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Post by flyjoe180 on Dec 16, 2007 14:37:24 GMT 12
Thanks for the info, I thought it was a shame it wasn't being displayed in the air but that is a pretty good reason. No engine, no fly!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 16, 2007 14:44:30 GMT 12
Cheers for confirming that it is Sandy Currie. I wonder what he's up to now, and if he's still involved in warbirds or vintage aircraft.
Joe, they grounded the Avro initially after an engine problem, I don't recall exactly but it may have been a broken crankcase. The parts were non-existant, so it was thought to be grounded forever. However Rolls Royce (I think, I don't have my notes in front of me) volunteered to manufacture the needed part, and did so with a few spares. I understand that the engine was repaired and was run again. But then RNZAF management decided to remove the Historic Flight from the museum and transfer it to CFS's care, and I think it was at that point they decided the Avro would stay with the museum and remain ground bound. It is actually 100% flyabale with runable engine. Given its rarity though the museum decided not to fly it.
I reckon oin this day and age a group could manufacture a new-build one. It would certainly make a great attaction at airshows. Many of our wartime pilots, gunners and navigators trained on the Avro 626.
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Post by flyjoe180 on Dec 16, 2007 14:46:02 GMT 12
A replica would be a nice alternative rather than nothing. A good project for someone out there?
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Post by Gavin Conroy on Dec 28, 2007 21:05:29 GMT 12
Great shots of the 626, I was at Omaka when it passed through on its way to Wigram and was only 12 but remember it well
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Post by beagle on Dec 28, 2007 21:11:10 GMT 12
Dave will probably know. what is the name of the guy assisting the pilot with his harness etc. He was in the air force when i was at Wigram. Was a foreighn name I'm sure.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 30, 2007 10:16:19 GMT 12
Sorry Beags, I don't recognise him. This was 1985, and I didn't join till 1989, and didn't get to Wigram till 1991 so he was probably no longer there then?
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