Author Topic: TVAL flying weekend January 30-31st at Hood Aerodrome, Masterton, New Zealand  (Read 4964 times)

Offline Jamo

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Weather was rather overcast but light winds so good for flying. The format is quite informal as the main purpose of the event is to give the volunteer pilots some experience on different types of aircraft from the collection. Relatively few spectators, maybe 30-40?

As usual, click on the images to enlarge



Jess the FE2b night bomber was parked out in front of the flightline and looked majestic.





The latest Snipe was there looking very smart in it's post-war finish.









There are only two SE5a aircraft in the collection at present; one stayed in Australia after the Temora airshow and will probably remain.





The replica DH5 is an ugly little beast as a result of the reverse wing stagger.







The Sopwith Triplane replica has a slightly elongated nose profile due to the modern engine it is fitted with.





Next the BE2c (early) and the BE2f went up. This one of my favourite photos from the weekend featuring volunteer pilots Gary Yardley and Bevan Dewes.







They are very sedate flyers









The Fokker EV went up. Senior warbirds pilot John Lanham reckons it is the best dogfighter in the collection, but a bit underpowered.





The first Albatros DVa from TVAL, finished in Josef Mai's markings from Jasta 5 is an old favourite and reliable performer





Wind conditions were light enough to fly a Sopwith Pup



Notice the castor oil and exhaust staining under the fuselage







One of those rare photo opportunities when you happen to be ready at the particular instant in time



Long distance shot, a bit grainy





The first day ended a little early as some rain turned up



Next day, still quite overcast but good flying conditions

The Snipe flew - fantastic! It is quite a bit taller and heavier than the Camel and not as manoeuvreable. Originally intended as a long range escort fighter







It has a new build Bentley BR2 rotary engine





The little 80hp Le Rhone rotary on the Bebe makes a surprisingly lod noise when revved right up



Notice the pattern of castor oil splash on the undercarriage, wing and undercarriage





At the lunch break there was a very information walkarou





Notice the gap between the wing ribs and the radiator on the Albatros DVa:



The Hanriot didn't fly this weekend - maybe at the February show?



Albatros DVa starting up



Next there a major dogfight staged between five RFC types and the Alby

Taking off. Here is Bevan Dewes again, he is about the same age as the RFC pilots would have been. Not many bushy moustaches on those young chaps back then



A lot of moving PC10 in this shot



Another lucky shot



Jess' 100 year old Beardmore engine was reluctant to start so the 'stand in' FE2b was called up instead











Lastly the original Avro 504k went up. It still has its original 100hp Gnome Monosoupape engine. Awesome restoration!





'Artistic' shot taken through heat haze



Thanks to the good folk at TVAL for putting such a great event showcasing the collection, and to the volunteer pilots




Can't wait for the next flying weekend on 27-28 February.

Thanks for looking in

James
« Last Edit: February 06, 2016, 07:56:54 AM by Jamo »
Happy Modelling
James Fahey

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Offline Des

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Thanks again James for your usual magnificent collection of photos from the flying day, what a sight it must be to see so many WW1 aircraft all in one place then the added enjoyment of the sounds and smells of these old engines.

Des.
Late Founder of ww1aircraftmodels.com and forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

Offline dtomko

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James, those photos are amazing!  Thanks so much for sharing.

Drew

Online lcarroll

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     At definite risk of repeating myself, but Thank You so much Jamo for all you do in this regard. Your photos are very much appreciated, and of incredible quality. Such great stuff!!
Cheers,
Lance

Offline dr 1 ace

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James,  MANY THANKS !

Ed
Life is short, enjoy it, nobody gets out alive.

Offline Jamo

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I wish you guys could all be there with me, there would be so much joy! Truly it is the most fun I have in my life going there, so taking the photos and sharing them with you all is kind of best I can do
Happy Modelling
James Fahey

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

Offline gedmundson

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Thanks for the pics, James. It was a real treat this afternoon to browse through them. Wonderful photography, that overcast light makes for excellent pictures. Sure makes one want to visit New Zealand!
Cheers,
Gary

Offline uncletony

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Brilliant photos again, James. Thanks!

Offline dr 1 ace

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I wish you guys could all be there with me, there would be so much joy! Truly it is the most fun I have in my life going there, so taking the photos and sharing them with you all is kind of best I can do






When one travels down to see the collection and flying, which is the preferred date and Location. This or Omaka or ??

Ed
Life is short, enjoy it, nobody gets out alive.

Offline Jamo

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Hi Ed
The airshows at Omaka (Classic Fighters) in Blenheim (South Island) are every two years at Easter time and they are much bigger affairs with 20-30,000 visitors. The WWI component is only a small part of the total event and generally the original/more authentic aircraft will stay at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton due to wear and tear transporting them to Omaka and back. On these events you would typically see the replicas flying: Fokker Dr.I collection, Sopwith Camel, Nieuport 11, Fokker DVII, Pfalz DIII.

The TVAL flying weekends are held on the last weekend of each month from November to April (with the exception of March this year when TVAL will have aircraft at the Wings Over Wanaka airshow which is held every two years on the opposite cycle to Classic Fighters. This is at Hood Aerodrome, Masterton in the North Island. These are more informal events and the number of spectators is much less (<50). Only WWI aircraft fly at these displays. TVAL also have Open Hangar every weekend over the same period where you can have a guided tour and are free to get close and do your own photography.

The aircraft based at Hood are:
SE5a (2)
BE2c (early)
BE2c
BE2f
DH5
Sopwith Triplane
Sopwith Pups (2)
Sopwith Snipe
Albatros DII
Albatros DVa (2)
FE2b (2)
Sopwith Camel (2)
Bristol F2B
LVG C.VI (arriving soon from Memorial Flight in France)
DH4 Liberty engined (new, hasn't debuted publically yet)
RE8 (new, under construction)

If you use FaceBook look for The Vintage Aviator Collection https://www.facebook.com/thevintageaviator/

That is where the most up to date info is posted. A new website is due in the next week or so. The current version hasn't been updated for quite a while
http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/

Cheers
James
« Last Edit: February 08, 2016, 06:23:32 AM by Jamo »
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James Fahey

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Offline GAJouette

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 James,
Once again thank you for posting these awesome photographs here. If I may on the behalf of this the Greatest Forum in the Known Universes and those lesser known as well as our Official Photography Dude . Heavy title to bestow I know but the best that came to my limited imagination on short notice. Of course it also entitles you to be referred to as Our Man in Kiwiland as well. But in all seriousness you and your many works here are a supreme asset to all my old friend.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
" What Me Worry"

Offline Jamo

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[red face] um er thanks for all the feedback, especially Greg  8)
Happy Modelling
James Fahey

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

Offline Nigel Jackson

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Glorious, just glorious! Thank you so much James.

Best wishes
Nigel

Offline dr 1 ace

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Thank You  James !!

Most appreciate your reply with all the info !! Hope to meet you there someday.

 And I must echo the Greg's compliments also !!

Ed
Life is short, enjoy it, nobody gets out alive.

Offline Cimmerian

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Thank you for these wonderful photos.
Regards, Ken

It's not worth doing something unless someone, somewhere, would much rather you weren't doing it.”