TVAL Flying Weekends Photo Essay 2015/16

Superb photographs all. Well done, indeed.

At least the Nieuport has better visibility than the Tripehund!

The first nice surprise on arrival at Masterton was the DH-4 reproduction, on show for the first time (a photo and story appeared in the December(?) 2014 Aeroplane.

Untitled by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

De Havilland American DH-4 Reproduction by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Old Dutch Cleanser? by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

As it was early and few other members of the public were in the hangar, I was encouraged to get down low to check out the floor hatches – much better than hanging a camera over the side!

Under DH-4 rear cockpit by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

De Havilland DH-4 Century Aviation (Washington)/TVAL built reproduction, 50th Aero Sqn, AEF ZK-DHA. Engine Liberty V12 400hp.
First Flight 09/11/2014

More photos here.

When you look at the Nieuport, you really have to hand it to the guys who flew them in combat. The Fokker Dr.1 doesn’t quite look so scary!

Yes, the Nieuport 11 is small, even next to a Fokker Dr.1 (here also with Camel and Fokker D.VII replicas)

TaurangaCA140126_4095flr by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Dont forget, sesquiplane, for downward visibility by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

TaurangaCA140126_4232flr by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

My best in-flight photos of it are actually at non-Masterton events – it has travelled to other shows quite a bit.

Nieuport 11 replica, J Pfeifer built in USA, as Ni. 2123 Sgt Alvaro Leinardi 80a Sqd, Italian Air Service ZK-NIM. Engine Le Rhone 80hp.
Per On the Wings of History

N.2123 was one of the 646 N.11s built under licencse by Maachi.
…
The emblem on the fuselage was based on the Italian version of the ‘Happy Hooligan’ comic strip, in which the character was called ‘Fortunello’ (Lucky)

Great stuff. I never realised the Nieuport was so damn small!

Thanks for posting these great shots Errol.

What an amazing collection.

Looking at the BE2C made me smile, as I live fairly close to St Catharines Ontario.

Andy

For whatever reason, the Canadian city has an a in the middle, while nearly all other instances of the the saint in question listed on the Wikipedia disambiguation page have an e in the middle (as does ZK-CBE). Does anyone know if the original presentation aircraft had the e spelling, or did TVAL introduce it? I assume that TVAL had at least a reference photo or two to base the scheme on.

Thanks for the encouragement folks.

Next up, Avro 504K

Avro 504K swing by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

and the reproduction B.E.2c (late production)

Running reproduction B.E.2c by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

B.E.2c late model first public disply by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Avro & B.E.2c by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

First public display for the B.E.2c-1L (that’s TVAL’s designation).

Absolutely stunning thread! Thank you so much!!!

Jim

Super thread, Errol!

The April Flying Weekend had variable weather. Saturday started ok, but closed in after a moderate amount of flying. The rain had stopped by the time I arrived on Sunday morning, and improved throughout the day.
First flight was Dan Pezaro in the first S.E.5a

S.E.5a preparation by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Running the S.E.5a by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

S.E.5a reproduction below the grey by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

R.A.F. S.E.5a TVAL Reproduction as F5690 No.29 Sqn ZK-SEV. Engine Hispano-Suiza 8 180hp.
First flight 26/03/2007
Presentation text reads:

“Wanganui”
Presented by
Mr E.R. Jackson
Wanganui
New Zealand

Thanks very much. These are superb photos of a superb collection (thinks…I must get there one day).

And it was a lovely day for flying, even if the barn doors attached to the front of some of the types makes the photography a bit of a challenge at times.

Original B.E.2f fires up by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

B.E.2f ambling by by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

S.E.5a replica returns by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a TVAL Reproduction, as No 40 Sqn RFC/RAF Capt GH Lewis, ZK-SEO. Engine Hispano-Suiza 8 180hp.
First flight 05/05/2008
The three S.E.5a reproductions built were used in the WWI AV presentation for the Australian War Memorial

Fokker D.VIII chasing Camel replica by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Fokker D.VIII banks by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

There was an excellent discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of the D.VIII/E.V during the April flightline walk, the handling challenges were well covered by two current pilots!

Bebe lines up by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Nieuport goes for the D.Va by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Bebe belly by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Albatros D.Va as Josef Mai’s machine by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Albatros D.Va TVAL reproduction, 5284/17 Jasta 5 Vfw J Mai ZK-DVA. Engine Mercedes D.III 180hp.
First flight 28/10/2009

Sopwith Triplane, RAF S.E.5a, Airco DH.5 by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Visibilty contrasts on DH.5 by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Airco DH.5 US-built replica, A9242 No.68 Sqn RFC/No.2 Sqn Australian Flying Corps Lt Morrison ZK-JOQ. Engine Lycoming O-320 150hp.
First NZ flight 22/03/2005 – a regular airshow performer.
Represents a presentation aircraft “New South Wales No14 Battleplane Subscribed & Collected By Women of New South Wales”

I actually left this event early, as it was hot and I had already seen everything that was able to be flown. There is a nice cafe outside the fence at the sea end of Wellington Airport, it was nice to chill and plane-watch after a leisurely (for a change) drive over the Rimutaka Ranges.

Is the DH 4 a repro of a British built example, or a one of the Liberty powered US built
DH-4’s ?.

US-built, I have photos from April to come.

As you may have noticed, the sky was much clearer for February. Indeed the reported temp was 32degC, and we were standing on a white concrete pad. Sensible steps were taken…

Shade and a leaner – sweet! by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

There’s a wee downside with the DH.5

Scott likes to conscript pilots for Flightline walk by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

TVAL recently shared the history of the aircraft that the latest B.E.2c represents

Our latest BE2c is finished in the markings of 2612 of 16 Squadron. It was a presentation aircraft sponsored by St Catherine in Ontario, and was declared missing on 1 June 1916.

16 Squadron formed at St Omer on 10th February 1915 from flights of No. 2, 5 and 6 Squadrons, using various aircraft until it was issued with BE2cs in February 1916.The squadron marking consisted of two bands around the fuselage on either side of the cockade. These were black on clear doped aircraft and white on the later PC.10 cover ones. 16 Squadron was re-equipped with R.E.8s in May 1917.

B.E.2c wing centre by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Instructs in shiny new T-6 Texan II’s for a day job, relaxes with canvas and wire.

TVAL_Feb16_9279flr by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

John Lanham talks about the flying by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Swinging the Camel replica’s prop by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Refuel underway by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Passing Tiger Moth by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

This staff car is often on display at the Flying Weekends, and has been used at Classic Fighters airshows at Omaka.
I don’t know anything about its history – it might be a movie prop.
Update: TVAL have since mentioned on Facebook that this is a Stoewer Staff Car.

German staff car by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

VVIP visit by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

And a bonus – the owner of this Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 1913 Alpine Drive drove it down to show us.

Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 1913 by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Is the DH 4 a repro of a British built example, or a one of the Liberty powered US built
DH-4’s ?.

Bob T.

Having this as a Diary thread is a great idea! That way I can contribute too…even if I’m standing right next to Errol for some shots! So please forgive any double-ups. Copy-and-pasted from my November visit, originally elsewhere:

This weekend was the first of their monthly Flying Weekends, an opportunity for the public to check out the collection and for the pilots to get current again and practice displays for future airshows. Previously they would have afternoon mini shows with structured programmes every other month in summer, but that has been replaced by these much less formal affairs.

The wind was too bad for much to fly on the Saturday, but I still went away happy. I saw one of the aircraft I was hoping to – the original Hanriot HD.1 – but unfortunately the newbuild Airco DH.4 is having engine issues so wasn’t seen outside. One of the pilots told us there are also two Fokker Eindeckers in the works. Exciting stuff!

This is the unassuming public hangar from the carpark. They have two other hangars onsite (that I know of) but cameras are forbidden there and entry is by invitation only.

And when you walk in this is what greets you:

The aforementioned Hanriot, a 1918 original and a sweet-looking little number:

The original Be.2f restored by the late Stuart Tantrum. This is the oldest DH-designed aircraft flying anywhere. She turns 99 next year:

The Be.2c – I love the skids.

The very lovely new Be.2, subtype and rego unknown to me. There were three Be types present, there is a Be12 repro but that was hidden away.

These three flew on Saturday along with an Se.5a. The DH.5 is the only representative example anywhere, the Tiger Moth is used for training pilots for the collection, and the new-build Albatros D.Va has a lovely-sounding original Mercedes up front.:

The Nieuport XI performed an engine run while a friendly pilot – whose name I missed – explained everything we were seeing and hearing.

Then John Lanham (former RNZAF Canberra and Skyhawk pilot) took seven of us on an informal flightline tour, letting us get up close and personal (and unlimited photo-taking opportunities) as well as educating us on type histories and what each is like to fly. It sounds like the Bebe is a delight, likewise the Se.5a, whereas the E.V/D.VIII is a tricky little so-and-so.

Unlike the TVAL mini-airshows of the past, the two resident WW2 fighters stayed put in the hangar. Both are smaller up close than I remembered! It was great to have a close-up look at them and pay silent tribute to them both. They are former RNZAF machines and for a while were the only airworthy examples from our wartime force – we had 424 Corsairs and 297 P-40s, now there are two and four respectively still flying. Some forumites may recognise these as being former OFMC machines.

And finally, the people. I recognised a handful of pilots including Bevan Dewes (youngest current WW1 pilot – he’s not yet 25!), seen here topping up the D.Va with oil while Keith Skilling (known for his Corsair and Mosquito displays) guides him. There were a number of ground crew around also, but the pilots all doubled as crew anyway so it’s hard to know who’s who!

So while yesterday was the flying day by all accounts, I still had an excellent day on Saturday. I totally recommend coming along to one of these should you find yourself in New Zealand.

:applause: Lovely ,Thank you

Really enjoying this thread. Thanks for taking so much time to post the pics and commentaries.

The BE12 is absolutely gorgeous – just lovely to see. Thanks for sharing.

My goodness these machines are absolutely stunning!
I love the shot of the IPAD holder 😉

I also love that the trainer for flying these is a Tiger Moth.
Makes sense really. No brakes, tail skid, basic stick and rudder stuff.
I have my own Tiger, so, where do I sign up!

Loving the thread folks. Thanks for all the great shots.

Andy

Especially nice surprise number 2 at the February event was the LVG C.VI reproduction.

French-built LVG C.VI reproduction for TVAL by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

LVG C.VI Memorial Flight (France)-built reproduction for TVAL ZK-LVG. Original Mercedes Benz engine.
Was test flown in France (F-AZVE), not yet flown in NZ Correction, TVAL Facebook reports 5/5/16 that test flying is nearly complete.

It was parked on the grass in front of the viewing area. Again, the flightline walk allowed different angles.

Scott presents TVAL LVG C.VI by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

LVG C.VI upper wing connections by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

LVG C.VI wings by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

TVAL LVG C.VI rear cockpit by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

LVG C.VI map by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

LVG C.VI observer MG by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

LVG C.VI by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

Having this as a Diary thread is a great idea! That way I can contribute too…even if I’m standing right next to Errol for some shots! So please forgive any double-ups. Copy-and-pasted from my November visit, originally elsewhere:

This weekend was the first of their monthly Flying Weekends, an opportunity for the public to check out the collection and for the pilots to get current again and practice displays for future airshows. Previously they would have afternoon mini shows with structured programmes every other month in summer, but that has been replaced by these much less formal affairs.

The wind was too bad for much to fly on the Saturday, but I still went away happy. I saw one of the aircraft I was hoping to – the original Hanriot HD.1 – but unfortunately the newbuild Airco DH.4 is having engine issues so wasn’t seen outside. One of the pilots told us there are also two Fokker Eindeckers in the works. Exciting stuff!

This is the unassuming public hangar from the carpark. They have two other hangars onsite (that I know of) but cameras are forbidden there and entry is by invitation only.

And when you walk in this is what greets you:

The aforementioned Hanriot, a 1918 original and a sweet-looking little number:

The original Be.2f restored by the late Stuart Tantrum. This is the oldest DH-designed aircraft flying anywhere. She turns 99 next year:

The Be.2c – I love the skids.

The very lovely new Be.2, subtype and rego unknown to me. There were three Be types present, there is a Be12 repro but that was hidden away.

These three flew on Saturday along with an Se.5a. The DH.5 is the only representative example anywhere, the Tiger Moth is used for training pilots for the collection, and the new-build Albatros D.Va has a lovely-sounding original Mercedes up front.:

The Nieuport XI performed an engine run while a friendly pilot – whose name I missed – explained everything we were seeing and hearing.

Then John Lanham (former RNZAF Canberra and Skyhawk pilot) took seven of us on an informal flightline tour, letting us get up close and personal (and unlimited photo-taking opportunities) as well as educating us on type histories and what each is like to fly. It sounds like the Bebe is a delight, likewise the Se.5a, whereas the E.V/D.VIII is a tricky little so-and-so.

Unlike the TVAL mini-airshows of the past, the two resident WW2 fighters stayed put in the hangar. Both are smaller up close than I remembered! It was great to have a close-up look at them and pay silent tribute to them both. They are former RNZAF machines and for a while were the only airworthy examples from our wartime force – we had 424 Corsairs and 297 P-40s, now there are two and four respectively still flying. Some forumites may recognise these as being former OFMC machines.

And finally, the people. I recognised a handful of pilots including Bevan Dewes (youngest current WW1 pilot – he’s not yet 25!), seen here topping up the D.Va with oil while Keith Skilling (known for his Corsair and Mosquito displays) guides him. There were a number of ground crew around also, but the pilots all doubled as crew anyway so it’s hard to know who’s who!

So while yesterday was the flying day by all accounts, I still had an excellent day on Saturday. I totally recommend coming along to one of these should you find yourself in New Zealand.