Blatant NZ travelogue..

[Pont.skins]

Hi Kilroy,

Are they using Merlins or Griffins?? in the aircraft, that would be a awsome sound when in flight.

The full Battle of Britain flight with 6 Merlins brings tears to my eyes,

Brian

Boyhood memories Brian?

[Kilroy]

They are Merlins Brian.

I have the feeling that I have previously seen movie footage of a Mosquito which had counter-rotating engines, but this one does not.
Apparently, both engines were from an aircraft that was once flying here in the RNZAF.
We once had about 96 Mosquitos in NZ. Was to be 100, but 4 were lost during delivery.
There are still a few parts around the place.
Bit like Marinas...

I saw the memorial flight at Biggin Hill in 1980 (1981.?).
Woof.!

[Martec]

Yes thanks for that, Oh the memories and my war wounds...........(Boar war).

I've always loved engines (engineer) and the sound of the Merlin is something else, besides my dad was an 'engine basher' in the fleet airarm and worked on the engines of seafires ( he said they were bas*ards to work on and put him in hospital in Sidney).

Brian

[Kilroy]

Yesterday it flew for the first time.
Comment;

Mossie Update: For those keen on this aeroplane it flew three times today with Dave and Keith both flying the aeroplane with Warren as the second crew member. Apart from a couple of issues the Mossie performed well and is back at Ardmore. Cowlings are being painted tonight. Was an amazing day and seeing it land this evening was awesome. Well done to Jerry, Warren, Glynn, and everyone who has built this incredible aircraft. Still cant believe that today happened and if you can come to the show at Ardmore on Saturday as you are in for a real treat.

I did not think I would ever witness such a thing - let alone here in New Zealand.

[Uncle Frank]

What a fantastic achievement!, are there any plans to bring her to Europe in the future...perhaps Flying Legends??? Would be great to see her flying over Duxford, i have been watching the steady progress on a Beaufighter in Duxfords restoration hanger which is coming on very slowly, but i suspect she will not be flying for a few years yet.
However i spoke to the guys at the Blenheim Society at Duxford this year and they are pretty sure the Blenheim will be flying in MK1 form sometime next year, which is great news for us twin engine fans
Great pics Kilroy, keep em coming mate, 633 squadron lives!

[Kilroy]

Here's the thing Frank.

This whole project was only possible because of the dedication of one man - a chap by the name of Glyn Powell.
He decided to make the moulds that were used to build an entirely new Mosquito fuselage.
He succeeded admirably, and the results are superior to the original airframes because of the advances in adhesive technologies etc.
http://www.mossie.org/articles/CWD/Mos.html

Warren Denholm's lot - Avspecs - were then able to refurbish all the existing parts from a wreck, and fabricate what they did not have.
That makes them rather unique on the planet right now.
http://www.warbirdrestoration.co.nz/current.html

This particular aircraft was funded by Jerry Yagen from the USA, and will shortly be shipped there.
That makes it unlikely it would be seen in the UK.
But.
According to a good source - the BBMF are extremely keen to acquire one for their flight, and noises are already being heard of the possibilities of their being several more to come - so a very good chance that one will return to your skies in due course.

Makes me very happy to be a Kiwi - stuff like this.
There are some very skilled folk out there and I really take my hat off to them.

I see the same in your own work dear chap.
I would like to state a "very well done" to you for the splendid restorations we see on these pages.

Keeps me coming here..

[Number 63]

Ahhhh some proper plane heads!!
Heard about the Mozzie through some guys at work (RR in Derby ) I'm a keen supporter of the Vulcan project too but was a bit less than impressed earlier this year when someone left some dessicant bags in the inlets and toasted two engines. Bet that was a good day in the hanger..

[Kilroy]

Not sure if I ever posted this link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RhI5U8T ... el&list=UL


Just another wee view of NZ from the correct perspective..

[charlie safari]

Hi Kilroy
Sorry been really busy lately and haven't been on here, I can always lend you a Marina when your up here, and would have seen you at the Ardmore open day, apart from the fact my blue Tc blew it's headgasket on the way there!!!

It's a shame I didn't get to see the old girl fly as I know the guy who built the engines, drop me a line next time your up and you can borrow a Tc and we'll have a pint

[Kilroy]

You're on mate.!