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Post by obiwan27 on Mar 11, 2021 7:05:05 GMT 12
Yesterday, on hearing the news, I contacted our Blenheim motel to cancel our Easter booking. We also had a discussion on how this cancellation will affect the wider Blenheim accommodation and hospitality businesses. Many of them were relying on this Easter event to top up their cash reserves and tide them over the winter. This, of course, will not now happen, and for some such businesses may well be the final straw. My sympathy goes out to them. Interesting as in the past local accommodation providers have always shrugged their shoulders when asked to assist the airshow and said that they would be full at Easter even if Classic Fighters was not held! That would have perhaps been in pre-COVID times before the NZ Govt went with a 'one size fits all' lockdown approach to each and every community case recorded in this country. While there may be some travelers locally due to the Easter weekend, the boost from the CF event would have been sorely needed for many businesses one suspects.
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Post by obiwan27 on Mar 10, 2021 10:31:04 GMT 12
People are feeling more than a little disappointed and emotions are high with this announcement, an announcement that I am sure has been taken after due consideration and weighing up available information.
Let's remember that decision made around actions related to COVID such as lockdowns, border control, vaccinations and the like are made by the government and a few individuals around the cabinet table.
Given the track record of their responses to a mere handful of cases in recent times, it makes all public events high risk, both at the present time and into the autumn/winter season, the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of regular ills, let alone COVID.
With family in Singapore, it's been interesting to contrast the response by the Singapore government.
They set stringent enforced guidelines and had the experience of SARs in 2003 to be well prepared and knew what to plan for. When faced with a significant outbreak in overseas worker's dormitories that threatened to overwhelm their health systems, their PM spoke to the nation on TV to explain to the country what was happening and why they were doing what they were doing. He also explained what the conditions were to be met to come out of the lockdown and they did so after 56 days.
The thing is they have cases every day, many more than we have, both before and after the lockdown, both imported cases and community cases. The difference is they are handling it within their existing systems.
This is the opposite of our government, who seem either very risk averse or have zero confidence in the systems they have set up and the ability of those systems to handle COVID cases, especially community cases. Their only response to new cases is yo-yo-ing in and out of lockdowns, with the regular economic shocks every time.
Completely sympathise with the feelings out there as a consequence of the rescheduling of this event, let's hope that the decision pays off handsomely for the organizers and the public supporting the event.
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Post by obiwan27 on Feb 26, 2021 9:04:31 GMT 12
An current F-35 pilot and former F16 driver has an alternative perspective. Understandably the USAF have a particular role in mind for the F-35, somewhat different from the originally envisaged 'F-16 replacement'.
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Post by obiwan27 on Aug 19, 2020 8:40:24 GMT 12
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Post by obiwan27 on Jul 16, 2020 8:59:32 GMT 12
I remember hearing about John Smith and his aircraft collection as a teenager. It's been very sad that he has passed on without receiving some form of recognition for his efforts to preserve important examples of NZ's military aviation history. A true visionary, without whom we would not be able to eventually enjoy the fruits of his farsighted labour.
It's like waking up to a dream come true this week, with the official news of many of the prime examples from his collection being preserved for display at Omaka. It'll be on the list of places to go in the future, you can be assured of that.
Sometimes things just have a way of working out for the best, what with Avspecs' experience in Mosquito assembly and disassembly no doubt being of great benefit for the transport of the Mossie to Omaka. In addition the work already done with the Gloria Lyons P40 and sorting through the huge amount of items at the site.
It's an exciting time for a NZ aviation enthusiast right now, in fact not just NZ ones, but worldwide as well. I think in the future the John Smith collection will be an important additional draw card for visitors to Omaka.
Hearty congratulations to all involved and many thanks to the Smith family, without whom we would not have these precious aircraft to admire for the future.
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Post by obiwan27 on Jul 14, 2020 10:52:16 GMT 12
Is this interview still available? Can you please provide a link? Thank you If you go back to the top of the thread to Dave's original post, you'll find the link. Click on that and you should find that it's still there to listen to.
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Post by obiwan27 on Jun 2, 2020 10:46:25 GMT 12
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Post by obiwan27 on May 7, 2020 12:18:39 GMT 12
Well I've finished reading this very impressive publication. It's a fantastic, if sobering read. From the tragedy of Ramrod 17 to the resurrection of the squadron, newly equipped with Mosquitos and on to ever more daring and dangerous ops over occupied Europe and into Germany. It's a fabulous tribute to all who served in the RAF and this unit in particular during WW2. I felt tremendous sorrow reading through the lists of details of all the young men who served with this unit, a very large portion of whom were killed on ops. Many are at rest in Europe or lost forever somewhere undiscovered as they failed to return from an op. In addition there are the many Dutch and Danish civilians who lost their lives as a consequence of many of these ops.
This book ensures that we will remember them.
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Post by obiwan27 on May 5, 2020 12:13:58 GMT 12
Watched the program on demand last night. It was a well produced one-off documentary that, due to the ANZAC Day focus, had insufficient time to cover the entire history of the RNZAF. Something like that would have to be a multipart endeavour in order to do the subject justice.
I felt that the producer's intent was to focus on the WW2 era, with linking interviews with surviving veterans, plus a connection to the present day Air Force via the Wings Course.
Overall I think it succeeded in that objective, given the constraints that they would have had to work under.
OK for the average punter, perhaps the aviation/history enthusiasts would have wanted more, which is an understandable perspective.
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Post by obiwan27 on Apr 29, 2020 9:41:48 GMT 12
Baz bought me this book for my birthday. I've been slowly working my way through it and it's been my 'go to' lock down reading.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The detail of the unit's history, it's personnel and operations takes you through highs, and lows. My admiration for the greatest generation who fought in the terrible conflict is renewed more strongly as I read each chapter.
Their low level ops in Mosquitos are a particular highlight. The 'famous' ops we associate with 487 Squadron are enthralling, but to the fliers themselves, they are 'just another op'.
A great tribute to this unit and the men who served with her. We will remember them.
Only one wee printing blue of duplicated text on one page is the only blemish on this fine publication.
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Post by obiwan27 on Feb 20, 2020 7:48:50 GMT 12
Wow that is great to see and hear!! Reminds me of the good old days at Wigram running 04 eh Paul Harrison. It sounds like they have installed an inertia starter rather than the direct drive starter? I was watching another video showing the first start, lots of black smoke and flames so probably running a bit rich but I'm sure a few carb tweaks will fix that. Such an achievement to have two running TBFs.....only in New Zealand! Too right. 40+ years since NZ2504 came to life again. We were lucky to have enjoy the opportunity to see and hear her in action then, and for 2 or 3 years afterwards. Well done to the team in Tauranga for their achievement.
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Post by obiwan27 on Dec 17, 2019 7:27:57 GMT 12
Trailer #2 for Top Gun 2 : Maverick.
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Post by obiwan27 on Oct 10, 2019 7:09:43 GMT 12
When you look at the rebuilds of these buildings and how wonderful they now look you have to wonder why all the dithering about the Christchurch Cathedral was going on? Dithering because of politics, both within the Anglican church and certain former politicians and individuals, who decided to interfere with the decision on how to proceed. Also a bit different of dealing with a building damaged by successive earthquakes, as opposed to the impact of bombing or shelling. One issue about the cathedral that these restored buildings were unlikely to be faced with was damage to foundations and the condition of the ground. Now the ratepayer and taxpayer is on the hook I guess money will be no object.
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Post by obiwan27 on Sept 3, 2019 9:57:07 GMT 12
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Post by obiwan27 on Sept 2, 2019 13:51:32 GMT 12
Wasn't Pete Tolhoek part of your Avenger team? He'll be there too. Shame Ken (Obiwan27) isnt there as with me as well we almost have the first Avenger restoration team at the forum. Must remember to get a photo with Paul in front of the TBF, with Pete. Sorry I was unable to get to the forum meet, given it coincided with Father's Day. It would have been great to catch up with Paul and Peter again after all these years. Sounds like everyone had a blast. Well done Dave for organizing such a terrific event and all those who generously gave up their time to contribute to its success.
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Post by obiwan27 on Aug 15, 2019 7:33:44 GMT 12
I concur. Spread the word. A visceral account with a little dramatic licence that pulls no punches in telling an authentic account as possible of this event. Coming to General release at Hoyts on 5 September.
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Post by obiwan27 on Jul 25, 2019 14:46:35 GMT 12
Just posted on the FB site for the movie is this short You Tube behind the scenes doco.
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Post by obiwan27 on Jul 22, 2019 7:45:25 GMT 12
With the present goings on in the Persian Gulf & the recent seizing of a British flagged oil tanker by the Iranians, I read an interesting article by a former RN Commander on the operating conditions in this part of the world. This article was written prior to the seizing of the tanker, but after HMS Montrose had intercepted a group of small vessels attacking/harassing a UK flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. link
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Post by obiwan27 on Jul 19, 2019 14:14:48 GMT 12
Still going to see it though, probably several times. Looks good. Especially the bit at the end, real or???
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Post by obiwan27 on Jul 18, 2019 14:19:53 GMT 12
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