But… you do mention Hong Kong 9s….well we might be getting one of those too and an original Radio Flight example will be coming home next year.

I think I will have to more careful the next time I speak about new airframes. The internet at times can be a wonderful thing and then sometimes things or threads back fire on you. An example for me being the Hong Kong Auster 9. Perhaps I shouldnt have been so keen to write this thread – but then its regarding my favourite subject – will think twice before putting my fingers to the keyboard in the future.

It was discussed a number of times, but nothing has been ever made concrete about purchasing the airframe. We know that it is in Florida and is up for sale, but apart from going to see it, nothing has been done by any British based restorer/enthuisast as to buying her. Perhaps I too, like most people out there is keen to see it back, but as we all know money doesn’t grow on trees and I think we have enough to work on in the near future.

But you never know. I hereby apologise to all of those people out there that thought she was coming home, but as we speak, the airframe is staying in the States.

Work is still progressing well on the main subject of this thread and its now been registered as G-CEHR. Will try and keep you all informed of its progress and look forward to seeing photos of both her and the American based example in due course.

Best wishes,

Martin

Oh boy! This is great news, but which one? The RHKAAF had FOUR AOP.9s, WZ731 and XN407 which both crashed as ‘HKG-6’ and XN408 and XN410 which were ‘HKG-7’ and ‘HKG-9’ respectively. Didn’t think any survived?

Ummm to tell the truth, I dont know, but believe the airframe is currently in Florida. Its just a matter of somehow getting it to the other example which is in New York State and the shipping it over. One problem with this, is that a Tiger Moth is coming home too. Might be a bit of a squeeze.

Will let you know which one it is, when I see Richard next.

Best wishes,

Martin

Thanks DGH for the reply, its so much appreciated.

The reference to the blue colour scheme sounds very interesting (as does the rest of the information). We know that the owner at the time repainted the airframe nearly every year, as to the layers of paint that have been stripped off the control surfaces and so would love to see a photo of her in his scheme (well, any photo to be exact). I know its not a Spitfire, but it is a classic British aeroplane and I’m sure someone will at somedate be able to come up with the goods.

Thanks to all that have read and made contributions to this thread.

Best wishes,

Martin