An update on Des Delatorre's models

[Dave W]

As previously reported, forum founder Des Delatorre’s collection of built models are going to one of the finest WW1 aviation collections in the world – the 1914-18 Aviation Heritage Trust, for eventual display in the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough, New Zealand.

This is a small update to report that the models have all successfully survived their journey across the Tasman Sea and have arrived at Wellington where they are currently temporarily in the care of Wingnut Wings which has played a pivotal role in placing Des’ models with the 1914-18 Aviation Heritage Trust.

Dave Johnson,  Wingnuts’ Sales & Logistics Manager, flew to Australia to personally organise and pack the models for shipment to New Zealand.

He reports that apart from a few wayward rigging lines the models are all in good condition. They will now be photographed and catalogued before their eventual move to Omaka.

Our ongoing gratitude goes to Wingnuts' General Manager Richard Alexander and to Dave Johnson for ensuring Des' models find a permanent new home among a world class WW1 collection.



Dave Johnson checks some of Des Delatorre's models after their journey across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand.

Dave Wilson
Forum Administrator
Gold Coast
Australia

[mike in calif]

Sounds like a great start.There is a ton of early aircraft history there, which needs to be seen.

[rhwinter]

Wonderful! Thanks to all involved!!

[bobs_buckles]

Brilliant news, Dave 
Thanks for the update and thanks goes to WNW for all the great work they do - cheers fellas!

von B 

[miecio52]

Wonderful!

[kornbeef]

Brilliant, Des's work can still be an inspiration to many there now.

[Monty]

It does my heart glad to see this wonderful collection so cared for and going to the best home possible... Marc

[gedmundson]

That's great to hear. Thanks Dave.
Cheers,
Gary Edmundson

[pepperman42]

Thanks for all the work (but a bit tough seeing the birds leave the nest...) New home for a collection everyone can see!!

Steve

[Sosenka]

A good place for a good job. I liked.

[IanB]

That's fantastic news, I'm sure Des would be extremely proud to know his models where displayed there. Congrats to all involved.

Ian

[aliluke]

Great news. I'm off to Omaka next Friday but doubt that kits will be on display yet. The architectural firm I work for has the project to refurbish the museum (not sure of the scope yet) so I'll be leading that design which is sure to be fun! I'll keep you posted.

Cheers
Alistair

[mgunns]

Hats off and a tip of the pin to WNW, Richard Alexander and Dave Johnson for attending to this.  What  a fitting tribute to Des and his legacy.  This is first class all the way, and displays the care and conern by WNW for this great treasure of a model collection.   I am in awe and hold these folks in highest respect for doing this.  Words escape me other than a hearty U.S. Marine Corps Bravo Zule and OORAH for the effort.  Thank you so much as WNW is much more than a model company.

[xmald]

Glad to hear it, I think it is the best place to display Des` models I could imagine. Chapeau bas to Wingnut Wings for all the effort!

[coyotemagic]

Glad to hear it, I think it is the best place to display Des` models I could imagine. Chapeau bas to Wingnut Wings for all the effort!

My thoughts, exactly!  Perfect!  Thank you, WNW!
Cheers,
Bud