being towed by a ute.
They were light-coloured, perhaps once were white, appeared to have been in the outside elements for some time as the paint was faded, including what appeared to be the remnants of a large red roundel, and perhaps covered in dry moss-like patina.
The wings had a broad chord and were missing ailerons. Standing on their leading edge they stood maybe 2.5 to 3 m tall. Plan view reminded me of an Avenger or Canberra wing.
Anyone know more? Has Ashburton got a new exhibit?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 11, 2019 19:20:59 GMT 12
The Canberra at Wigram was for sale
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Apr 11, 2019 19:34:12 GMT 12
Wrong colour, going the wrong way for leaving Wigram. It was headed towards Hornby/Wigram. Dave, these wings looked distinctly like they were restoration material but in very good shape (a few dings but were whole). I couldn't tell, in the brief moment I had, if they were outer wing panels or whole wings. There were no undercarriage bays on the side I saw. The roundel was faint. It was very red though, and big for the size of the wing, near the tip. I had a double take in case it was a Japanese roundel. It was a large faded red circular emblem and I thought I cold see faint remains of outer blue circle, but I'm unsure of that. The wings had quite a fat leading edge aerofoil.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 11, 2019 21:44:44 GMT 12
My mate Dave Marshall actually managed to photograph the wings, and has given permission for me to to post them here.
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Post by davidd on Apr 11, 2019 21:50:33 GMT 12
I would say Hudson with wing tips removed - looks like one of the remaining Fowler flap extension guides sticking up between the two near-most wooden cradles. Also note "letter-box" slots on leading edge near tip above the "Hirepool" logo. David D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 11, 2019 21:55:21 GMT 12
Bevan Dewes and I both think they are Hudson wings.
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Post by markrogers on Apr 11, 2019 22:09:14 GMT 12
Yes, they definitely are Hudson wings.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 11, 2019 22:17:59 GMT 12
That red on the wing is definitely the centre of the massive roundel, and you can see the blue too. Also remnants of the camouflage but they must have been in the weather for decades.
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Apr 12, 2019 8:00:02 GMT 12
Great sleuthing people. Much clearer now that I can peruse it stationary. What gems! Could they be ex J Smith? Vehicle is still facing South on the southern outskirts of Chch
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Post by Bruce on Apr 12, 2019 15:16:46 GMT 12
The RNZAF museum used to have a lot of Hudson bits in storage at Weedons - Maybe this was part of that stash at some time...
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Post by agalbraith on Apr 12, 2019 15:49:51 GMT 12
Hmmmmm, wonder where they are off to??
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 13, 2019 22:08:54 GMT 12
I understand that the wings were on their way to Omaka and will be on Restoration Row at Classic Fighters 2019!
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Post by rayo on Apr 14, 2019 8:07:42 GMT 12
Slightly off topic(maybe?). Were the wings of the ex J Smith Hudson now with the Reid's removed or Cut off?
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Post by agalbraith on Apr 14, 2019 8:22:48 GMT 12
I understand that the wings were on their way to Omaka and will be on Restoration Row at Classic Fighters 2019! Oooh now that's a bit interesting!
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Post by shorty on Apr 14, 2019 10:29:56 GMT 12
Slightly off topic(maybe?). Were the wings of the ex J Smith Hudson now with the Reid's removed or Cut off? The wings were cut off just by the fuselage Somewhere here I posted a photo of it at Russ's place in Appleby in that condition Found the pictures, bottom of this page rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/17636/photos-stash?page=37
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Post by shorty on Apr 14, 2019 15:18:11 GMT 12
Hmm, looking at those photos maybe it was just the centre section portions that were cut off, that would make more sense. Don't recall seeing the outer wings there, mind you it was 51 years ago!
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Post by tbf25o4 on Apr 14, 2019 16:02:29 GMT 12
Hopefully the wings will end up at Omaka for Bill Reid to incorporate in the rebuild of NZ2049 (the first RNZAF aircraft to engage the Japanese in the SWPA)
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Post by agalbraith on Apr 14, 2019 17:08:20 GMT 12
Hopefully the wings will end up at Omaka for Bill Reid to incorporate in the rebuild of NZ2049 (the first RNZAF aircraft to engage the Japanese in the SWPA) That's what I was hoping too....
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Post by rayo on Apr 14, 2019 17:20:17 GMT 12
Hopefully the wings will end up at Omaka for Bill Reid to incorporate in the rebuild of NZ2049 (the first RNZAF aircraft to engage the Japanese in the SWPA) That's what I was hoping too.... The thought never crossed my mind
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Apr 15, 2019 20:00:37 GMT 12
I'm possibly out of the loop here, is this intended to be an airworthy or static restoration? Amazing either way.
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