Preserved aircraft and Warbirds Ohakea

[kiwirico]

In early December I will be for a short period in NZ to help a family member back to Holland, and will also visit Ohakea AB. I already received a warm confirmation by 3 Squadron to visit the unit and I would like to know which aircraft are preserved at the base? I know that at least one Vampire FB.5 (NZ5772) is preserved, and one Harvard IIA (probably NZ1009) is inside one hangar, but what else could be seen (preserved and Warbirds)?

Is the "fake" TA-4K NZ6257 also preserved?

many thanks for help,

KiwiRico

[phil]

Currently we have the RNZAF Historic flight at CFS in No 1 Hangar. They have a Harvard and a Tiger moth. We also have the MkIXc Spitfire in 1 hangar, and this is sometimes flown by the RNZAF.

There is also a Vampire on base somewhere.

We have a Strikemaster and the 'TA-4K' here still, but preserved is probably too optimistic a term as they are sitting outside on the far side of the airfield.

We may still have the MB339s in December. If they are going anywhere it will no doubt be 'by Christmas' as it has been for every one of the previous seven years!

As you will be visiting 3 SQN, you can see our other historic aircraft, the Bell 47G Sioux.

[kiwirico]

Are those Macchis stored inside one hangar? Love to see them...... with some luch maybe one flying! Any idae which Spitfire Mk.IX that is?

Yep, those Bell 47G Sioux will be my highlight.... as they will be replaced very soon......

Thanks for answer,

KiwiRico

[baz62]

Spitfire is Brendon Deere's (nephew of Al Deere of wartime fame). She is painted as "AL" as flown by him. Serial is PV270.

[kiwirico]

Thanks baz62 for answer, I hope to see this beauty.

Cheers.

[phil]

Well, we might see that Devon at Historic flight now as well.

[nzjet]

A few pics taken today at ohakea, The strikemaster and A4 although looking a little worse for wear are at least indoors, and have been since the closing of the museum.

Interesting to note most of the macchis have had there markings painted out. They fly at least 2 every day and it seems there are more current pilots on them than many people realise!

[Dave Homewood]

Are there two Skyhawks at Ohakea then? In the first photo one is facing the front doors, in the third it's facing away from the back wall. Is this two different aircraft? Or was it just moved between shots?

It sounds like the Maachis are operating as an undercover shadow-squadron??

[camtech]

Dave, it is the same A4 NZ6257, ex the Ohakea museum. Have a look - the Strikemaster is there in both photos.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks. I thought it must be. They must have shifted it I guess.

[camtech]

No, just a different camera angle

[Dave Homewood]

The hangar must be smaller than I thought then.

[Bruce]

Its a bit deceptive, the only bit of the Macchi in front of the Blunty and Skyhawk ('64) is the tail fin which lines up with one of the window frames on the hangar doors - other than that and the King air just visible, the whole flock of aircraft in front are invisible and they look like they are up near the doors. The Hangar is probably bigger than it appears - quite an odd optical illusion.... Spooky!

[phil]

It's good to see the Skyhawk and Blunty moved back inside, they've been out in the weather for some time.

[kiwirico]

Thanks all for the reply, I hope to see at least one of the Macchi flying when I come to Ohakea in December. Also I am happy that those are not stored inside white latex...... sure I will give them a big hug.

Cheers,

KiwiRico