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Post by Gavin Conroy on Dec 22, 2008 10:14:29 GMT 12
This Stearman is truly a work of art. The standard of workmanship on this aircraft is first class. First test flight was last weekend and was faultless. Antique Aero Engineering have restored the aircraft for an owner in Auckland and his jaw dropped when he saw it a couple of weeks back. Wayne and Stuart have done a tremendous job and if you live in the Auckland keep an eye out next year. Having followed this aircraft since day one, it is very pleasing to see this machine flying again.   |
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Post by Richard Wesley on Dec 22, 2008 14:07:16 GMT 12
Fantastic restoration. Fantastic photos too, love the before and after...
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Post by hardyakka on Dec 22, 2008 16:52:58 GMT 12
What a lovely old machine!
What was the time difference between the "before" and "after" photos?
Any idea what NZ registration it will carry? With the distinctive paint job, they don't have to display it on the aircraft (do they?) but I think it still needs to have one...
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Dec 22, 2008 18:55:30 GMT 12
I'd be interested to know the time different between those shots too - it's looking like a really beautiful machine.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 22, 2008 19:11:47 GMT 12
That is a really nice looking Stearman.
How many of these lovely biplanes are there in NZ now? I assume this is the one that was just a fuselage skeleton at Omaka in Easter 2007? Or was that a different one again?
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Post by Gavin Conroy on Dec 22, 2008 19:57:27 GMT 12
Glad you guys agree as to how good this aeroplane looks  The first photo was taken on December 28 2007 and as you can see it has come a long way since then. Not sure what the rego is and I would think it would be the same aircraft you saw in 2007 Dave. |
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Post by Radialicious on Dec 22, 2008 21:21:30 GMT 12
I first saw this machine shortly after it was imported from the USA over four years ago and it is an absolute work of art. Like all of Stuart and Wayne's restorations, it is a shame to hide all the detail under a coat of fabric and dope. As Gav says, it is faultless. It really is. I'm sure there was an immense amount of pride as Stu test flew his son's work. Wayne and I legged it to the centre of Omaka to watch the first flight and it was soon very clear that all was very, very well. I know the customer will be very happy with the rebuild and will be the envy of many of us. For Wayne, it will be like giving up a surrogate child! Born and bred in a world of de Havilland, the boys did very well. Keep an eye out for ZK-BWR out and about in the New Year. Sadly my camera had an oily old smudge over the lens for the occasion but here is a photo of the likely lads.  |
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