mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
|
Post by mrjohn on Apr 5, 2014 13:47:54 GMT 12
Percival Proctor ZK-AQK has been purchased by the Ashburton Aviation Museum and we are hoping to get right onto restoration just as soon as our Provost is ready for the exhibition hangar, which should only be a couple of weeks.
Now we have the challenge of getting it from Rangitata to Ashburton which would only be a few miles in direct line but there are a few bridges to negotiate if we bring her by road up State Highway One! Hmmm
I wonder if anyone is taking a big helicopter to Wanaka who would like do a little job on their way home? Barbequed sausages and a warm welcome, at the very least, for all involved!!
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2014 14:50:42 GMT 12
Congrats to the AAM on this!
|
|
|
Post by dakman on Apr 5, 2014 19:10:57 GMT 12
Well done guys . I hope you are able to get help delivering the aircraft to Ashburton .
|
|
mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
|
Post by mrjohn on Apr 5, 2014 20:24:42 GMT 12
Thanks Dakman.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2014 20:58:19 GMT 12
How about the RNZAF? They'll surely have a heavylift helicopter down that way? NH90 or Iroquois?
|
|
|
Post by Peter Lewis on Apr 6, 2014 3:38:43 GMT 12
Good to hear. It certainly needs the work.
|
|
|
Post by ZacYates on Apr 6, 2014 14:12:09 GMT 12
Fantastic news, and going to such a great home! Congrats!
It sure would make a good training mission for the NH90 crews, I've heard of similar co-operative ventures in the US in the past.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 6, 2014 16:30:43 GMT 12
The RNZAF has moved several aeroplanes underslung by helicopter in the past too Zac. One was a Fletcher that landed on a beach. I have seen a photo of an RNZAF Iroquois also slinging a biplane somewhere too.
|
|
|
Post by denysjones on Apr 6, 2014 21:32:37 GMT 12
C'mon guys,
Moving a Proctor isn't that difficult.
We moved Phil Burns's one across CHC to Ferrymead back in the 1970's no drama.
You take the wings off it and then put the three u/c points on a trailer and away you go.
No overwidth or anything reqd.
Stop dreaming about seeing it hung off a rotor job and get on and do it.
If you can't figure out how then sorry you shouldn't be in this game, that is the real side of it ... the people who actually get their hands dirty and do the work.
|
|
|
Post by johnnyfalcon on Apr 6, 2014 22:01:58 GMT 12
From memory it didn't have wings on anyhow
|
|
mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
|
Post by mrjohn on Apr 6, 2014 22:07:04 GMT 12
Ha ha, thanks for the kind words and you are invited to come here for a visit on a Saturday or Wednesday, be sure to bring your overalls!
|
|
mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
|
Post by mrjohn on Apr 6, 2014 22:14:24 GMT 12
Thats right but I believe the width with the wings off is about 3.3 metres and the maximum width for a load on a light vehicle is 2.5 metres.
I expect we will end up moving it by road but that will be a little more than just loading it on a trailer and hoping all goes well.
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on Apr 6, 2014 23:39:14 GMT 12
|
|
mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
|
Post by mrjohn on Apr 7, 2014 7:53:40 GMT 12
Thanks baronbeeza, we will not be attempting to restore AQK to airworthy condition but she will be reassembled, repaired as necessary and painted in her earlier colour scheme with the speed bird motif to join the almost three dozen other aircraft in our warm and dry exhibition hangars, hopefully alongside our other 'Percival' Just a little more to do on that one before it leaves the w'shop. BTW, I took a look at the link you provided and I must be sure that no one gets any ideas of towing AQK backwards on the main wheels!
|
|
|
Post by John L on Apr 9, 2014 19:02:34 GMT 12
. I have seen a photo of an RNZAF Iroquois also slinging a biplane somewhere too. Myles Robertson's Fox Moth (ASP) after it nosed over on a beach on Little Barrier circa 1972 - it wasn't an "official" pick up......
|
|
|
Post by gustav10 on Apr 9, 2014 19:57:26 GMT 12
Not to mention the recovery of C188B ZK-DMD up North after a slight whoops. There were,I remember, some excellent RNZAF photos taken of this. I wonder if they are still to be found?
|
|
|
Post by Bruce on Apr 9, 2014 22:34:21 GMT 12
According to the link, you need a Bristol Freighter for moving a Proctor. Anyone know of one?.......
|
|
mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
|
Post by mrjohn on Apr 10, 2014 15:13:45 GMT 12
Getting to a more realistic mode, can anyone tell me where the 'official' lifting points are on a Proctor? Lift from the wing attachments using a spreader bar? Lift from the engine mounts on the firewall?
We need to get a truck organised and have the lifting sorted before the man arrives with his Hiab.
|
|
|
Post by craig on Apr 13, 2014 6:59:33 GMT 12
Hey Mr John are we going to see pictures of the move and how it was eventully accomplished
|
|
mrjohn
Squadron Leader
Posts: 106
|
Post by mrjohn on Apr 13, 2014 16:23:30 GMT 12
Yes, I will take a few snaps Craig. A local transport company has a vehicle that can handle the width and we hope to do the move before Easter.
|
|