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Post by Calum on Apr 17, 2020 15:01:54 GMT 12
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Post by ZacYates on Apr 17, 2020 17:11:52 GMT 12
TVAL’s homepage:  Generated from my Apple iPhone using tools.sportscard.tradeTwo incredible companies that have done truly remarkable things for WW1 aviation. I feel so awful for those left without a job. I’m just speechless. I hadn’t wanted to post about either until one was made official. Awful news to end the week. So sad.  |
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Post by ZacYates on Apr 18, 2020 9:21:37 GMT 12
There is (confusingly) another thread on WNW at the same forum, where site owner Dave Wilson posted this on Friday last week: Richard Alexander, General Manager of Wingnut Wings has responded to the Forum request for an official comment on what is happening with the business right now and the reports it is being closed down permanently. He says: " Nothing is finalized yet but it looks pretty grim. Very sad. I hope you understand that I have nothing else I can say at this time." It's understood final decisions on the future of the company will be made in the next week or so.
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Post by campbellbox on Apr 18, 2020 9:57:45 GMT 12
It's a tough time for businesses, so the mothballing of the TVAL production line is not too much of a surprise. Hopefully it gets back up to speed, but even if doesn't it has been such a good run. I'd like the collection to be kept together and to be able to enjoy seeing it in the air from time to time.
The end of WNW is a shame, but I feel like that was more of a business than TVAL and with the current restrictions in place, if they were already precarious at all this will have pushed them over the edge.
Hopefully the extremely talented people who work for both organisations will be looked after in the short term and be able to find alternative employment promptly once we've beaten this virus.
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Post by Calum on Apr 19, 2020 11:51:14 GMT 12
There has been several comments from former WNW employees on various WNW Facebook groups saying everyone has been laid off. Whilst as modelling subjects WW I isn't really my thing I was interested in TVAL as I've not had he change to see much of their stuff fly.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 19, 2020 13:04:18 GMT 12
It's sad to see the demise of both companies. I am not a modeller but I do know that WingNut Wings has had a massive impact on the modelling world over the past eleven years, and their models have been simply brilliant. I have enjoyed following the WingNut Wings Fans page on Facebook for years looking at the models being built and shown off.
I am more saddened by the demise of The Vintage Aviator's factory. They have redefined reproduction WWI aeroplanes. They were incredible craftsmen and the company has produced dozens of simply staggering aeroplanes, and engines, that we could never have imagined 20 years ago. It is such a privilege to see any of them at airshows, or even just static. For me it is TVA alone that has redefined my thinking about World War One aviation, and the engineering behind it. I never used to give it much thought, it was just old black and white photos or footage till TVA displays came along, and then it was a visual feast, as well as the sounds and smells of those old types. And in February I had the ultimate treat to be given a flight in an RE.8 that was built by the company, with Bevan Dewes flying it. That was an incredible experience, all the sensations and thoughts and feelings during that flight were simply amazing. I'll never forget it.
Thanks to all who have contributed over the years to TVAL and WingNut Wings to make them two of New Zealand's most amazing companies in their field, and for highlighting such an important part of our aviation heritage in large and small form.
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Post by baz62 on Apr 20, 2020 11:39:06 GMT 12
I think you've summed it up perfectly Dave. I have been interested in the engineering side especially and what they have achieved bringing so much 100 year old technology into the modern age has been awe inspiring. Plus relearning to fly and operate types not seen for so long and with the people and engineers who knew them now long gone. I suppose all we can hope is they at some point in the future they can can look at restarting production, if they have people to afford to buy them. I would say it will be years but if someone with the readies and the drive to restart it comes along then who knows.
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Apr 20, 2020 12:00:04 GMT 12
It's a huge shame, I guess we have to take comfort from just how many WWI aircraft which would otherwise have never been seen again exist thanks to them. My late father was absolutely over the moon to see their Re.8 reproductions; his father flew them in WWI and given their poor reputation at the time he never thought anyone would ever undertake to make a flying example in modern times.
Unfortunately, I suspect as the initial 'shock' phase of the current situation gradually gives way to the realities of the long-term economic impacts, we will probably have to brace ourselves for further bad news in the vintage aviation community. Vintage aeroplanes are pretty near the top of the list of 'non-essential' items when economic times are hard.
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chasper
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 80
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Post by chasper on Nov 7, 2021 8:46:03 GMT 12
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Post by ZacYates on Nov 7, 2021 11:59:21 GMT 12
It premieres on YouTube at 0700 Tuesday our time (interesting to see a "new" DH.2!): In another interesting development, the forthcoming release of the Wingnut Wings-designed 1/32 Lancaster kit by Chinese company Border Model may be put on hold. Threads discussing this matter on modelling websites have been locked for fear of libel. Border Model's statement published on Facebook (link) is far too long and nasty to reproduce here but alleges Wingnut Wings didn't pay for the Lancaster moulds (and still owe money to other Chinese mouldmakers), only reached an agreement in July after 18months of not replying to Border Model's attempts at communication, and then this month lawyers for Sir Peter threatened to sue for copyright infringement. Hobby retailers around the world stopped taking pre-orders for the very highly anticipated kit seemingly simultaneously a couple of days ago. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 8, 2021 7:22:20 GMT 12
I was at Masterton when Forces TV were filming that documentary, a long time ago. I have been waiting for it's release.
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Post by Mustang51 on Nov 8, 2021 11:24:03 GMT 12
Just wish that the mess caused by one had not happened. The effects are still devestating
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Post by shorty on Nov 8, 2021 15:58:10 GMT 12
Just checked with Uncle Google as to the prices of the kit, found 3 prices for the same kit $1199, $76.47 and $36. Thats a hell of a price range and something doesn't seem right, $76.47 sounds about what a 1/72 kit may go for.
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Post by ZacYates on Nov 9, 2021 15:50:14 GMT 12
The documentary is live and it's excellent. Never thought I'd see so much of TVAL's workshops.
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Post by planecrazy on Nov 9, 2021 18:42:21 GMT 12
Wow that was great emotional in fact, makes you proud to be a New Zealander,
what a great thing Sir Peter has done for those from the past, the present and
the future, thanks for posting this Zac, awesome!
A question, thinking of popping across the ditch next winter, can you or if not at
present, will you be able to visit the collection at Hood in the middle of next year?
Thank you.......
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 9, 2021 19:55:15 GMT 12
The collection remains closed to the public. However on the last weekend of the months of Oct-Apr they usually have their practice days for the pilots, and if the weather is good everything gets pulled out and flown and the guys keep current or get new type ratings, etc. The public can view this from the cafe or the edge of the airfield.
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Post by planecrazy on Nov 9, 2021 20:38:24 GMT 12
Thanks Dave, hopefully one day we may be able to see these awesome machines
on more regular occasions again?
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Post by Mustang51 on Nov 10, 2021 2:23:58 GMT 12
Drop into Mouse's cafe....fantastic place to watch what is happening and get a really good coffee at the same time !!!
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Post by l29 on Nov 10, 2021 17:14:16 GMT 12
Perhaps with his recent sale of Weta digital for a couple of billion he may get excited to open the factory again ....
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Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 10, 2021 17:37:32 GMT 12
Yeah that was a nice little earner, wasn't it?
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