Hood Aerodrome WW1 flying day

[GrahamB]

Hi All,

just a note to say that there is an Armistice Day WW1 flying show at Hood Aerodrome, Masterton, NZ this Saturday. I'm praying to the weather gods for a fine day especially as there are some interesting rumours/hints regarding some new aircraft for display. I'll post some photos - and I guess 'Jamo' will do likewise.

Cheers,

GrahamB

[buck toenges]

This reqest is probably too late but....
If that plane will be there could you possibly gather some info for us? Can you find out where the cg is on the plane? Could you find out what the static rpm of the engine? Could you find out the weight of the plane. Don't know if you have a chance to ask those questions but you will be closer to that plane then I.
Thanks,
Buck

[GrahamB]

Hi Buck,

I don't know about that one for sure, but probably. If it is there I'll do my best to ask someone who might know. Usually they have an information board in front of the aircraft when they are lined up before flying, but not necessarily with the particular details you are interested in!

Or, better, try contacting The Vintage Aviator Ltd directly: info@tval.co.nz

Cheers,

GrahamB

[buck toenges]

Grahamb,

I've tried that but it hasn't born fruit. My plane is very similar to theirs but they fly theirs and mine is still on the ground. What we really need to know is their weight and balance and what is their static rpm. We have been told that 1700 is their static rpm and we guess that the weight is about 2100lbs but we don't know for sure. If we can verify a few things that would help out with our plane. If it is possible to get somebodies e-mail that I could contact that would be great. So far the e-mail that is posted on their site hasn't been answered. By the way you can see our plane at photobucket.com/hippertDVII
Thanks,
Buck

[GrahamB]

Well, my offerings to the weather gods were clearly not acceptable and the northwesterlies were too strong and gusty for flying the WW1 aircraft although we had excellent presentations by a P40E and Harvard.

However, all the WW1 puppies were lined up, with two new additions: Sopwith Triplane ('Black Maria') and an Albatros DV - wunderbar! The latter, plus the FE2B, BE2f and Camel were fired up and did some slow taxying passes in front of the adoring crowds. Even Peter Jackson showed up.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow although Jamo will probably have some better offerings.

Buck - there is a private message for you.

Cheers,

GrahamB

[jamo]

Even with no full flights it was still great to see the The Vintage Aviator Ltd planes out on show. The new Albatros was a treat, decked out in Josef Mai's markings. It's not quite finished yet as some clued up folk will be able to spot, and I understand full certification from civil aviation authorities has not been completed yet. It has a Mercedes engine which I presume is an original, it sounded lovely to the ears, with Gene de Marco taking it for a taxi, purgling along - not at full throttle.

[Russell Smith]

Stunning! Just stunning! Thanks for posting these Jamo.

['14-'18aviationcollector]

Hi Jamo,

Yes, thank you very much for posting some photos of the Albatros! It certainly is fantastic to see such a beautiful replica almost ready for flight. It's a shame about the weather but thank you very much for posting some photos!

Regards,

David.

[TerryE]

What a beautiful machine. Did TVAL build only one?

Terry

[jamo]

The Vintage Aviator Ltd had their reproduction Sopwith Triplane at the airshow yesterday. This aircraft was started several years ago by Chad Wille of Corning, Iowa. Peter Jackson's 14-18 Aviation Trust purchased the partially complete aircraft and shipped it to New Zealand. Once here The Vintage Aviator was contracted to build wings, finish the landing gear, install the engine and basically complete the aircraft.

Here is a link to the feature article on the aeroplane from their website:

Sopwith Triplane Replica | The Vintage Aviator

Here are some photos I took: