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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 18, 2005 16:24:45 GMT 12
How about this for a wickedly cool photo. Vickers chief test pilot Mutt Summers (of Spitfire fame) demonstrating Vildebeest NZ101 to an official party of New Zealanders at the handover of the aircraft and its stablemates to New Zealand. In the official party was Sir James parr, NZ High Commissioner to Britain. A more sedate photo from the event appears on page 15 of Geoffrey bentley and Maurice Conly's excellent book "Portrait of an Air Force" (1987, Grantham House) which dates the event to the 31st of January 1935. This photo however comes from the April 1935 issue of Popular Flying, and I got it recently in a bunch of stuff on TradeMe. I just love it.  |
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Post by turboNZ on Jun 18, 2005 23:03:06 GMT 12
Wow, that's a great photo in'it... sheez at THAT bank angle, the Beesty would be nearly stalling, wouldn't it....... ;D  TNZ |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 19, 2005 0:50:32 GMT 12
Glad you liked it Chris. I'm unsure what the stall was like. However...
The Vildebeest was obviously much more agile than it looked (ie, not the lumbering leviathan we think it was).
In Geoffrey Ellis's book Tool Box on the Wing he talks about the RNZAF's first display team, three Vildebeests that put on a display at Rongotai in the late 1930's, looping three in formation!
James Sanders' book A Long Patrol also talks about a pilot looping the Vilde/Vincent at Waipapkauri with the squadron's dog onboard.
I'd love to see one flying, such a shame that the ones being restored in NZ will be static.
Heck, I'd be almost happy just to see a large scale model of one flying.
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Post by turboNZ on Jun 19, 2005 10:38:00 GMT 12
If someone (well people) can build a Vimy, FW-190's and Me-262's to fly, then why can't a Vincent/Vildebeest be built to fly ?? Surely their construction isn't that elaborate (bigger Tiger Moth!!  ).... I agree, would be great to see one fly and as relevant to RNZAF history as a Corsair/P-40/Spitfire/P-51. TNZ |
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Post by Bruce on Jun 19, 2005 13:36:16 GMT 12
In the photo (which I think is great - despite the aircraft type....) the leading edge slats still havent deployed, so its still got a way to go before stalling. Certainly a very dynamic photo.
Is that a flag flying off the Starboard wing strut?
It shouldnt be too difficult to build an airworthy Videbeeste / Vincent replica, construction methods are very standard for the time, the drawings exist, as do some originals so it has a lot going for it. All you have to do is interest someone with enough money because sponsorship would be difficult for a less well known type - need to talk to Mr Jackson perhaps?
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Post by turboNZ on Jun 19, 2005 20:15:15 GMT 12
um,....I was only being a little sarcy and tongue in cheek about the stalling comment.....  ....definitely like the photo. TNZ |
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mark16
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 3
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Post by mark16 on Oct 14, 2007 14:48:45 GMT 12
Bruce, I would like to no where I can get a copy of those vincent Drawings you talk of.
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Post by agalbraith on Oct 14, 2007 20:17:07 GMT 12
Hi Mark
I am not sure about Bruces drawings, but I had the contact details of an elderly chap in the U.S who aparently had some detailed plans/drawings of the Vincent/Vildebeest. But I tried and tried to get hold of him.......unfortunately to no avail!
Maybe someone else knows more of has a copy???
Cheers
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Post by Bruce on Oct 14, 2007 20:29:59 GMT 12
My comment about drawings came from seeing the Wigram project, when there were a number of drawings being used by the restorers there. whether these are original or newly drawn I dont know. The old chap taking the tour couldnt tell me. There were some fairly comprehensive fuselage drawings on display beside a section of unrestored frame. I guess I assumed they had most available, considering the Museum's approach to restoration.
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Post by skyhawkdon on Oct 25, 2007 20:38:53 GMT 12
I understand from the RNZAF Museum that no original manufacturers drawings exist, which is complicating the restoration (rebuild) of their Vildebeest. The drawings they have beside the fuselage are just general layout "artist impression" drawings from an old aviation magazine so they aren't much use for making individual components. Most of the new components are being patterned from the original components. What they need are detailed component drawings so if anyone has any or knows someone who has I'm sure the Museum would love to hear from you!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 26, 2007 14:02:44 GMT 12
Don, do they have the pilots notes? I have them somewhere I think and there are some drawings and component photos from memory.
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Post by skyhawkdon on Oct 27, 2007 7:55:19 GMT 12
Why don't you scan them and send them a copy Dave. I'm sure they would appreciate it, even if they have already got a copy. Your copy might better better than any they already have for example.
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Post by kiwi on Oct 27, 2007 10:03:57 GMT 12
That photo is one of a series taken of that event.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 27, 2007 12:45:34 GMT 12
Yes, I have others from that event in various books. This is the most dramatic though.
Don, my copy is only a scan and not too good a one. But I will try to find it and offer it to them.
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Post by flyjoe180 on Nov 3, 2007 14:13:02 GMT 12
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Post by planeimages on Nov 3, 2007 18:44:56 GMT 12
The gentleman in the white gloves seems agitated! Just imagine standing that close to anything as it swings past. The man on his left has a case of ""the leans". Ah, things aren't like they used to be.
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)....
....definitely like the photo.
