The 3 homebuilt aircraft are the Savage Special (also known as the SAS Monoplane), the Andrews A1 and the Lincoln Sports.
The photos are from the Keith Morris collection unless otherwise noted.
The first of these unique aircraft was the Savage Special ZK-ALV (c/n 1). The Savage Special was based on Heath Parasol design and was built by Charlie Savage, Perry Adams and Dick Shaw (hence the SAS), in Christchurch between 1933 and 1936. It had an in-line 4 cylinder Henderson motorcycle engine which developed 20 HP but was re-engined with a second Henderson motorcycle engine that was extensively modified to produce aroun 40 HP. It was flown extensively at Wigram in 1938 but was never registered at this time. It was then stored during the war.
Following the war it was taken to Harewood and given some modifications requested by the Civil Aviation branch whereupon it was given a Certificate of Airworthiness on 19/12 47 and was registered as ZL-ALV. It was sold to M F Alexander of Christchurch, then went to W Nicholson and R Jones of Timaru. ZK-ALV was cancelled on 11/3/57 after an accident which bent the crankshaft. The above photo is courtesy of Blue Bus.
The aircraft was re-registered as ZK-BUD on 14/6/57 to R K Jones of Christchurch and another engine was installed, this time of 45 HP. It was quickly sold to K S Nicholson of Christchurch on 27/7/57 and then to Stan Smith on 28/4/58, who was living at Wellington at that time. The above photo was taken at Paraparaumu in 1965, when it flew several times. Stan later took ZK-BUD to Auckland with him where it remains stored as a future restoration project.
I am a huge fan of the classic fighter jets especially those used in WW2. The P51 Mustang and the Super marine Spitfires are absolutely my favorites. I believed that they are the most powerful fighter engines during that time.
ReplyDeleteIn a couple of months, I might be able to start rebuilding my dad's RV6. My pilot friend suggested that I get parts from companies that adhere to aviation certification processes, like the AS9120 and AS9100 certification, to ensure that I am getting quality parts for our aircraft. Hopefully, I may be able to fly my dad's plane and have an adventure of my own.
My uncle was Percy Adams, a builder of the ZK-ALV. We have many photographs of the buid, test flights and in air. I would love to make contact with the current owner if anyone can help with that.
ReplyDeletePeter Nielson.