I have posted about the ex John Smith Mosquito running its engines at Omaka yesterday, and it generated a lot of interest. However there were also a lot of other interesting aircraft outside for the occasion. Jordan Elvy was there and has sent the following photos of what I reckon were some of the most interesting: Thanks Jordan.
I think the biggest surprise was another of the late John Smith's aircraft from Mapua - his DH 82A Tiger Moth that was registered
ZK-BQB (c/n DHNZ 147). It was dismantled at Nelson in 1966 but it was not cancelled from the register until February 1991. I understand that a lot of work was put in by the volunteers at Omaka to get it assembled in time for the day. A great effort.
Another DH 82A Tiger Moth on display and that has not appeared on the blog before was
ZK-APP (c/n 82302). This was withdrawn from use at Hastings in 1957 and cancelled from the register in November 1959. It was rebuilt and was re-registered in July 1994 for I B Pirie of Nelson, but I understand that it might now be based at Omaka. It wears the same colour scheme as the recently imported ZK-ATM
2 and it has the names Ian and Noel beneath the cockpits. Jordan told me that this was the best angle he could get of the Tiger due to how it was parked, so he couldn't get the registration showing.
Also out on display was the recently imported WACU UPF-7
ZK-UPF (c/n 5593) that was registered to Flying Circus Ltd of Wellington on 1/2/22. I understand that it will be based at Otaki. This 1940 built aircraft was previously N174M and has been completely restored in the US.
The final very interesting aircraft was the Ranger engined Bristol F2B Fighter replica that we understand will be registered
ZK-BHS2.
And the reason for all these aircraft (and many others) to be out on the field - the late John Smith's Mosquito that has been magnificently restored (in a very short time) by volunteers at Omaka. More great work and a credit to John Smith's vision to save as many aircraft as he could.
No comments:
Post a Comment