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Post by komata on Jun 14, 2014 7:28:16 GMT 12
Re: The Pearce 'replica' (or whatever it may actually be - thanks Errol). As three months have gone by, and without wishing to tread on any toes, (the Facebook entries giving no clues), what happened at Whenuapai to require a 'sudden departure', what is the current status of the project, and where is the airframe now located?
Thanks.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 16, 2014 20:38:36 GMT 12
 The rare Spitfire Mk.XIVe NH799 has just entered its final restoration stage with a view to having it make its public debut at the Classic Fighters Airshow at Omaka, next Easter. Restorers AVSpecs Ltd. had the aircraft very well advanced before work stopped about 18 months ago. The Spitfire is part of the Chariots of Fire Fighter Collection (owners of Omaka based Focke Wulf Fw190 and Sopwith Pup). Other priorities had led to the pausing of the Spitfire until now however CFFC owner Murray Miers has indicated he’d like work to recommence to bring the aircraft to completion in time for the Easter airshow. All of the rebuild work carried out on the airframe up until now has been performed by AVSpecs Ltd. whilst the Griffon engine has been overhauled in California by Jose and his team at Vintage V-12s and the propeller was overhauled by the Safe Air Propshop in Blenheim, NZ, ready for the recommencement of the aircraft’s flying career. More recently, the AVSpecs team have become known for their work on restoring de Havilland Mosquito fighter bombers. To do justice to NH799 within the time frame, AVSpecs’ proprietor Warren Denholm has some items being completed by associated companies such as the new spinner skirt by Metalspin Ltd., the paintwork by Airspray Ardmore Ltd., and a range of tasks by Pioneer Aero to help get the aircraft through its final restoration hurdles. If all goes to plan, the Spitfire, (which is the only Mk.XIVe in New Zealand) will be based permanently at Omaka, just in time for the Easter airshow where it will join several other debut machines amongst the 100 or so show display aircraft planned for the event. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 13:39:03 GMT 12
Bring it on :-D
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Post by Mustang51 on Sept 17, 2014 14:45:24 GMT 12
And they sound soooooo different !
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 17, 2014 15:25:48 GMT 12
I have never had the opportunity to hear a Griffin in real life yet so I'm looking forward to this.
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Post by baz62 on Sept 17, 2014 15:39:57 GMT 12
You would think they would sound like a Merlin but the Griffin has quite a distinct sound.
In this video go to 2:08 amd you'll hear a Griffin in another MK XIV funnily enough also in SEAC colours:
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Post by Peter Lewis on Sept 17, 2014 18:47:44 GMT 12
Happier times . . . Wanaka  |
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Post by spitfire14 on Sept 18, 2014 11:19:16 GMT 12
Dare I say it, I am actually looking forward to seeing this Spitfire XIV, NH799 fly more than I was the Mosquito. I regret having never seen her fly in the hands of the late, great Mark Hanna and Tom Middleton, and have been waiting ever since the unfortunate accident to see her fly- what a beautiful aircraft and we are so fortunate that it will be based here in New Zealand. I too have only heard a Griffon engine on video, so it has made my day to hear that NH799 will (hopefully) be at Omaka next Easter. While I love the Merlin powered Spitfires, there is just something about the Mk XIV- to me, that long nose just gives the look of a tough fighter, oozing power and speed, while still maintaining the grace of the early Spitfires: possibly my favourite Spitfire marque!!  |
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Post by baz62 on Sept 18, 2014 12:41:53 GMT 12
You might have to change your user name to Spitfire14! I was lucky enough to see her fly at Wanaka and then at Wigram. The sight of two Spitfires(at the time) was an amazing sight to see. Three will be something!
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Post by Mustang51 on Sept 18, 2014 13:01:23 GMT 12
They have quite a great deal more "bark" than a Merlin. Was looking forward to 3 at Duxford but the weather gods conspired otherwise. I agree with you spitfire9. I really love three marks...... Mk.Vc, Mk.VIII and the beautiful Mk.24. Roll on Lotto..........
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Post by Brett on Sept 18, 2014 14:11:01 GMT 12
If you intend to take a vehicle across the Strait on the ferry you might want to speed up your planning. Some of the sailings around Easter weekend have already sold out of the cheapest fares.
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Post by spitfire14 on Sept 20, 2014 12:35:49 GMT 12
Good point baz62, I am now Spitfire14!!  Yes Mustang51, I agree. My two favourite Merlin Spitfires are the Mk VIII and Mk IX. I have been lucky enough to see the Mk VIII 'Grey Nurse' at Temora fly on two occasions now and what a beautiful aircraft that is!! Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Mk XIV the Mk VIII airframe modified to incorporate the Griffon engine? |
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Post by baz62 on Sept 20, 2014 16:48:50 GMT 12
Yes I believe you are correct. The VIII/XIV prototype had the same tail surfaces I think then modified to the larger tail unit (and I think bigger radiators?) for production.
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Post by ErrolC on Oct 16, 2014 18:39:14 GMT 12
You can now order all ticket types (not just Gold Pass) Descriptions at www.classicfighters.co.nz/classic-fighters-airshow-tickets.phpshop.classicfighters.org.nz/sb/omaka/start for full version, I've abbreviated a little below | Gold Pass | Online Price | Gate Price | | Adult 3-Day Gold Pass (15 yrs and older)(Early Bird until 30 Nov) | $350 | $375 | | Child 3-Day Gold Pass (for 5-14 yr olds) | $170 | $175 | | 3 Day Tickets |
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| | Family (2+2) | $315 | $350 | | Adult | $145 | $160 | | Child (5-14) | $20 | $25 | | Student | $72 | $80 | | 1 Day Tickets |
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| | Family (2+2) | $135 | $150 | | Adult | $60 | $70 | | Child (5-14) | $8 | $10 | | Student | $25 | $30 | | TWILIGHT TICKETS (Friday night after 4pm) |
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| | Friday evening Family (2+2) | $75 | $85 | | Friday Evening Adult | $35 | $40 | | Friday Evening Child | $3 | $5 | | Friday Evening Student | $16 | $20 |
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Post by vs on Oct 16, 2014 20:26:02 GMT 12
pretty expensive for what it is
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Oct 17, 2014 12:04:09 GMT 12
The gold pass grandstand always seems pretty full (and I've been in there since year-dot of Classic Fighters), so I guess if it was a rip-off, then people wouldn't be purchasing Gold Passes.
The patrons have been voting with their wallets since 2001, filling that grandstand. After all, it's the grandstand seat you are purchasing....the rest is just titbits.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 17, 2014 13:56:31 GMT 12
pretty expensive for what it is I disagree. Considering you get a full day (or if you choose, three days) of extremely top notch entertaining flying displays from some of the best display pilots in the world flying some very rare and expensive aeroplanes, with excellent educational commentary, it seems pretty good. Compare the prices to a few short hours at a rock concert, 90 minutes at a rugby game, or other fast machinery event like car racing, you're getting pretty good value for money and an experience you will not forget in a hurry. You might say "Well the prices are much cheaper at overseas warbird airshows," but those overseas warbird shows have a LOT more population to draw from, a LOT more sponsorship, and from what I hear most of the overseas airshow flying programmes only run for three or four hours tops. Plus you have to go overseas to see them (fine for some who are airline pilots, but not for most of us!). |
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Post by rayo on Oct 17, 2014 14:11:32 GMT 12
I recall the same conversation about Wanaka this year. Yes the ticket prices are getting up there but the major cost if you live in another island is in fact Travel and Accomodation the Tickets are incidental in comparison. I Live in New Plymouth and have tried all the options. The facts are if you go middle of the road any change out of a "Grand" is a bonus. So you make your choices. Next year I will go to Omaka (3rd time) and not Hood based on what is being exhibited. I didn't go to Wanaka this year (been 5 times) because nothing said pick me and went to Tauranga instead. Basically we are spoiled for choice but luckily i can remember when Warbirds airshows were non existent in NZ so I make my choices and appreciate fact that I have them to make.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 17, 2014 14:29:46 GMT 12
Wanaka is far too expensive simply because of where it is - the middle of nowhere - and how the local community like to rort anyone going there with huge prices.
Omaka on the other hand is in the middle of everywhere, and Blenheim is a lot more easily and cheaply accessed for most people.
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Post by lumpy on Oct 17, 2014 21:27:53 GMT 12
I live in Blenheim , so a three day Gold pass to Classic Fighters is an absolute "no brainer " ( and most likely still a lot cheaper than most other activities that I would be otherwise be required to attend with family over the long weekend ) .
As others have said , its the total cost ,versus how bad you want to go that counts . For me Classic Fighters is exceptional value , but if you live near Ardmore - perhaps not .
Pretty awesome to have those sort of choices though !
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Yes Mustang51, I agree. My two favourite Merlin Spitfires are the Mk VIII and Mk IX. I have been lucky enough to see the Mk VIII 'Grey Nurse' at Temora fly on two occasions now and what a beautiful aircraft that is!! Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Mk XIV the Mk VIII airframe modified to incorporate the Griffon engine?
