TVAL Flying Day at Masterton - Anzac Day 25-4-2015

I have recently been posting photos from Allan Wooller showing early AACA aircraft from Masterton.  Those old aircraft homebuilders (and Allan) must be gob-smacked at what is happening at Hood Aerodrome today, 40 years after they first took to the air, with the aircraft created by The Vintage Aviator.  I sure am!

I have already posted about the TVAL Anzac Day flying day at Masterton at www.nzcivair.blogspot.co.nz/2015/04/the-vintage-aviator-anzac-open-day-25-4.html  but there was much more of interest to photograph so I now post as below.

The trio of the De Havilland DH 5 replica ZK-JOQ2 , and the two TVAL built reproduction Royal Aircraft Factory SE 5As ZK-SEV and ZK-SEO prepare to carry out the Anzac Day flyover of the church at Tinui, where the first Anzac Day comemoration service was held on 25 April 1916.

Back from the flyover in perfect weather.

The original airframe Royal Aircraft Factory BE 2f ZK-BFR was active during the day,

TVAL built reproduction Sopwith 7F-1 Snipe ZK-SBY was pushed out into the sun to pose with a racing Bentley.  Both the Snipe's BR 2 rotary engine and the Bentley racer were the work of W O Bentley.  The distinctive shadow of the Sopwith Triplane is cast in the foreground.

A general view across the gathered aircraft.  If you look closely there is the DH 5, Sopwith Camel, Sopwith Triplane, Sopwith Snipe, two SE 5As and BE 2f (and further in the background is a Tiger Moth and a Chipmunk),

TVAL built Albatros reproductions D VA ZK-DVA2 and D II ZK-JNB3  taxy our for a flying display.

This view shows the very different wing configurations of the two aircraft.

Then in the late afternoon, Gene De Marco pushed out the Gerald Thornhill built Sopwith Camel replica ZK-JMU for a display.  You can get an idea of the noise of the rotary engine start up by the guys with their fingers in their ears, while Bevan Dewes does not have that luxury, having to hold the tail down. I reckon Gene De Marco could be the highest hour Sopwith Camel pilot ever?

Take off.

The rotary engines were lubricated with castor oil which was used in great quantities, as demonstrated by the castor oil plume! This resulted in upset tummies for most rotary engine pilots as it went everywhere including in the pilot's mouth.

Gene taxying back after his spirited display.

What a memorable day!