TVAL have had heavy airshow commitments this season, including Avalon in Australia, Classic Fighters at Omaka and Wings Over Wairarapa, so their in-house flying displays have been informal, pilot training sessions rather than large public events. I reckon there would have been 50-60 people at the show, so it was a very friendly event. Sara, Scott and the pilots gave some outstanding commentaries, well worth it even for someone like me who has read widely on the subject. Click on the images to enlarge.
A new aircraft made its public debut: BE2c ZK-CBE which is finished in the markings of 2612, a presentation aircraft sponsored by St Catherine in Ontario, from 16 Squadron, 1916. Declared missing on 1 June 1916. 16 Squadron formed at St Omer on 10th February 1915 from flights of No. 2, 5 and 6 Squadrons, using various aircraft until it was issued with BE2cs in February 1916.The squadron marking consisted of two bands around the fuselage on either side of the cockade. These were black on clear doped aircraft and white on the later PC.10 cover ones. 16 Squadron was re-equipped with R.E.8s in May 1917. The observer's 'goal post' rear gun mounting is more properly the Mounting Aircraft, Lewis, BF No. 10, Mark 1.
Another gorgeous aircraft from the TVAL team, well done to everyone. I believe the engine is one of TVAL's new-build 90hp RAF 1a types.
During the day two SE5as and the DH5 replica performed fly overs at local ANZAC Day services in the Wairarapa.
The weather was absolutely perfect.
The first of TVAL's Albatros D.Va reproductions went up with the newer Albatros D.II
The Rolls Royce & Bentley Car Club paid a visit and there was a very authentic Bentley Blower reproduction which the owner kindly displayed on the field.
Two Bentleys looking gorgeous together
Some of the distance shots can be a bit challenging so I will call this one of the Sopwith Triplane 'stylised' or 'atmospheric'
Towards the end of the day Gene De Marco took the Sopwith Camel replica up. It is fitted with an original Gnome Monosoupape 160 hp engine which produces a huge cloud of castor oil when starting
Love the smell of castor oil in the evening
I love the ANZAC Day shows. The Autumn afternoon has a glorious golden glow as the sun sets.
Thanks for looking in. Is Hood Aerodrome on your bucket list yet?
Cheers
James
