Whatever the results of the hand wringing about the name of the dog or the action that code represented – and I believe in historical accuracy as far as is possible, if the film is produced it shall be down to the personal interest of Sir Peter Jackson. It will be screened in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. As there are no US subplots, romance, aliens etc, the film will be released in the USA but I would say to little at the box office. Don’t think it will be a big hit in the Rhur Valley, no Russians or Japanese involved in it and the French I believe won’t care ! If it does get a release – and I for one hope that it does – it is because Sir Peter believes in the project and not a return. No use going off in high dudgeon late at night with sore fingers from blasting out comments on the forum about this particular thread, our individual or even collective opinions aren’t worth hell or beans, it is only the opinion and determination of Sir Peter that may see this project to fruition in whatever form with whatever he considers to be suitable.

Yes K5054NZ, that is he, TVAL pilot, owner of a “Royal” Chipmunk and obviously shy and retiring as he is NOT looking straight at the camera ! And why not too ? If I were doing that I wouldn’t call the King my uncle. I am very happy for him having the opportunity to do some work with ARCo while he is in the UK. IMHO what you see there is part of the future of NZ vintage and historic aviation.

mike currill, Thanks for the vote of confidence. Would love to ‘do’ it again. Absolutely fantastic experience.

Piston, Agree with what you say. That aircraft’s history cannot be changed but just perhaps there may be someone who has read this thread who may someday be involved in such a venture who could perhaps give some pause to the “organisers” to ensure the survival of another machine somewhere else. That said, there is no antidote to stupidity.

Mike J………… There is an old saying about “Take care what you say before a wall as you cannot know who may be behind it..” Same applies to this Forum as you do not know what expertise those members have. In fact I have about 30 years in moving aircraft at various times, mostly warbirds, in all sorts of situations, and am aware of the problems in moving submerged or mud/sand filled aircraft…. and I have some experience with PBY structure. That move was as botched as it could possibly have been and I too subscribe to mikeeepannell’s theory about the movie guys or possibly the local authorities getting involved. Have seen the results of getting people who know nothing but “Big Machines” getting involved in moving a virtually complete B.25 that landed on an old clay pan, filled over the years with silt and then was torn apart by idiots and the pieces left there with a casual “Oh well….”

This was totally botched…….could not have been worse

I can feel the vibe building through the thread for the Legends show. A very BIG year this year, possibly neer to be repeated. Just hope the weather Gods are smiling that weekend.

Loved John’s display at Omaka…….. for me (perhaps I am strange) the Mk.V sporting that huge Vokes filter and the Mk.24

Contact Temora Aviation Museum. Have a look at http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au for details. The Avon was lighter and also needed relocation in the fuselage for C of G. Some 60% of F.86 changed in Avon Sabre fuselage.