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Post by baz62 on Mar 11, 2015 17:09:48 GMT 12
She had a substantial accident in 55 but must have been put back in the air for her to still be around by the mid 60s (as I presume she was airworthy when sold to Australia in the 60s). I'll ask Graham and see if he has any idea.
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Post by ErrolC on Mar 29, 2015 20:35:15 GMT 12
Here's 3 Austers in OZ to inspire you!
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Post by baz62 on Mar 30, 2015 6:27:19 GMT 12
Thanks Errol I need a bit of that! 3 wartime Mark IIIs. You dont see a lot of these and dont think there are any in NZ. Look forward to catching up with you at Easter.
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Post by ErrolC on Mar 30, 2015 6:37:56 GMT 12
Thanks Errol I need a bit of that! 3 wartime Mark IIIs. You dont see a lot of these and dont think there are any in NZ. Look forward to catching up with you at Easter. Likewise!
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Post by baz62 on May 31, 2015 17:49:38 GMT 12
I picked up a major part for the Auster on Friday. Although originally fitted with a metal prop, these days it's a bit kinder on the old Gipsy to have a wooden prop (not to mention saving an engine if it hits the ground, heaven forbid). This propeller is actually off an Auster and was either on a MK6 or a T7 of the Royal Hong Kong Auxillary Air Force (RHKAAF). I know this as I bought the prop from Anthony Galbraith who is restoring an ex RHKAAF T7. This prop was brought back to NZ from one of the services pilots as a memento. When he passed away his widow offered the prop to Anthony. However Anthony found a brand new prop of the same type in the UK so I was happy to take this off his hands. As the MK 6 and T7 used the 145HP Gipsy i have just the right prop as my plan is to install a 145hp engine. Sadly this is also one of the last props to be signed off by Brent Thompson Propellers. Two years ago Brent was diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease and has had to sell the business with one or two props (including mine) for him to finish off. I feel quite proud to have a prop that has been brought back to such a high standard under his guidance and looks forward to seeing it spinning away on the Auster one day. Originally the prop would have looked all black with yellow tips but I think it's a shame to hide the workmanship that went into those brass leading edges.
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Post by suthg on May 31, 2015 18:28:54 GMT 12
Yes I saw it first on FaceBook but it sure is BIG! And beautiful craftsmanship in the making of it too. Lovely Baz, hopefully she'll be pulling the air past within the next 24 months!! And you still don't have an engine, or is that a matter of Dollar$ and time?
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Post by baz62 on May 31, 2015 18:46:38 GMT 12
I have two engines at the moment Graeme. One GM1 130hp engine that came with the project, dismantled by the previous owner (along with several Alloy heads plus another crankshaft and cylinders and pistons) which i wish he had left in one piece and 145hp GM 1C currently sitting with an Auster owner in Vancouver Canada. Neither have a log book or history. However I am waiting to hear about an engine still with hours AND has a logbook here in NZ. This engine requires a replacement crankshaft (no problem there) so if I get that one it will be a bulk strip and I think it's a 130hp engine with bronze heads so would convert it to the alloy headed 145hp engine (pistons and heads are the only major bits to upgrade along with slightly longer cylinder head studs). Failing that it will have to be a major overhaul, utilizing the parts I have and the complete 1C, which will cost a bit more but then you get a zero time engine out of it. Always good to have choices I suppose!
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Post by rogerzz on May 31, 2015 22:35:46 GMT 12
Hi Baz - do you normally go round with nice blue rubber gloves? Rgds Roger
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Post by baz62 on May 31, 2015 22:37:00 GMT 12
Ha ha yes Roger why don't you?
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Post by rogerzz on May 31, 2015 23:10:17 GMT 12
nah - but i do have some pink ones you can borrow :-)
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JasonF SA
Sergeant
I used to be indecisive... but now I'm not so sure...
Posts: 12
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Post by JasonF SA on Jun 2, 2015 9:29:03 GMT 12
You should never hold Artwork like that with your bare hands... The natural oils will leave marks and depreciate the value of the artwork! :-)
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Post by suthg on Jun 2, 2015 13:28:57 GMT 12
What's the Exclamation Trophy on the mantlepiece for??
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Post by baz62 on Jun 2, 2015 16:08:36 GMT 12
teresa and I were in a Trivia team one night at the Papanui RSA and we won! There was a prize that went with the trophy.
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Post by suthg on Jun 3, 2015 7:33:12 GMT 12
I know what would look good on the wall above the mantelpiece but I fear the heat may damage it ... but it would look good on a wall somewhere!! Keep up with the good news Baz!
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JasonF SA
Sergeant
I used to be indecisive... but now I'm not so sure...
Posts: 12
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Post by JasonF SA on Jun 3, 2015 9:24:05 GMT 12
Here is a bit of motivation for Baz.
Hang in there, keep up the good work.
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Post by baz62 on Jun 3, 2015 15:08:19 GMT 12
Thanks Jason! I used to have a wartime MK V (like the camouflaged Auster TJ364), mine was TW502 with the RAF although didn't actually go into service until 1946 even though she ws built in 44. It was a project too however a non aircraft loving first wife ended that! "SR28" looks to be a MK V (or a J1) but with quite the pointy nose on her with a modern Lycoming (I presume?) up front and what looks to be a J5G last. ZS-VMV looks to be a J2 or J4. Nice to see a few Austers are getting up in South Africa. I sold a part to a chap rebuilding a MK1 Auster over there, wonder how he is getting on.
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JasonF SA
Sergeant
I used to be indecisive... but now I'm not so sure...
Posts: 12
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Post by JasonF SA on Jun 4, 2015 15:47:02 GMT 12
Yeah those Ex Wives can be a bit of a bother cant they...
I was quite surprised, there were 2 or 3 complete flying Auster's For Sale over there a few months back, and they must have sold. I was looking for the links to show you where they were and get some more information on them for you, but I cant seem to find them anymore.
Where are you building yours? Would love to come and drop some drool over it...
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Post by baz62 on Jun 4, 2015 22:21:54 GMT 12
Rangiora Airfield and more than welcome to check out the "Auster Retirement Home" lol.
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Post by baronbeeza on Jun 4, 2015 22:37:27 GMT 12
Haha, drop over to Rangiora... from South Africa I suspect. One good thing though. It may be a long way but at least he doesn't have to hurry !
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JasonF SA
Sergeant
I used to be indecisive... but now I'm not so sure...
Posts: 12
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Post by JasonF SA on Jun 5, 2015 14:59:14 GMT 12
Negative Captain,
I'm in Christchurch...
Ok, I'll go and do a proper introduction on the "Introduce Yourself" thread and stop Hijacking Baz's Restoration Thread...
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