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Post by pjw4118 on Sept 23, 2016 12:44:49 GMT 12
Lancaster Survey Its been 20 years or more since the display Lancaster was inspected so we have put a team of Aircraft Engineers together led by Rex Stanners and Frank Hannay. Other Lancaster operations from UK and Canada have been a great help and we have a stack of original maintenance manuals to refer to. The process involves opening up the 50 plus panels, checking, photography and spraying   The engines have all been checked, reinhibited and rotated    So far the only real concern is the corrosion found in the starboard wing where the outer wing is joined. This will need attention and we may need to reactivate the old "Save the Lancaster" Fund to finance repairs  |
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Post by fwx on Sept 23, 2016 15:54:30 GMT 12
Great to see the old girl getting some more TLC ... yes please fix that wing Peter, we don't want it dropping off the next time jp swings on a prop!
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Post by pjw4118 on Oct 13, 2016 15:07:07 GMT 12
We had a LAGS meeting yesterday which included Norm Taylor FRAeS and Avro designer. Other than the outer wing joints needing attention , one of the engine rear braces also needs cleaning up.
Our engineers are now planning how to make these repairs and estimate how much it will cost.
Otherwise the Lancaster is in great condition. Areas where we expected corrosion are perfect although the original magnesium rivets are showing their age.
We have had a lot of support and advice from the Lancaster Owners Club ( it doesn't have many members!) who are just as keen as us to have The Captains Fancy in A1 condition.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 13, 2016 15:30:28 GMT 12
That is fantastic considering the aircraft sat outside for most of its life, even if past of that was in the desert, but also in the tropics and the humidity of Auckland.
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Post by pjw4118 on Oct 25, 2016 16:17:48 GMT 12
The NZBCA have arranged the annual lunch for November 27 at the Commerce Club Greenlane.
The buffet etc will cost $30.
We enjoyed this venue last year , lots of parking outside and a good meal.
This year we will be presenting No 3 Squadron ATC with a new Veterans Memorial Trophy for their outstanding cadet.
The trophy is based around a pewter model of a Wellington Ic ( flown by all who flew with RAF BC ) painted in 75 squadron colours , and with the markings of the aircraft flown by James Ward VC.
After lunch we traditionally head to MOTAT for a special tour.
All are welcome , just RSVP to spirits@xtra.co.nz by 20/11
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Post by pjw4118 on Nov 2, 2016 7:20:43 GMT 12
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Post by pjw4118 on Dec 9, 2016 10:27:11 GMT 12
At the annual luncheon at the end of November a NZ Veterans Memorial Trophy was presented to the OC 3 Squadron ATC Ben Wells.   The pewter Wellington is painted in 75 Squadron colours and depicts the aircraft James Ward flew when he was awarded the VC. CAF also joined us for lunch and became a BC member.  A week later we attended 3 Squadron annual parade.  Our President presented the trophy to LAC Nathoo in recognition of his contribution to the values of service, loyalty and honour.   After two weeks of "do's" both young and old, the boys are now ready for Xmas. |
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Post by jp on Dec 10, 2016 12:25:13 GMT 12
Who was James Wells? What did he win the VC for?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 10, 2016 12:38:07 GMT 12
That will be James Ward VC.
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Post by jp on Dec 10, 2016 15:09:14 GMT 12
Thanks, Dave - that's who I thought it was supposed to be....someone want to correct the typo in the above article?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 10, 2016 16:09:31 GMT 12
Fixed.
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Post by pjw4118 on Dec 12, 2016 14:01:58 GMT 12
Thanks . On our system , corrections seem to be hit and miss on facebook , sometimes they pick up then revert. It seems it is the same on proboards , not all digit problems , although I have p[lenty of those. I think its a wifi link problem with the new spark remote.
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Post by pjw4118 on Dec 14, 2016 12:53:11 GMT 12
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Post by pjw4118 on Mar 3, 2017 12:33:43 GMT 12
Scarecrows, Amongst a set of great target photos from Rodney Williams (90 Sq) is one showing what maybe a scarecrow. It may be just debris from the ground, but as the photo is from 20,000 feet the bits have gained some altitude. At night the glowing trails would have been even bolder.  The other is Rheydf, very close grouping around the market  and finally can anyone guess what the nose art is  |
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Post by pjw4118 on Mar 3, 2017 12:56:19 GMT 12
For the Rheydt photo read railway junction not market, and I cant make out the nose art words or cartoon , any ideas?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 3, 2017 12:59:37 GMT 12
It looks like a side view cartoon of a man with a Popeye style chin and Pinocchio style nose, and arms posed like he's running or walking fast? A pity the words are hard to read, the first word may be Jim?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 3, 2017 13:12:34 GMT 12
I changed the tones of the artwork to see if any more clarity could be found. I think now what I thought was a gap between the second and third word is in fact a spot of the original photo so there may only be two words, or possibly even one word?  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 3, 2017 13:25:16 GMT 12
Hey the Captain's Fancy cartoon came from a British newspaper comic strip called "Just Jake" by Bernard Graddon, I don't suppose those words say "Just Jake"? The style of chin is similar to those in the comic.  |
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Post by pjw4118 on Mar 5, 2017 12:02:18 GMT 12
By Jove , I think you are correct Dave , great spotting.
Just Jake was a really popular cartoon and appears elsewhere.
Cheers
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 5, 2017 13:21:03 GMT 12
Cool. So was that a No. 90 Squadron Lancaster in the photo?
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