I remember a batch of ex- Portuguese Harvards (5 of them + 1 T-6G) on rebuild at Thruxton in the early 90s. I think two of them flies in the UK (Rob Davies G-TVIJ and Anthony St. John’s G-BSBG). Of the rest, one is regd. in the UK but not flown yet as far as I can understand (G-HRVD), one is regd. in the US, and the other two are unaccounted for. Does anyone know if they made it to the US?
From an article in Warbirds Worldwide back in the day I gathered that these restorations were supposed to be very good. Has any of our forumites been up close to the UK fliers and can attest to this? Or seen the lot while on rebuild? I have always been a little surprised when any individual or company plans extensive (ground- up) restorations of T-6/ Harvards. It seems to me that not that many people will pay high prices for a T-6 when so many decent examples are available for lot less money.
On a slightly different subject, does anyone know if Colin Edwards fly G-BICE these days? That is one Harvard you don’t see or hear much about!
T J
By: T J Johansen - 22nd November 2009 at 15:43
Thanks for the info guys. Glad to hear that G-BICE is still around. Mr. Edwards sent me a photo of this Harvard back when I was 16 or so. It does look like the T-6/ Harvard/ SNJ population is doing quite well in the UK. Somewhat fitting for one of the best trainers ever made.
Is there anything like the old Harvard owners group run by Anthony Hutton in the UK anymore? With this many operators of the type there ought to be a dedicated group for the type. I remember they even made a “T-6/ Harvard European tour” in 1993 with examples from several countries, and I saw them “live” at the SHF airshow at Torp in Norway. Would be cool if a large gathering could be staged in Europe again. Not necessary touring around but a gathering somewhere in Europe that would make it accessible from all corners!
T J
By: WP840 - 19th November 2009 at 20:07
No, FT375 is G-BWUL and in Italy, G-HRVD was one of the Thruxton projects
Thanks.
By: Yak 11 Fan - 19th November 2009 at 20:06
No, FT375 is G-BWUL and in Italy, G-HRVD was one of the Thruxton projects
By: WP840 - 19th November 2009 at 19:33
G-HRVD is on a long term rebuild in Leicestershire.
I presume this is FT375’s civilian reg, but I thought she had been sold to and was operated by an African air force?
By: Arabella-Cox - 19th November 2009 at 11:03
G-HRVD is on a long term rebuild in Leicestershire.
By: Smiler - 18th November 2009 at 22:07
I recognise that little yellow terror, I used to help maintain it at Boscombe Down.
Why have I got a little picture of a downwards pointing thunb in the corner of my post?
By: WP840 - 18th November 2009 at 20:40
How about this yellow…?
Picture from airliners.net
By: T6flyer - 18th November 2009 at 14:51
Here are a few photos of G-BICE taken two months ago.
As to the Thruxton Harvards, I was instrumental in providing the details required for Rob Davies’ Mk.4 G-TVIJ colour scheme. Think closest paint match to the USAF yellow was ‘Fiat Bus Yellow’!!
Martin
By: Yak 11 Fan - 17th November 2009 at 13:25
Colin Edwards still owns and maintains G-BICE, it flies on occasion but doesn’t tend to go to many events. I last spoke to Mr Edwards about a month ago and he was keeping well, certainly one of life’s characters…..
As for the Thruxton Harvards, I’ve seen a couple and they both look nice, I’ve also done some work on a centre section they rebuilt, I’m not a fan of the grey paint they used everywhere however….
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November 17, 2009 at 12:53 pm