Just to add to this ancient thread, I heard today that Pacific Plywood of China has just secured the rights to cut a massive swaith of Papua New Guinea native forest to make into hardwood ply. I wonder what aeroplanes they might come across, and if they would care a jot about such historic items.

Well Dave, a friend of my brother was working up there in the late ’60’s. He said they’d come across several aircraft, including one with the pilot nearby, but they just bulldozed them out of the way to put in the logging roads……….:eek:

Sad to hear that Dave – still – he had a good innings, and age pulls us all down eventually.
He is certainly remembered.

Perhaps it will end up like NZ5648 – the FG1D Corsair, which was on loan to MOTAT in New Zealand. It was sold off, overseas, by it’s owner, to the consternation of many at the time, and many years and a full rebuild later returned to NZ, where it flies regularly, bringing enjoyment to many – which it wouldn’t have, if it was sitting in the corner of a museum display – similarly – Kittyhawk NZ3009!

Great!

Jboyle

Not my car – but similar LOL

Austin A50.

If you mean this private one…then post WWII original NZ service livery and very weathered.

Mark

They have a section of rear fuselage resplendent in grey/green camouflage – ex 487 Sdn I think – I’ll find a pic

One very experienced engineer I know doesnt think it is safe to use any wood from an original aircraft.

30 yrs ago I had a mate rebuild 2 DH Moth Minors using that same proviso. He basically stripped all the metal fittings etc, out and built all new wood airframes. He reckoned it saved his life at least once when mountain flying down around Queenstown and hitting severe turbulence, up/down drafts…..

What great footage.
My brother in laws father recently died, and in amongst his stuff he found a lot of movie film taken in the mid – late 50’s, including Cutlasses landing on a british carrier, in the med – not sure which one. He was Alan Mason, and normally flew Skyraiders, and then Gannets, but most of the footage was taken from helicopters, alongside.
I’m currently attempting to get him to get the film converted and posted up on You Tube….here’s hoping.
While we’re at it – can anyone identify this Gannet?