With Brendon Deere's P-51D-30NT Mustang, NZ2423 (serial no. 45-11513, now registered ZK-BHT) nearing the end of it's restoration at the Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre at Ohakea and Keith's recent blog post. I thought it would be an appropriate time to share my photos from the 19th of August 2020, where I was fortunate enough to watch NZ2423's final time on the ground at John Smith's Mapua property. Before it began it's journey north to RNZAF Base Ohakea.
This week, NZ2423 is due to reach a major milestone of the complete restoration, where it will hopefully undergo an engine run, and a compass swing, weather dependant. This will mark the first time NZ2423 has been out on the airfeild at Ohakea since 1957.
NZ2423 in the air for the first time since it's last flight in 1958.
NZ2423 can be seen above being position onto the trailer at an angle after a few attempt. During the prior attempts it was discovered that the wheelbase of the main gear was too long for the trailer, leaving the wheels overhanging off the side. On the trailer, you can see the premade chocks for the journey which ended up being unused.
NZ2423 ended up on the trailer securely by use of some wooden blocks placed below the landing gear shocks where it's main weight was being held.
Pictured above is NZ2423 leaving Seaton Valley Road, Mapua where John Smith's historic military aircraft haven property was.
No comments:
Post a Comment