Author Topic: prop maker in NZ  (Read 1952 times)

Offline GrahamB

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prop maker in NZ
« on: April 09, 2014, 07:23:59 PM »
Hi,

just got back home tonight after having what was an almost surreal experience. I was taxying my wife to a meeting out in the sticks north of Wellington, NZ, and we got lost in the dark trying to find the venue (no GPS). We pulled off the highway into what seemed the right place (sheds behind a house was a clue) and parked outside a lit-up workshop in which I could see various wooden aircraft props on the walls and benches. Clearly the wrong place. Anyhow the owner soon came out to see who the unexpected visitor was and he invited me in to see the workshop, after I mentioned I was 'into' WW1 aircraft and modelling. He was Jeff Fox who makes props for, among others, Peter Jackson's Vintage Aviator company. On the bench was an original, large ,US-made DH4 Liberty prop being repaired, but also those from SE5s, BE2s, RE8s etc. What a place and character and pity we had so leave so quickly to get to our real destination.

Only in NZ..........

Cheers,

GrahamB

Offline Jamo

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Re: prop maker in NZ
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2014, 08:07:07 PM »
Yeah that is totally cool Graham. Amazing! I have heard there is a Liberty engined DH4 being made for the TVAL collection overseas.
Happy Modelling
James Fahey

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Offline GrahamB

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Re: prop maker in NZ
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2014, 06:02:30 AM »
Hi James,

Yes, so weird and unexpected! Perhaps we could arrange a visit? Jeff was very friendly and said I could turn up again - have beer  etc. I've seen that various groups (eg. Menzshed) have had 'tours' there. There is an adjoining 'shed' with even more amazing stuff..............

Cheers,

GrahamB

Offline TonyP

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Re: prop maker in NZ
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2014, 08:46:23 AM »
Hi Graham
We should catch up some time -- 904 6971
Tony Pritchard

Offline Jamo

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Re: prop maker in NZ
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2014, 06:11:40 PM »
Good idea Graham! Count me in for a visit. It would need to be weekends or between Easter and ANZAC Day?
Cheers
James
Happy Modelling
James Fahey

Check out my massive photo collection here: https://jamesfahey.smugmug.com/