Classic Wheels and Vintage Wings

Battle of Britain Hurricane P3717 "SW-P" in September FlyPast Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 15:25:00 +0000

Hello, Everyone:

The full feature article on the Battle of Britain and WW II history and restoration of Hurricane P3717
"SW-P" is now published in the September edition of FlyPast magazine. Please pick a copy up at your favorite book/magazine seller's or order a copy from Key Publishing.

I hope you enjoy it!

Dave

ALERT - Watch Out for Stolen Collector Cars

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:41:00 +0000

Hello, all:

This post is going to be short. Please watch out for 7 stolen cars from a location in Florida. 6 are 1960s Mustangs (2 Fastbacks-1 1965 and 1 1966, 2 S-Code- 1 1967 and 1 1968, 1 1969 Cobra Jet, 1 1969 Super Cobra Jet) and 1 is a very very nice 1961 Chevy Impala SS 409/4-speed. The owner is a friend from Brazil and the cars were taken from a storage facility in Florida. The owner has bills of sale to support his claim and he is on his way to the USA to open the police report. I wouldn't be surprised if some or all of them come to market at an auction, eBay, or Kijiji or Craigslist at some point in the near future.

1965 Mustang Fastback – Body shell only VIN 5F09C288923

1966 Mustang Fastback VIN 6F09C213411

1967 Mustang Fastback S-Code (390) VIN 7R02S158487

1968 Mustang Fastback S-Code (390) # Vin 8F02S177558

1968 Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet VIN 9R02R153275

1969 Mustang Super Cobra Jet/4-speed VIN to be confirmed

1961 Chevrolet Impala SS409 VIN 11837B132265

If you have seen the cars or have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Update: 75th Anniversary Tribute to the Royal Air Force - Iconic Battle of Britain Hawker Hurricane Set to Return to the Air Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:34:00 +0000

Update: the Hurricane nears flight testing now and certification. If you have any questions regarding the aircraft, restoration, and purchase details, feel free to leave a comment and I will reply quickly.

In addition to P/O W.M.C. Samolinski, the regular pilot assigned to this very Hurricane during the fateful summer of 1940, it was flown at least once by RAF ace John (Percy) Greenwood, who identified the aircraft identification number in his RAF pilot logbook during a telephone conversation.

Articles on the restoration of ex-253 Squadron Hurricane P3717/DR348, its history, and more appeared in issues of Warbird Digest and the September 2013 edition of FlyPast magazines.

Our Warbird TV YouTube Channel

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Hello, everyone! I'll keep it brief. I hope you are having a fanstastic weekend. Here are a few of the videos I have posted on YouTube from the various airshows, events, and flying days I have attended. Have a look and I hope you will enjoy them!

If you enjoy the videos and want to see more as they are uploaded from time to time, subscribe to my YouTube channel, Warbird TV, at http://www.youtube.com/user/WarbirdTV

Battle of Britain Hawker Hurricane P3717 - Fresh Restoration to Airworthy Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:55:00 +0000

The aerial savior of Britain and incredibly adaptable to duties ranging from interception to ground-attack, anti-shipping and anti-tank roles, Sydney Camm's Hawker Hurricane is without doubt one of the most effective and heroic combat aircraft of World War II. It marked a number of significant firsts for the Royal Air Force, including its first monoplane fighter to enter service, the first with 8-gun armament, and the first to exceet 300 mph in level flight.

The Hurricane prototype, K5083, just prior to its maiden flight in 1935.

The Hurricane performed yeoman service in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, in which it accounted for the most air-to-air victories of the Battle. The Hurricane went on to bolster the air forces of the USSR on the Eastern Front through Lend-Lease, and it was highly regarded by the Soviet pilots and crews for its toughness, effectiveness, and all-around capabilities.

Wonderful wartime (1942) image of Hurricanes under construction.

Incredibly few Hurricanes remain today, with estimates numbering 11 or 12 in airworthy condition. Of those, only a few of the remaining examples were British-built by Hawker, with most of the survivors being license-built in Canada by Canadian Car & Foundry. Most survivors, while having trained combat pilots and served as coastal patrol aircraft in Canada, do not carry significant combat history, either.

The Hurricane offered here, RAF number P3717, is a wonderful exception with full and unbroken provenance from new, as confirmed by the British Air Ministry Form 78 and confirmed Battle of Britain combat history. According to the RAF Squadron Combat Report, this Hurricane and its pilot were part of a scramble to intercept a large number of German bombers and their Bf 110 "Zerstorer" escorts. The pilot of this Hurricane, Pilot Officer W.M.C. Samolinski, was part of a two-flight formation scrambled to intercept the German raiders. In a wild 20-minutes from scramble to return to Kenley, Samolinski attacked two Bf 110s and sent one down smoking and another heavily damaged. While he silenced both Bf 110 tail gunners, the Hurricane was so badly damaged by their return fire that P3717 had to be returned to Hawker for a complete rebuild. When it was complete, P3717 was upgraded to Mk II standard. In May 1942, the Hurricane was sent to the USSR, where it was recovered in 1990. Sadly, P/O Samolinksi died at the controls of another Hurricane on either September 26 or 27 1940, depending upon the source used.

The Hurricane on offer in a late stage of expert restoration to airworthy condition.

A full restoration to certified airworthiness is almost complete now, and the Hurricane will return to the skies in tribute to all who defended Britain during some of its darkest days in 1940. It is now being offered for sale on behalf of its caring owner, and marks an incredible opportunity to own and operate a true artifact of living history. Its importance cannot be overstated and P3717 is accompanied by unbroken provenance from new supported by British Air Ministry Form 78), expert airworthy restoration, and Battle of Britain combat history. Feel free to contact me via email at davidneyens1@gmail.com for further details and to discuss its availability and pricing.

Update: Wings Fitted April 21 2013

If you want to learn more about restoring and operating a Hurricane fighter and what makes it tick, check out this affordable Haynes manual!

Here is an image and brief flypast video of another Hurricane in action (below), and I hope you will enjoy them!

A Hurricane in flight during a low pass at the Tillsonburg Municipal Airport, taken Summer 2010 at one of the Canadian Harvard Association's wonderful Flying Days. This particular example was from Ed Russell's Russell Aviation Group.

Seeking Harry Miller Marine and Aircraft Engines

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:12:00 +0000

Portrait of Harry A. Miller

While this blog has admittedly been pretty (OK totally) car-heavy for quite a while, this post is a perfect combination of the Wings and Wheels theme I have been trying to balance here.

To legions of racing and classic-car enthusiasts, Harry A. Miller is best-known today for designing and building the dominant American racing cars of the 1920s, with his products renowned for their precision and sheer artistry to match their dominating performance. His growing reputation during the immediate pre-World War I era, along with that of his right-hand man, Fred Offenhauser, who could somehow bring the vision of Harry Miller to fruition, meant that Miller Manufacturing was a logical choice to supply engines to the nascent aircraft- manufacturing industry of the era.

Silas Christofferson, possibly at the controls of his Tractor (front-engine) airplane of 1914 or 1915.

In fact, the first Miller-designed and built engine was indeed an aircraft engine - a single-overhead cam inline six-cylinder unit - commissioned by pioneering West Coast aviator Silas Christofferson and his brother Harry. Powerful, lightweight, and providing an extremely small frontal area essential to good aerodynamics, the engine Miller and Offenhauser created for the Christoffersons was an engineering masterpiece. Unfortunately, the death of Silas Christofferson following his accident in another aircraft powered by different (non-Miller) engine brought the promising engine program to a halt.

While Miller and Offenhauser were extremely busy during the 1920s as the engine and chassis builders of choice for anyone serious about winning races, several other aircraft-engine and marine-engine designs followed that initial unit built for the Christoffersons. In typical Miller/Offenhauser practice, all were extremely innovative in their respective designs and very powerful.

While all of the Miller aviation engines are somewhat enigmatic, much like Harry Miller, the one constant was their unfulfilled promise, given sufficient development time and effort.

On behalf of a private client, I am now seeking information on the whereabouts of the known Miller aircraft engines listed below. They are described in the definitive Mark L. Dees book, The Miller Dynasty:

1. The 638 C.I. inline six-cylinder engine built circa 1915 for the Christofferson Brothers.

2. A 352 C.I. inline four-cylinder engine with a single-overhead cam built circa 1916. It is likely several examples of this engine were built.

3. A 1,414 C.I., 60-degree V-12 built in 1917 for military aircraft.

4. A 300 C.I. "flat eight" with horizontally-opposed cylinders built circa 1928. This engine was air-cooled.

5. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Harry Miller was involved in some designs for aircraft engines that we do not believe were ever built. He was also working on the 510 engine for Preston Tucker and his famous Tucker automobile, which was eventually ditched in favor of the Franklin flat-six helicopter engine.

If you or any contacts know of the whereabouts of any of these Miller aircraft engines, please contact me, David Neyens, at davidneyens1@gmail.com.

I am also seeking Miller marine engines with qualified buyers with checkbooks open!

Famous Boeing 767 "Gimli Glider" - To Be Offered at the Toronto Spring Classic Car Auction!

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:25:00 +0000

Boeing 767 C-GAUN, ex-Air Canada 604 by the current owner at Mojave, CA

While long renowned for offering classic, exotic, and high-performance cars at the Toronto International Classic Car Auction, the largest and longest-running event of its kind in

Canada

, Dan Spendick’s Collector Car Productions will offer something completely different on Sunday, April 14.

World-famous and a Canadian icon in its own right, this ex-Air Canada Boeing 767 jet airliner flew into history in July, 1983 as Air Canada Flight 143 when it ran out of fuel at 41,000 feet and silently glided in for an epic emergency landing at Gimli, Manitoba’s decommissioned Royal Canadian Air Force base. All 61 passengers and eight crew survived; only a few experienced minor injuries while using the rear emergency-exit slides. The feat is historic as it is believed the longest successful power-off glide of a jet airliner ever undertaken.

Photograph taken of C-GAUN in the familiar old Air Canada livery in 1987 by photojournalist Gary Hebbard.
Copyrighted photo by Gary J. Hebbard. All rights reserved.

Now best-known as the "Gimli Glider", the 767 is set to be auctioned on April 14 following a video presentation at the Toronto International Spring Classic Car Auction, presented by Dan Spendick's Collector Car Productions.

Image of C-GAUN by Alan Radecki, publisher of the excellent Mojave Skies blog, taken following arrival of the 767 at Mojave, prior to removal of the distinctive Air Canada livery.

According to the current owner, the 767 can be prepared for a delivery flight anywhere in North America at the buyer’s expense. While acquisition of a jet airliner like this 767 may seem outlandish to some, several examples of this highly successful airliner have been converted into luxurious executive transports for private use by business and sporting executives. Among them are Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and Roman Abramovich, owner of

England

’s Chelsea Football Club.

Now, this historic and colourful Boeing 767 can be yours! For further information or to make bidder arrangements, contact Dan Spendick’s Collector Car Productions.

Wonderful amateur video of the "Gimli Glider" departing Montreal's Pierre Trudeau airport en route to Mojave, California on January 24, 2008. Both pilots Pearson and Quintal, plus most of the cabin crew from the famous 1983 flight were on board for the 767's retirement flight.

These last two images are also courtesy of the aircraft's owner.

For Sale - Bronze Sculpture by Noted Belgian Artist Jean-Michel Folon...And Now For Something Completely Different!

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:54:00 +0000

When I started my online odyssey in late-2009 with an aviation enthusiast's website/blog, I could not have foreseen the wonderful items I've been able to help market on behalf of their owners.

The wonderful bronze sculpture offered here is a perfect case in point - 'La Fontaine aux Oiseaux' (The Bird Fountain), by the late Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, who passed away at age 71 in 2005.

The item offered is 1 of the 2 made, and the mold was destroyed after they were created. What's particularly interesting about this bronze is that you've likely seen the the sister bronze 'La Fontaine aux Oiseaux' many times, as it stood for many years in the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo, facing the Grand Casino and right across from the Hotel du Paris and Cafe du Paris from 1994 until 2007, when Prince Albert had it installed at the Place de la Visitation, nearer the palace.

The 'La Fontaine aux Oiseaux' that is now available was purchased in 2003 by a friend of the current owner directly from the artist Jean-Michel Folon, after being introduced to him the same year. Since then, the sculpture has been stored, still in the crate, and warehoused since he bought it. A selection of photographs follow, showing this whimsical and wonderful bronze sculpture after its partial removal from its wooden crate.

Specifications of 'La Fontaine aux Oiseaux' (The Bird Fountain):

Material: Bronze
Dimensions:
Statue Height: 80 inches (6' 8")
Base Height: 10 inches
Base Width: 82 inches (6' 10 ")
Arm extension with the bird: 36 inches (3 feet, the extended arm with bird reaches to near the edge of the base.
1 of 2 cast
Cast has been destroyed

There were three additional bronzes by Mr. Folon called 'La Fontaine aux Oiseaux' as well, but they are a different configuration. All, needless to say, are beautiful, fully-functioning water fountains.

The sculpture on offer is the only one in private hands today.

There is a museum dedicated to Folon, the Fondation Folon located in the Domaine Solvay park at La Hulpe, Belgium in the Ferme du Château de la Hulpe, where more than three hundred of his works are exhibited (watercolors, paintings, sculptures, engravings, objects, posters and illustrations).

See the following Pinterest page with more examples of Mr. Folon's artworks: http://bit.ly/1h0cgFH

Biography of the Artist:

Jean-Michel Folon’s connection with the New York City Art and Cultural community, with whom he experienced his first international success, began circa 1960 with the artist’s work beginning to enjoy major public exposure when he sent drawings to various magazines including Horizon, Esquire and The New Yorker, which published them without having yet met Mr. Folon. By 1967, Fortune and Atlantic Monthly continue to publish his drawings in the United States, and Time publishes 4 covers over subsequent years.

Mr. Folon’s prolific career included book illustrations for Ray Bradbury and Franz Kafka, as well as decades of successful exhibitions in Belgium, France, Italy, Japan, Monaco, the USA and elsewhere. Mr. Folon’s artistry evolves throughout his remaining years, including paintings and sculptures utilizing a variety of materials.

Mr. Folon was a noted champion of world peace, the environment, child welfare, and other social causes. For Amnesty International in 1988, he illustrated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, published in the 6 official UN languages, prefaced by Javier Pérez de Cuéllar. In 2003, he was appointed a Unicef ambassador, and the President of the French Republic decorated him with the Order of the Légion of Honor at the Elysée Palace.

Mr. Folon passed away in 2005 at age 71. His strong connections and success in America, particularly the 1960s in New York, where he first gained international prominence, as well as his unwavering commitment to social causes, ensure that the wonderful legacy of Mr. Folon and his connection to the New York and American art scenes remain most significant today, and his message and artworks will certainly remain meaningful and relevant, inspiring our future generations by his exemplary creativity and kindness to all humankind. Serious interested parties only are invited to contact me regarding this wonderful offering privately via email at davidneyens1@gmail.com.

Sold - WW II Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 Engine

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:43:00 +0000

: Left-hand view of the Merlin in its wooden cradle, including view of supercharger.

To most historic airplane and military history buffs, the Rolls-Royce Merlin requires no introduction and it remains one of the most successful, best-performing, and historically significant powerplants of all time. The power source of the best-performing and highest-scoring aircraft in the Royal Air Force arsenal, the Merlin adapted itself exceedingly well to a number of types including the Hawker Hurricane, the Supermarine Spitfire, and the highly effective, multi-role De Havilland Mosquito. Later versions also powered the Avro Lancaster, the best RAF heavy bomber of the war. Early Merlins also powered some less-successful RAF types of the early war years, including the Fairey Battle light bomber that was savaged by the Luftwaffe at the Battle of sedan in France and the Boulton Paul Defiant, the turret-only figthter that became Messerschmitt fodder after a brief streak of success in 1940. The Merlin was license-built by Packard during WW II and when the engine replaced the Allison V-1710 V-12 in the P-51 Mustang airframe, the US Army Air Corps finally had the high-performance, long-range fighter aircraft it desperately needed to escort the B-17 and B-24 heavy bombers it operated from England.

With Canadian factories safe from Axis attack during the war, large numbers of military aircraft were produced in Canada, including the Merlin-powered Hawker Hurricane, which was built at Canadian Car and Foundry in Fort Erie, Ontario and used across Canada for advanced training and home defense, particularly along Canada's vast and rugged coastlines. Merlin-powered Fairey Batlles were also a mainstay in wartime Canada under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) and mainly employed training bombardiers, air gunners, pilots, and target towing.

This recently discovered Merlin is a fairly early Merlin III with a single-stage supercharger, according to representatives of the Canadian Air and Space Museum. An important evolution of the Merlin, the III or Mk III as it is alternately known, was capable of operating on either 87- or 100- octane aviation fuel and was rated at either 1,030 hp or 1,310 hp. It is understood that the engine likely originated from a Hurricane. It was found in a long-forgotten automotive shop and 18 years had passed since the owner died before the building was acquired by the current owner for redevelopment. The engine appears to be quite complete and remains equipped with the supercharger, nose case, propeller shaft, and ancillary systems.

: Front view showing nose case and propeller shaft.

: Right side view - showing completeness of the Merlin.

: View of firing order and Rolls-Royce patent plates.

: Image of single-stage supercharger and ancillary systems.

The Merlin is to be sold by sealed bid very soon on Friday February 3 2011. Let us know if you have interest and we can discuss bidding arrangements and terms and act on your behalf as bidder's agent in the Merlin's sale.

Go Vintage Racing! FOR SALE: Ex-Frank Williams Racing Brabham BT21 Single-Seater

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:35:00 +0000

To even the most casual of today's racing fans, Formula 1 World Champion constructor Frank (Sir Frank) Williams requires no introduction. This 1967 Brabham BT21 is one of his early racing cars, campaigned during 1967-1968 during the early era when his roster of drivers included Piers Courage and Jonathan Williams.

From introduction, Brabham's BT18-derived BT21 Formula 3 and B car was a success, winning its first race at Brands Hatch in the hands of Derek Bell in 1966. Its early competitive career continued through the late-1960s/early 1970s and the model was an early mount of eventual and highly colorful 1976 Formula 1 World Champion James Hunt.

This very special machine is Chassis 36, well known to Brabham enthusiasts as one of the 50 BT21s produced. It was originally delivered to Frank Williams Racing and campaigned circa 1967-1968 during the Piers Courage/Jonathan Williams era in European Formula 3. Next, it was sold to Canada and airfreighted via Air Canada to the new owner, Gordon Munro of Victoria, British Columbia on September 18, 1969. A Bill of Sale from Frank Williams Racing to Mr. Munro accompanies the sale of the car. It is also reported that this car went on to become the Canadian Formula B Championship winner in 1970 or 1971, but I am still searching for confirmation.

During the early 2000s, Chassis 36 received an exhaustive restoration and a complete engine rebuild by noted classic racing specialist Tony Garmey in Washington State, USA. It is currently located in New Zealand and powered by an 1,800 cc Lotus Twin-Cam with over 200 hp on tap.

While the 1,800 is larger than the original 1,600 cc MAE, the car is described by the current owner as a "screamer" that is highly competitive in vintage racing and capable of producing quicker lap times than some more powerful competitors. The BT21 is one of the most desirable and usable Formula cars from the tube-frame, non-wing era of the mid-to-late 1960s. As offered, Chassis 36 features period FWR livery and is ready to race, highly competitive and a great link to the early years of the eventual Formula 1 World Champion manufacturer, Sir Frank Williams.

Nice period image of eventual F1 World Champion driver James Hunt (at the wheel of a different BT-21) giving chase to a Lotus during his early racing career at Brands Hatch.

Group of Historic 1950s and Early-1960s Coopers + 1 1960 Scorpion FJ FOR SALE

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:41:00 +0000

Here is something that is sure to excite vintage racing fans worldwide - the offering of a single group lot of 1950s/early-1960s single-seat racing cars. The 1960 Scorpion Formula Junior car and a 1961 Cooper T56 Formula Junior, a 1957 Cooper T41 Formula 2, and a 1957 Cooper T43 are offered as one single group lot and for the right price, a Cooper MK IX 500 cc Formula 3 car, perhaps the seminal early junior-level monoposto, is also available.

Here are more specifics on the cars:

1. 1960 Scorpion FJ, fully restored, DKW 1100cc 2-stroke, excellent history -1 of 9 built and 1 of the 6 built with DKW engine.

2. 1961 Cooper T56 FJ with 1100cc BMC engine, 5-speed Jack Knight gearbox, car previously owned by Ivan Glasby in NSW, Australia. 1 of 22 built.

3. 1957 Cooper T41 F2, 1500cc SOHC FWB Climax engine plus original FWA 1100 cc block, car currently under restoration and basically complete except for gearbox. 1 of the 4 examples built in 1957.

4. 1957 Cooper T43 1640cc DOHC FPF Climax engine, ERSA 4-speed gearbox. Car recently restored.
Note: The T43 was designed for both F1 and F2 racing for the 1957 racing season and debuted with a "works" entry at Monaco with Jack Brabham. Most notably, Stirling Moss (later Sir) drove a T43 for Rob Walker to victory at the 1958 Argentine Grand Prix, the first World Drivers' Championship race ever won using a rear-engined car. The T43 soldiered on until the 1960 Italian Grand Prix, and it was replaced by the T45.

5. Cooper Mk 9/IX F3, 500cc engine.

The cars are presently under single ownership and are correct and very well-maintained by a well-known vintage racer and a true enthusiast. Chassis numbers, pricing, and photographs will be made available upon request.

Back to Market: Cool 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Pro-Touring Convertible

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Paul Sontrop

Based on a handsome second-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass, this restored and tastefully modified convertible from 1970 has been transformed into a striking and luxurious pro-touring muscle car. Shaved emblems and moldings enhance the clean lines of the laser-straight body, featuring a wet-sanded Chrysler 300 Cool Vanilla finish, topped with classic black 442-style hood and rear-deck stripes. New chrome, a top-quality Haartz cloth convertible top, a Pearl White top boot, 20-inch five-spoke KMC rims, and new rubber complete the exterior package.

Photo Credit: Paul Sontrop

The rebuilt “Rocket” 350 V-8 breathes through a new Flowmaster dual exhaust system and is mated to a rebuilt THM 350 automatic transmission. Hotchkis suspension components, including front and rear anti-sway bars and rear lower control arms provide superior handling, along with a new set of front and rear shocks. Braking is upgraded with new SSBC 2-piston front calipers.

The interior is trimmed in new Pearl White seat covers from Year One and equipped with front bucket seats, an Oldsmobile centre console, a solid wood-rimmed steering wheel, new white-faced Dolphin gauges, and a high-end custom JL Audio stereo system. Billet Specialties window cranks complete the interior details.

Photo Credit: Paul Sontrop

A complete and integrated package combining the best classic and modern features, this 1970 Cutlass pro-touring convertible has travelled only an approximate 5,100 miles since completion and benefits from excellent care. It shows and performs great with the right sound, the right stance, and captures attention wherever it goes. As the commercial used to say, “Oldsmobile…Escape from the Ordinary!”

Photo Credit: Paul Sontrop

This stellar pro-touring Cutlass was purchased by a new owner when it was offered at auction at the Toronto Fall Classic Car Auction on Saturday October 22, 2011. It will again be available for bidders, along with hundreds of other great automobiles, at the upcoming Toronto Spring Classic Car Auction, presented by Dan Spendick's Collector Car Productions. Sale dates are April 4-5-6, 2014. For further event information, visit http://www.ccpauctions.com/.

Launch of Our New WarbirdTV YouTube Channel!

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 01:36:00 +0000

I've just set up our new WarbirdTV YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/WarbirdTV. Subscribe for free, and receive the latest posts.

Here are a selection of some of our best clips from the 2010 airshow season:

Sold: Messerschmitt Bf 109 "Lake Find" (Part Two)

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:03:00 +0000

Last post, I left off with the last combat action of Messerschmitt Bf 109 410077 and its Spring 1944 descent into the frigid waters of Estonia's Lake Swiblo. Almost 50 years later in 1990, it was raised to the surface and recovered by a group of Russian aircraft enthusiasts who worked at a small Moscow company called "Retrotechnika", who upon recovery, transported it to Moscow. Copies of newspaper articles documenting the recovery (in German) are with the aircraft and one is shown below.

Around 1990-1992, the Bf 109 was moved to Tuchino AFB in Moscow and stored. Soon after, it came to Georgia, USA and was offered for sale on the warbird market by Ben Kolotin of a firm called "Kolair". The plane was then purchased, along with an earlier Bf 109 G-2, parts of another G-6 and several wings, by noted collector the late Ed Zaleski of British Columbia, Canada, who passed away in 2009. According to Mr. Zaleski's son Mark, the aircraft and components were stored in Washington State, USA.

Next, the aircraft and parts inventory was sold by Mr. Zaleski to Mr. David Prewett of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, who purchased the aircraft in 1999 for restoration, moving it from Canada to Australia. Over the next few years, Mr. Prewett acquired two spare engines, comprising one DB 605 cylinder block, crankshaft and connecting rods, as well as an assembled, detailed and very complete (possibly overhauled) DB 605 engine. The overhauled unit is remarkably complete and highly detailed, including a turbo-supercharger and fuel-injection plumbing.

Propeller hub assembly and five prop blades, with two mounted for the photo. Note the assembled DB 605 V-12 within its cradle on the left, the spare DB 605 cylinder block, and the aircraft's original, battle-damaged DB 605/601 engine to the right.

A view of the overhauled and impressivley detailed Daimler-Benz DB 605 inverted V-12 engine.

Original, battle-damaged DB 605/601 V-12 engine (DB 605 engine block, DB 601 cylinder heads). Note damage to cylinder block, exposing cylinder sleeves. Parts of valvetrain visible as well.

The spare DB 605 engine block. Cylinder liners/sleeves are not in place, providing a rare glimpse into the internal structure.

Spare DB 605 crankshaft, appearing fresh from the machine-shop.

Carefully boxed spare DB 605 connecting rod assemblies.

The airframe of the Bf 109 is incredibly preserved. Restoration was begun under Mr. Prewett's ownership of the project, most evident here at the windscreen framing and firewall.

The wings retain their original Luftwaffe cross markings. Original windscreen framing and upper cowling seen as well. The black sqauarish item underneath is the aircraft's original fuselage-mounted fuel cell.

Main fuselage section, wing and wingtip.

View of the impressively restored cockpit, with instrumentation, controls and restored/refabricated forward cockpit canopy section.

Closeup of the instrument panel.

Upper engine cowling, with ducts for the twin machine-gun barrels and "blister" fairings for the machine-gun breeches.

During his tenure, Mr. Prewett also accumulated an amazing amount of documents, including blueprints, workshop manuals, parts catalogues, technical drawings, and more. These documents cover all systems of the aircraft, including the Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine. Some have been translated to English.

Today, The airframe, engines, parts inventory and documentation are carefully stored within two standard-size shipping containers under climate-controlled conditions. All parts and components are fully cross-referenced to a detailed spreadsheet inventory list. It is hoped that this aircraft will eventually be restored to airworthy condition or restored for static museum display. It is also an impressive static museum display piece “as is”, and could provide a wealth of original parts and data to assist with another restoration.

Parts Inventory:
Airframe as recovered
2 RH type F wings
Pair engine mounts
Pair undercarriage legs and mounting brackets.
Bomb /belly tank mounting frame
DB 601 engine badly damaged
Parts subsequently acquired over the years
DB605 engine
DB 605 cylinder liners
Centre and rear cockpit canopy
Windshield frame
Main wheels and tail wheel with tyres
Port side brake assembly
Tail wheel strut
Wing flap
Supercharger intake
Supercharger and oil pump
Complete instrument panel
Seat base
Electrical panel
Mother compass
Oxygen regulator
Oxygen mask
Undercarriage hydraulic cylinder
10 x cowl latches
Fuel and oil caps
Magneto
Relay assembly for magneto
External power socket
Battery mainswitch
2 x hydraulic pumps,
Primer pump
Firewall hydraulic units
Generator
generator regulator
2 x oxygen bottles
rudder pedals
Electric starter motor
Fuel injection pump
12 Fuel injector nozzles
24 spark plugs
2 coolant tanks
Radio Antenna
New "old stock" bolts studs and circlips
Umformer- inverter for artificial horizon

Technical Information
Engine workshop manuals
Airframe drawings
Parts book, "K" version, Tragwerk rechts
Parts book, "K" version, Tragwerk links
Parts book "K" version Rumph, fuselage
Parts book "K" version Triebwerk, engine systems, attachments and cowlings
Parts book G1-G6 version, fuselage, landing gear,fuel systems, cooling systems, hydraulic systems, control systems.
Parts book G1-G6 version, engine attachments and systems, armaments, radios.
Parts books F/G-G2 similar to above.
Ersatzerliste Fur DB 605A/B, Engine parts book
Einspritz gerate fur DB flugmotoren
DB 605A/B flugmotoren handbuch (English)
DB603 flugmotren handbuch
Reparatur anleitung DB605A/B, engine repair manual.
Einbau-mappe fur den DB605A/B flugmotor, engine repair manual
DB601E-G, 603 A-F 605A-C, flugmotoren Schlosser, engine repair manual.
G2 G6 Flight manual, translated from Finnish into English.
German Aircraft standards 1920-1939.
BF109G1-K4 engines and fitting (English)
BF109G2-G6 flight manuals (translated from Finnish to English)
BF109G2 Electrical . Finnish State Aircraft Factory.
F1-F4 Teil 8A Schubwaffenlage (armament) MG17/FF & 151
G5 Teil 8A Schubwaffenlage MG151 -2x 131
G6U4 Teil 8A Schubwaffenlage MK108-2x131
G6U4 Teil 0 Allgemiene angaben
G3 Teil 9D Bordenfunkanlage (radio) FuG16-17-25
G3 Teil 0 Allgemeine angaben
G3 Teil 0 Beheift 1
G5 Teil 0 Allgemaine angaben
G5 Teil 7C, GMI anlage, nitrous oxide.
K4 Teil 9B Electriches bordnetz
Wiring schematic derived from Finnish G2

Battle of Britain - 70 Years After

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 02:19:00 +0000

Friendlier foes today, two of the main antagonists of the Battle of Britain thrilled crowds at Tillsonburg Municipal Airport this past July at an event hosted by the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association. The Hawker Hurricane, Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-3 and a Supermarine Spitfire MK IX (not pictured here) are all owned and operated by the Russell Aviation Group.

Seventy years ago during the summer and early fall months of 1940, one of the most titanic military struggles in history took place, where England and her Commonwealth stood alone in the face of the seemingly endless German advance throughout Europe. While desperately needed supplies were shipped by naval convoys from the United States, Canada and elsewhere, the USA was still officially neutral and would not enter the war for nearly another one-and-a-half years. After the fall of France and the miraculous evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk, the German invasion of England, code-named "Operation Sea Lion", was soon to be launched. Prior to any planned invasion, though, the Royal Air Force first had to be neutralized.

During the 1930s, growing German expansionism and belligerence spurred the development of air-defense radar and a long-overdue modernization of the RAF, particularly its inventory of fighter aircraft. The Sydney Camm-designed Hawker Hurricane led the charge, marking a clear evolutionary step in aircraft design and gaining fame as the RAF's first operational monoplane fighter and the first such aircraft capable of exceeding 300 mph in level flight. Reginald Mitchell designed the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, with its distinctive elliptical-shaped wing and even greater speed capabilities. Mitchell died shortly after seeing his Spitfire prototype, K5054, make its first test flight, but it was soon readied for RAF operational use. Both fighters were powered by the powerful and reliable Rolls-Royce "Merlin" V-12 engine, and both planes bristled with eight 0.303-inch Browning machine guns.

While many sources have portrayed the RAF as lacking in defensive capability at the onset of the war in 1939, current studies have made a very convincing case for Fighter Command's remarkable readiness for the defense of England's airspace in 1940. At any rate, while historians will argue their points, the fact remains that by maintaining remarkable aircraft production rates and having the "home field" advantage, where downed RAF crews and aircraft could be quickly recovered and sent back into the battle, the RAF was rather well-positioned to intercept the masses of attacking Luftwaffe aircraft.

In addition to the many airshow displays and ceremonies marking the 70th Anniversary of the Battle this year, one of the finest ongoing tributes, in my opinion, has to be the fine work of Mr. Tony Rudd, with his "Battle of Britain Day By Day" blog, and Mr. Rudd is to be commended for this deceptively large undertaking. Comprised of daily posts and weekly recaps, with free e-mail notifications of each new entry, Mr. Rudd's blog conveys the urgency of each stage of the Battle, with the daily weather observations, RAF aircraft strength and production totals, succinct commentaries of each day's actions and many other items of great interest to history buffs.

Covering the Battle, which spanned the first air battles over the English Channel convoys on July 10, 1940 and ending with the Battle's transition into the devastating night Blitz on October 31, Mr. Rudd's blog is a great resource and a reminder that if we do not observe and learn from our history, we are only doomed to repeat it. A WW II Mosquito navigator who saw action with the 2nd Tactical Air Force and who was himself shot down late in the war, Mr. Rudd, who joined the RAF in 1942, is uniquely qualified to write about the Battle, given his personal experiences during the era.

Today, Mr. Rudd's team includes Dr. Zoe Bagley, a professional researcher and historian who also served for a number of years at the RAF Museum at Hendon. Mr. Rudd also credits his son-in-law, Mr. James Dunford Wood, for his efforts in the creation, updating and maintenance of the blog itself. Mr. Dunford Wood also has a unique perspective, given that his own father was also a WW II RAF veteran, with the DFC to his credit. In addition, Mr. Rudd is assisted by Ms. Harriet O'Grady.

For students of the Battle, and for a very rare glimpse into the RAF's daily operations and the important work carried on by all personnel serving in England's defense, I wholeheartedly recommend you visit the Battle of Britain Day Bay Day blog at http://battleofbritainblog.com/ and sign up for the remaining daily updates as well.

Editor's note: While the Battle of Britain was truly "The finest hour", as British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill so eloquently stated, my editorial stance is to discuss the events in as even-handed a manner as possible, with the utmost respect to all combatants who served their countries. Having grown up with and having had the immense honor of meeting and knowing personnel from both sides of the conflict, there is no other choice. I only wish I had taken the time to talk to them in greater depth and to have helped them tell their own stories, in their own words. Therefore, Mr. Rudd's efforts are highly valued and valuable to us all today, and to our future generations.

A scene that could have come from a WW II-era British Commonwealth Air Training Plan aerodrome, taken on a rainy July 24th at the Tillsonburg Municipal Airport. The Hurricane was the RAF's most numerous single-seat fighter during the Battle of Britain and downed more Luftwaffe aircraft than all British defense forces combined. Hurricane C-FDNL is one of more than 14,000 Hurricanes ultimately produced. It was manufactured here in Canada originally as a MK IIB by Canadian Car & Foundry in Montreal, Quebec, and soon after, it was upgraded to MK XII standard.

It is one of a number of Hurricanes that were scrapped after the war, but fortunately, it was recovered by Brantford, Ontario's Jack Arnold in 1984 and eventually made its way to England. After being restored by Charles Church, the Hurricane was first flown in September 1991. During the Battle of Britain the Hurricane destroyed more enemy aircraft than all other air defense forces combined.

One of several Hurricanes recovered from a scrap heap by Jack Arnold of Brantford, Ontario in 1984, P2970 eventually ended up in England. After being rebuilt by warbird restorer Charles Church, it made its first post-restoration flight in September 1991. It was then acquired by David Price in 1991 and shipped to California, where it was reassembled and operated from Chino from April 1992. The Hurricane was acquired by Mr. Ed Russell of Ontario on July 28, 2002. Since then, it has provided a wonderful living mermorial to "The Few".

Squaring off against the Hurricanes and the less numerous Spitfires of the RAF, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 set the standard for the new generation of all-metal, monoplane fighters that appeared beginning in the mid-1930s. It was relentlessly developed, improved and combat-hardened in the Spanish Civil War of the late 1930s into one of the world's most-feared fighters. Compact, agile and powerful, the Bf 109 (Bf = Bayerische Flugzeugwerk) was the brainchild of Willy Messerschmitt during the early 1930s, and a development of his Bf 108 Taifun (Typhoon) sportplane design. Over 30,000 examples were produced, and local variants including the Spanish-built Hispano Aviacion HA-1112 Buchon (with Rolls-Royce Merlin power) and the Czech-built Avia S-99 were made post-war. Considered by most to be the world's first truly modern fighter aircraft, the Bf 109 forever relegated biplane fighters to the history books.

This incredible and very airworthy Bf 109, currently and appropriately registered C-FEML (the "EML" letters are short for "Emil", the name by which Bf 109 Es are commonly known), was originally built as an E-1 model and then it was later upgraded to E-4 specifications. A fantastic restoration by the UK's noted Craig Charleston to airworthy standards, it also holds the distinction of being the sole E-model Bf 109 in the world that is powered by a Daimler-Benz DB 601 V-12 engine. It is also believed to have been flown on several occasions during the Battle of Britain by Hans-Joachim Marseille, the legendary "Star of Africa" who achieved a victory tally of 152 aircraft before his death. Among his early victims was an RAF Spitfire he downed over the Thames Estuary during the Battle of Britain. Accordingly, it is presently finished as "White 14". On September 2, 1940, the aircraft suffered a forced landing on the beach at Calais-Marck, France, and after recovery and repairs, it was used on the Eastern Front and later abandoned in the former Soviet Union.

The Messerschmitt was eventually recovered from a swampy area in the 1990s, shipped to the UK and restored by Mr. Charleston for prior owner David Price. On January 14, 1999, it arrived in Chino, California, where it received the DB 601 engine and after approximately 50 hours' flight time, it was purchased (believed 2002-Editor's note) by its current owner, Mr. Ed Russell of Ontario, Canada, who displays it regularly at several venues, among them the Tillsonburg Municipal Airport.

Both the Hurricane and the Bf 109 were photographed by the writer on July 24th at Tillsonburg's Municipal airport, which has also become the "de facto" hub of Canadian warbird activity, being the home of the renowned Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association and its restoration and maintenance facilities. My thanks to the CHAA, the Tillsonburg Municipal Airport staff, and of course, Ed and Fran Russell.

Avro Lancaster Bomber Flypast (Over my home, that is)

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:56:00 +0000

En route to an airshow in Windsor, Ontario, the majestic Canadian Warplane Heritage Avro Lancaster heavy bomber (one of only two in flying condition) flies directly over my home.

Usually, I go off in search of aviation history. This past Friday morning, aviation history came to me. At approximately 10:30 am, I was thrilled to hear the unmistakable sound of the Candian Warplane Heritage Avro Lancaster MK X heavy bomber en route to an airshow in Windsor, with its four 1,620 hp Rolls-Royce 'Merlin' V12 engines thrumming away mightily.

This Lancaster is one of some 7,300 examples produced, including 400 at Malton, Ontario's Victory Aircraft, which later became Avro Canada. There, Canadians proudly built the respected CF-100 "Canuck" all-weather fighter and the legendary but ill-fated CF-105 "Arrow" interceptor that continues to be shrouded in mystery.

Poignantly, the "Lanc" is finished in tribute to Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski of RCAF 419 (Moose) Squadron, which was attached to Group 6 of RAF Bomber Command. Mynarski, the only member of Group 6 to earn the British Commonwealth's hightest honor, the Victoria Cross, lost his life on the night of 12/13 June 1944, when his bomber was shot down by a Luftwaffe night-fighter. As the Lancaster plunged earthward, Mynarski remained in the aircraft and suffered severe burns while attemting to free the rear-turret gunner. Mynarski died of his injuries, but the gunner survived and was able to relate the story of Mynarski's selfless bravery.

Revisionist history (only in Canada, eh?) from our CBC aside, millions of young men lived, fought and died for their respective causes on both sides. Nearly as many factors motivated them into action. The overflight of the Lancaster caused me to stop and reflect for a moment and for this, I am grateful.

The CWH Lancaster, en route to its destination. A thrilling sight that I will never forget. Shortly afterward, I learned that my entire family also witnessed the fight of the Lancaster, while they were at swimming lessons in the next town west of our home!

Vintage Wings of Canada Curtiss-Wright P-40 N-1/Kittyhawk IV

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:28:00 +0000

Despite relatively overcast skies on Saturday June 26, Vintage Wings of Canada's Curtiss P-40 N-1 or "Kittyhawk IV" in the RCAF, flew in to attend the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association's Veterans' and Kids' Day airshow at Tillsonburg, Ontario's beautiful Municipal Airport.

Painted in the Desert Air Force colors of Wing Commander James "Stocky" Edwards, who is Canada's highest-scoring WW II "Ace" still alive today, the P-40 is the second-from-last such aircraft built at Curtiss-Wright's Buffalo, N.Y. pland in mid-1943. During its early days, the P-40 was One of 400 P-40N-1s loaned to the Royal Australian Air Force, assigned RAAF serial number A29-414 and squadron letters HU-Z. It also received pin-up girl nose art with the slogan “Come in Suckers”.

In 1944, it was flown by W/O Jim Harvey of the RAAF and sent 78 Squadron RAAF to defend the airfield at Tadji, Papa, New Guinea, which had shortly before been captured from the Japanese occupiers. On April 25 1944, HU-Z was damaged on landing, on account of the Japanese having bombed the airfield. Ths aircraft was damaged so badly, that it was bulldozed off the runway and into the surrounding jungle, remaining there until it was rediscovered in the 1970s and then recovered in 2001 by Australian warbird owner and restorer, Robert Greinert. The aircraft was moved to Australia and then sold to Pioneer Aero

Restorations Ltd. near Auckland,New Zealand and in 2001, its restoration commenced, using most of the original pieces from the wreck in New Guinea. Then, in 2006, the aircraft was sold to Vintage Wings of Canada and the restoration was complete.

Converted to two-seat configuration and resplendent in the colors of Canada's W/C Edwards, it is in magnificent flying condition today. Please see the recent video of it taxiing in to Tillsonburg below.

The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association-Bringing History to Life

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:26:00 +0000

Based at the municipal airport just north of Tillsonburg, Ontario, the all-volunteer Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) brings history to life with its fleet of six North American Harvards, as well as a DeHavilland Tiger Moth and a North American Yale. A fitting tribute to Canada's role in training Allied aircrews under the monumental British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) of World War II, the CHAA has grown from humble roots at a nearby grass airstrip in 1985 to Canada's premier site for the preservation, restoration and demonstration of these legendary aircraft that served to preserve the world's freedom. Most of all, the operations of the CHAA provide a true "living memorial to those who made the supreme sacrifice".

Numerous back-seat ride opportunities are available for members, providing the opportunity for you to experience these powerful aircraft first-hand. In addition, Harvard and Tiger Moth ground schools are held each spring for aspiring pilots, providing a great opportunity to begin flying these exciting warbirds. Qualified pilots can also obtain check rides in its aircraft and gain qualification in formation flying techniques to RCAF standards.

With fewer than 50 Harvards flying in Canada today, it is through the efforts of organizations such as the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association that we can learn first-hand of the duties performed by our aircrew during World War II, which led to the ultimate Allied victory. For more information on the CHAA, its activities and the many opportunities it offers, visit the CHAA website at www.harvards.com.

North American Yale C-GLJH, beautifully restored to period appearance and currently awaiting its Certificate of Airworthiness from Transport Canada.

Photographed on August 22 2009, this Harvard is nicknamed "Pussy Cat" and features a distinctive red acent to its engine cowling.

This MK IV Harvard, s/n 20436, taxies out for another exciting flight from Tillsonburg Municipal Airport. The nose displays the crest from Canada's CFB Moose Jaw, which remains a major Canadian aircrew training base to this day.

The Ultimate Warbird?

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:32:00 +0000

A pair of Sukhoi SU-27 UB (NATO codename: Flanker C) ex-military jets are currently available from Pride Aircraft in Rockford, Illinois, which is particularly noted for its Aero L-39 jet aircraft sales and support services. Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 1.8 and finished in standard Russian air superiority blue and gray camouflage, the Flankers are likely the most impressive warbirds available on today's aircraft market.

Both aircraft, serial numbers 96310418210 and 96310408027, were originally built in 1990 and 1988 respectively. They were overhauled by the Ukrainian aircraft overhaul facility in 2007-2008, reassembled and test flown before they were shipped to the United States aboard a huge Antonov AN-124 transport aircraft. The aircraft were barely used in their early days and today, they are virtually as-new and are completely demilitarized with all ordnance hardpoints removed. The cockpits are now retrofitted with a full suite of commercial-grade avionics and communications equipment with English labels, while retaining their zero-zero military-type ejection seats. Power is provided by twin Saturn AL-31F turbojet engines with afterburners, producing more than 27,000 pounds of thrust each!

Engine and afterburner tests have recently been completed, with impressive footage on YouTube. All that is required now is the right buyer. Aside from having at least $5 million available to purchase each aircraft, any prospective new owner will likely fit the profile of a high-time commercial pilot with extensive military training, an instrument rating and a serious need for adrenaline.

Pride Aircraft are careful to address security concerns by noting that while the Flankers are indeed extremely high-performance aircraft, they are "Fourth-generation" jet aircraft, which were designed, first flown and deployed during the late 1970s. As such, they no longer constitute "cutting edge" military and aviation technology, having been surpassed by such aircraft as the USAF F-22 Raptor. Nonetheless, one thing is certain - that no other civilian aircraft in the world even come close to offering the performance envelope and "thrill factor" of this pair of Flankers.

The editor wishes to thank Mr. John Morgan of Pride Aircraft Inc. for his assistance with this posting and for permission to use the photographs. Interested parties should contact Pride Aircraft at 815.969.7743 or by e-mail at Prideaircraftinc@aol.com. We will continue to follow this story for sales results as they develop.

Hawker Hurricane MK IIA P3351 Offered by Bonhams & Goodman, September 26, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:14:00 +0000

As one of only 11 examples of the legendary Hawker Hurricane remaining in airworthy condition today, this spectacular MK IIA occupies a truly rarefied place in the hearts and minds of warbird enthusiasts everywhere. As the first monoplane fighter in the RAF inventory, the Hurricane was first flown in November 1935, entering squadron service in 1937. At the onset of war in late 1939, the Hurricane was also the RAF's most numerous single-seat fighter.

Powered by the Rolls-Royce "Merlin" liquid-cooled V12 engine, the Hurricane offered high performance for the era, strong firepower from its battery of eight 0.303 machine guns, excellent maneuverability and gun-aiming stability, as well as rugged durability. In 1940, the Hurricane was significantly used during the Battle of France, the Dunkirk evacuation and at Narvik during the final stages of the Norwegian Campaign. However, the Hurricane will forever be remembered as the backbone of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, where it was particularly effective against Luftwaffe bombers and the Messerschmitt BF110 "Zerstorer" heavy fighter. Later in the war, the rugged Hurricane served as a fighter-bomber and when equipped with dual underwing 40-millimeter cannons, it was particularly effective in both the anti-tank and anti-shipping roles in North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Far East.

This particular Hurricane, P3351, was offered by Bonham's & Goodman in Australia on September 26, where bidding reached levels of approximately AU $2.1 million, which was just shy of the seller's reserve. However, Catherine Davison, Bonhams Motor Car Specialist, advises that post-auction interest in this historic aircraft predictably remains very high and an eventual post-auction sale is anticipated.

Originally built in 1940 by Hawkers at Brooklands and assigned to 73 Squadron of the RAF, P3351 survived the Battle of France and was one of just 18 RAF Hurricanes to escape from Dunkirk. It also served in the Battle of Britain, prior to being provided to the USSR following the German invasion. Damaged in combat and repaired several times, the Hurricane was finally brought down by anti-aircraft fire during the winter of 1943 in the Murmansk region of Russia. Remarkably, it remained there undisturbed until 1991, when it was recovered from the remote tundra. In 1992, it was purchased by Sir Tim Wallis and in 1994, the aircraft was shipped to New Zealand for a complete restoration to airworthy condition.

Restoration was particularly difficult, given the Hurricane's combination of metal, fabric and wooden construction, which was clearly not conducive to high-volume production. Nonetheless, the Hurricane was beloved by its pilots and maintenance crews for its ability to withstand extreme punishment in combat and bring its pilot back to base. This trait was greatly valued, of course, during the Battle of Britain, when there were precious few available fighters at the disposal of Fighter Command.

Once completed, P3351 formed part of the renowned Alpine Fighter Collection in Wanaka, New Zealand and was displayed at the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum when not being flown in air displays. Offered today with approximately 60 hours of total time since restoration, this incredibly rare warbird patiently awaits its next caretaker. We will provide updates as news develops.

Editor's Note: Many thanks to Catherine Davison, Bonhams & Goodman, for her kindness in providing information and images for this post.

Tillsonburg Wings and Wheels, Saturday August 22 2009

noreply@blogger.com (David Neyens) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:08:00 +0000

While the town of Tillsonburg, Ontario may be relatively small, it has gained national and international attention as the centre for the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, which restores, preserves and most importantly, operates many examples of the North American Harvard, known to our friends to the South as the T-6, AT-6 and Texan. In addition, the group is also the home to the North American Yale, which is similar to the Harvard, with fixed landing gear and a slightly less-powerful Wright Whirlwind radial engine, with 550 horsepower.

Both of these rugged and dependable aircraft were the mainstays of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada, which trained tens of thousands of pilots, navigators, bombardiers, air gunners and flight engineers, who went on to duty in Europe, North Africa, Italy, the Middle East and the Far East.

During the combined Wings and Wheels event on August 22, which hosted many visitors that braved intermittent thunder showers, the sight of the Harvards taking off in pairs was a welcome and wonderful sight.

In addition, the event was highlighted by the appearance of a Supermarine Spitfire MK IX and a Hawker Huricane MK II. While the Spitfire is certainly a rare sight in Canadian skies, the Hurricane, which is believed to be one of just 11 airworthy examples worldwide, is even more so.