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Post by ErrolC on Oct 18, 2019 9:09:29 GMT 12
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Post by planecrazy on Oct 18, 2019 9:54:07 GMT 12
Magnificent
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Post by ErrolC on Oct 19, 2019 7:22:43 GMT 12
Once you pass through the Stalingrad AV, you get to the Hudson 'as found' display. You walk around the corner to the head-on view above, very effective. There are three storyboards - Hudsons, NZ2049, and Pacific wrecks.  Hudson History by Errol Cavit, on Flickr It's a very well done display, and plenty of detail in the 'jungle'.  Broken Engine by Errol Cavit, on Flickr  Open Door by Errol Cavit, on Flickr Album here |
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Oct 19, 2019 11:07:55 GMT 12
That Hudson display just looks incredible, such a neat way to display it as a 'modern' wreck too. Really captures the exciting feeling of knowing there are still crashed WWII aircraft out in the jungles waiting to eventually be found.
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Post by nuuumannn on Oct 31, 2019 13:52:12 GMT 12
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Post by avro683 on Nov 9, 2019 13:42:08 GMT 12
Wow, that hudson diorama is fantastic! well done!!
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Post by paul1953 on Feb 5, 2020 20:29:00 GMT 12
Just catching up with this thread. The news about the Anson and the Hudson has inspired me to make sure I visit the collection again when I am next in New Zealand this coming November (2020) I will be staying nearby just outside Blenheim for a couple days during my tour so will have time to visit again.
Happy days!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 14, 2020 14:11:58 GMT 12
Here is some absolutely awesome news, now confirmed.  OMAKA AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE WELCOMES RARE WARBIRDSThe John Smith Collection, the aviation equivalent of Aladdin’s Cave We are excited and honoured to announce that the family of deceased aviation collector, John Smith have appointed the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (OAHC) to work with them as guardians of his remarkable collection, to preserve and publicly display these hero aircraft to New Zealand and the world. The John Smith collection had its beginnings in the 1950’s when as a young man he witnessed wholesale scrapping of warbirds around the world and even in his own backyard. John lived in Mapua and was aware that over the hill in Marlborough, historic warplanes such as Mustangs, Mosquitos and Hudsons were being broken up. He managed to save several key aircraft and stored them in a shed on his Mapua property, where they remained as untouched, and for the most part unseen, records of NZ aviation history. Over the decades, word of the Kiwi recluse with his rare warbird collection reached around the world. Collectors travelled from across the planet to try to purchase his aeroplanes but left empty handed. John’s shed was the aviation equivalent of Aladdin’s Cave, fuselages lined up parallel to one another like sardines, symmetrically arranged either side of a fully assembled Mosquito. “Many of us have seen restored combat aircraft from WW2, albeit in small numbers, however these aircraft were the ‘real deal’, carrying the original paint they wore when parked under the palm trees on some Pacific atoll, being rearmed before going back to battle”, says OAHC board member Graham Orphan. The Smith aircraft destined for display at OAHC include a complete de Havilland Mosquito, John’s own original Tiger Moth and New Zealand’s most famous P-40, ‘Gloria Lyons’. They will join the Lockheed Hudson, formerly gifted by John to Bill Reid, also on display at Omaka. Conservation work has commenced on the P-40 and the next milestone is the disassembling of the Mosquito and transporting it from Mapua to Omaka. Given the fragility and historical significance of the fuselage it requires specialised expertise and transportation. Future fundraising efforts including any profits from the Yealands Classic Fighters Air Show will be funnelled into this significant project and any donations or offers of sponsorship in kind will be gratefully accepted About Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft, the Omaka AHC opened in 2006 with the Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson’s extensive Great War collection of aircraft and rare memorabilia. The calibre of the displays, enhanced by Weta Workshop’s mannequins and sets produced by WingNut Films, launched the Centre to international acclaim. Dangerous Skies, the WWII exhibition opened in 2016 and explores the stories of both male and female aviators. Iconic warbirds are on display including a flyable Spitfire Mk.14 and the Battle for Stalingrad comes to life in an experience which is equally informative, entertaining and heartbreaking. To learn more visit www.omaka.org.nz or call us at +64 3 579 1305 Image: The late John Smith’s Shed, an aviators’ treasure trove including a fully assembled Mosquito. Photographer: Graham Orphan Kind regards, Rachael Brown Marketing Manager Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre +64 3 579 1305 marketing@omaka.org.nz www.omaka.org.nz |
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Post by tbf25o4 on Jul 14, 2020 14:27:23 GMT 12
No more fitting destination for this unique collection than the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. It will result in one of the most wide-ranging displays of New Zealand's military aviation history
Congratulations to all who took part in the negotiations!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2020 16:49:26 GMT 12
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2020 19:00:04 GMT 12
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Post by exkiwiforces on Jul 15, 2020 21:01:15 GMT 12
Looks like I have to pay another visit to Omaka again and just one other thing about Omaka. What did happen to that Canadian Blenheim bomber they were looking to restore at Omaka as I did donate a wad of cash to this project when I was last in Omaka many moons ago?
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Post by avro683 on Sept 30, 2020 9:26:22 GMT 12
That hudson display really makes one pause and remember the sacrifices of ww2 by the allied aircrews....
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davem2
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 98
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Post by davem2 on Sept 30, 2020 15:31:21 GMT 12
Looks like I have to pay another visit to Omaka again and just one other thing about Omaka. What did happen to that Canadian Blenheim bomber they were looking to restore at Omaka as I did donate a wad of cash to this project when I was last in Omaka many moons ago? Sadly not enough was raised to secure it. What was raised went on storage fees for the aircraft, pending its move to NZ. Once that was exhausted, the owner put it back on the open market. No idea of its current status. |
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Post by exkiwiforces on Jan 7, 2021 15:34:00 GMT 12
Looks like I have to pay another visit to Omaka again and just one other thing about Omaka. What did happen to that Canadian Blenheim bomber they were looking to restore at Omaka as I did donate a wad of cash to this project when I was last in Omaka many moons ago? Sadly not enough was raised to secure it. What was raised went on storage fees for the aircraft, pending its move to NZ. Once that was exhausted, the owner put it back on the open market. No idea of its current status. Sorry for the very late reply, Oh bugger, it’s a shame it never got off the ground. |
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Post by flyinkiwi on Apr 7, 2021 8:44:30 GMT 12
Stopped by Omaka on my trip to Nelson. The photo's of the Hudson don't do it justice, the only things missing are the jungle heat and insects. The level of detail is amazing.
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Post by nuuumannn on Oct 2, 2021 21:11:06 GMT 12
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Post by baz62 on Oct 3, 2021 7:44:13 GMT 12
Snap. We went through Friday then popped into visit John Saunders and his mini P40 factory! Certainly learned some fascinating thing about P40 production methods.
"Gloria Lyons" looks fantastic all assembled.
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Post by TS on Oct 3, 2021 13:32:47 GMT 12
Excellent, would I be correct in spotting that the mossie has her bottom set of false teeth in place.   |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2021 21:49:27 GMT 12
Fantastic photos Grant! I had a great time going through the lot on Flickr.
Now to finally get into that hangar myself!!!
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Wartime Hack by Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Nord 1002 (Renault) by Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Foes by Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Symbols of Evil by Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Proud Service by Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Stalingrad Scene by Errol Cavit, on Flickr
