She performed beautifully! Flown during the main displays by John Lanham, she was taken up for Friday’s Twilight Extreme show by Keith Skilling. Without a doubt this was the best Spitfire display I have ever seen. Starting by coming in from behind the crowd at around 100ft, it just got better.
There was a minor problem of some sort on Sunday meaning the first display had to be cut short, but it was only precautionary and the later dogfight with the Me108 went ahead as planned 🙂 There are some very fine videos of PV270 at the show on YouTube.
ZK-BFR/A1325 is a Be2f, with its original RAF1A up front. A surprisingly quiet machine! It was a real treat to see her on the field, I’d love to fly her. For those who hadn’t guessed, the cockpit shot in my first post is of ZK-BFR’s rear cockpit.
Here’s a link to YouTube, a video of the Be flying on Sunday.
And thanks Ryan, the 504K is indeed original, powered by a Gnome Monosupape – incidentally one of three engines fitted to her over her original lifetime. I also thought it was the AJD-built replica (which unfortunately met a tree in flight last year) due to the scheme, but one of the show pilots confirmed for me it was the original machine. The restoration was a 26-year labour of love for renowned restorer Stuart Tantrum, who flew her over the weekend. A stunning sight, and sound!
The Bristol is ZK-CPT, longtime gate guard for the local aero club. It arrived at the field in 1986 and hadn’t moved under her own power since then. It was only a year ago that the taxi project was initiated, a tribute to Al Marshall and his dedicated team of volunteers. I don’t think she served with the RNZAF, some research shows her to be ex G-41-366/EC-AHI/EC-WHI/G-AMRR.
The Ju87 was built for the 2003 airshow, but unfortunately made an unplanned, unmanned flight soon after due to high winds. A very hardworking team set about returning her to one piece, and we can expect to see a Jaguar V12 fitted to make her taxiable.
Latest PV270 pics
They are indeed protectors, customised even!
Brendon invited me over for a look-see yesterday, how could I refuse? 😀 He also gave me the go-ahead to post any pics the forumites may wish to see, so enjoy! I’m sorry for the large amount of pics, but these are the select few of the 150 or so I took that I felt were good enough to post.
I was left speechless, this honey is so original and accurate, it really is a true testament to Greg and the ITL team’s workmanship. This is a seriously good restoration. Even the reflector gunsight – not fitted here – is in full working order.
Engine runs in the coming week, and, barring any serious issues, flight VERY soon after dependent on pilot availability and weather. WOO!
Debut still planned for Classic Fighters at Omaka, Blenheim, over Easter April 10-12.
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