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Post by rayo on Apr 20, 2014 20:13:28 GMT 12
There sure are some gems in this latest group of British Pathe Films Uploaded on Youtube this week.
This Classic was a new one for me.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 20, 2014 22:36:35 GMT 12
Simply fantastic. The pilot was none other than "Mutt" Summers and the occasion was a demonstration for the New Zealand High Commissioner and other NZ officials. I'd seen photos form this but never film footage. Wonderful! What a shame there was no sound. They were quite racy and manoeuvrable in the air, eh.
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Post by davidd on Apr 21, 2014 11:45:49 GMT 12
Dave, I suppose you noticed the NZ ensign flying from the port rear interplane strut! Also, for modellers, the contrast between the doped fabric surfaces and the anodized metal surfaces are very obvious in this film under certain light conditions - the anodized finish was a pleasant light grey. And you are so right - the Vildebeest was quite a sprightly aircraft, especially at very light weights as on this film. As with most air displays, the weight is usually kept as low as possible for maximum visual performance, unless it is to demonstrate its load carrying ability - even then, the fuel load would be minimal.
David D
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Post by Ian Warren on Apr 21, 2014 12:32:00 GMT 12
Wonderful! What a shame there was no sound. They were quite racy and manoeuvrable in the air, eh. Amazing checking the the state of the fuselage and the work gone into the one at Wigram, pitys to be plastic wrapped and put away for the time being simply due to a lack of information. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 21, 2014 12:44:03 GMT 12
Yes some photos show the contrast between the anodising and the dope too, quite a difference. I had not picked up on the NZ ensign in the photos I'd seen of this event but it's quite noticeable in the film, isn't it? Absolutely "Flying The Flag" for NZ. I wonder what that fuselage was being towed round the perimeter in the background at about 1.05 mins. It almost looked like an Avro Tutor? It must have been a bit of a come down for Mutt to go from these beauties to test flying the Spitfire a few months later.  |
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Post by Ian Warren on Apr 21, 2014 15:35:49 GMT 12
It almost looked like an Avro Tutor?[/qoute] Nah , that's just the reverse simulators they used in period  push it forward it becomes a tow plane  That fella had a go at everything in that time, he must have been a hell of a character. |
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Post by rayo on Apr 24, 2014 17:22:56 GMT 12
The thing that always impresses me with Vildebeests/Vincents apart from the manouverability is the sheer size for a single engined Aircraft. There have been a number of threads on this Forum on the type In this one is the article and Photo Dave was talking about. rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/2338And this one is the last forum visit to Subritzki's Restoration facility which I was priviledged to attend. rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/17197/todays-forum-meet#page=2 |
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Post by davidd on Apr 25, 2014 11:25:58 GMT 12
Dave H,
I would not hazard a guess as to what sort of aircraft that was on the aerodrome boundary road as the Vild swooped in to alight - a bit fuzzy for my liking, and the mainwheels look to be too far back to be real!
NZ101 is not fitted with any armament, although the front gun position has the ejection chute installed. Nothing in rear cockpit either. No doubt all to reduce weight to provide for a sparkling flying performance for the High Commissioner.
David D
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Post by baz62 on Apr 25, 2014 15:08:52 GMT 12
Looks like Mr Summers was enjoying himself. Certainly threw her about. And a nice touch with the NZ ensign on the strut!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 25, 2014 16:12:08 GMT 12
Maybe NZ had not yet saved up for the guns...?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 25, 2014 16:13:31 GMT 12
I wonder if Mutt Summers test flew all our first ten Vildebeests? And possibly others that NZ bought second hand too.
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Post by shorty on Apr 25, 2014 16:29:29 GMT 12
Maybe NZ had not yet saved up for the guns...? The Labour Goverment came into power in 1935! |
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push it forward it becomes a tow plane 
