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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 1, 2012 23:13:40 GMT 12
I had the pleasure of accompanying John Fallon (johnnyfalcon) and his stepson Jared over to Masterton today to visit Hood Aerodrome. We visited the hangar of The Vintage Aviator Ltd., and were given a guided tour by Gene DeMarco, which gave us a very interesting first hand insight into the amazing collection of aeroplanes in the hangar, and also the company itself.
Many thanks to Gene for the excellent tour and for answering our many questions. What an amazing place that is there.
We were also treated to seeing the arrival back from Ohakea of the Fokker D.7, followed a little later by the Corsair and P-40E in close formation, which did a wonderful low buzz right over us on the hangar apron. Wow, what a thrill that was. All the other tourists, many of whom were from the UK, semed thrilled by it too.
We also had a look at the SVAS collection, some interesting classics there. I was told they are trying to sell their lovely Percival Proctor, so if anyone is keen, get in touch with them.
I'll post some photos when I get home in a few days. After Friday at Brendon's hangar, Saturday at Ohaka and Sunday at TVAL, I have had a wonderful few days indeed.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 2, 2012 19:58:37 GMT 12
Here's a photo that Jared Coffey took of the pair coming at us yesterday! (ps, he's 11!) ![](http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm13/oldcrowfilms/IMG_7198.jpg)
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Post by beagle on Apr 2, 2012 20:55:18 GMT 12
Be looking forward to putting the slippers on, have a cup of tea and some cameo cremes Dave
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Post by flyjoe180 on Apr 3, 2012 11:35:57 GMT 12
Beags ;D
That photo is really cool!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2012 17:39:03 GMT 12
Ooooooh I look forward to your pics, Dave! TVAL's facility is great and it must have been such a privilege to have Gene walk you round.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2012 12:48:47 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2012 13:16:00 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2012 14:56:36 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2012 15:15:29 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2012 16:02:34 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2012 16:38:38 GMT 12
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Post by Officer Crabtree on Apr 5, 2012 17:09:53 GMT 12
Heaven...there is no other word for it.
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robbo
Flight Lieutenant
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Post by robbo on Apr 5, 2012 20:01:32 GMT 12
Heaven indeed!
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setter1
Flight Lieutenant
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Post by setter1 on Apr 6, 2012 13:06:57 GMT 12
Hi Dave Beautiful pics - love the Albatross Reminds me of the AWM original example Here are some pics of it taken in 1968 by Ralph Cusack after it was restored by Harold Thomas - so long ago it has just been re - restored Kind regards and thanks for sharing the pics John ![](http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/setter1/ralph%20cusack%20album/scan0027.jpg) ![](http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/setter1/ralph%20cusack%20album/scan0028.jpg)
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Post by corsair67 on Apr 6, 2012 13:23:51 GMT 12
So Hood is the new Omaka?
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Post by Damon on Apr 6, 2012 14:11:18 GMT 12
In my opinion ,its been like that for some time, corsair67.
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Post by corsair67 on Apr 6, 2012 14:39:51 GMT 12
In my opinion ,its been like that for some time, corsair67. I heard they had a few of the aircraft there, I didn't realise that they had so many!
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Post by vs on Apr 6, 2012 15:55:33 GMT 12
Great pictures Dave! What an amazing collection!I imagine there are even more airplanes over at Omaka!
Is the 504 the replica or the original? Are the new DV and RE8 staying in NZ?
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Apr 6, 2012 17:51:40 GMT 12
Dave was like a kid in a lolly shop, mind you that made 3 of us! It's my 11th visit there and I still find it hard to comprehend the significance and accuracy of what they accomplish.
The 504 is an original airframe. Both the DV and RE8 are part of the collection. Missing when we visited: DH5, Bristol fighter #2, DVIII, SE5 x 2, Halberstadt, DR1, DH2 all airworthy and evidently are mixed around a bit for variety with the Masterton based collection. More on the way too...
When I attended one of their recent shows I counted 21 WW1 aircraft lined up along the fence/flight line 17 of which were individual types! All flew, and it was raining!! Where else in the world would you see that?
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Post by vs on Apr 6, 2012 18:11:04 GMT 12
they must need a bigger hangar soon!
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