Aircraft Recovery Group

Flensburg
August 2006


During the course of the Flensburg Airshow a Henk Korenromp paid us a visit. It turned out he is closely associated with the Aircraft Recovery Group based in Heemkerk , North Holland.

Their mission is: "To uphold the memory and the dedication of military personnel and civilian victims of the aerial war in the period between 1940 and 1945..."

To effect this mission they locate and recover the wreckage of aircraft downed over Holland during WWII. They then exhibit these artifacts together with their stories . The museum is the Luchtoorlogmuseum Fort Veldhuis.

I haven’t had the opportunity to visit this museum yet but I have paid a call at their website:

www.arg1940-1945.nl

Although the full version is in Dutch parts have been well translated into English. I found it fascinating as it helps brings to life those dark days in a way no other ‘media’ can.

There are no doubt other groups doing similar work and I’d be interested in any references and/or comments any of you may have.

Flensburg Airshow

Bordering Denmark and the beautiful Flensburg fiord, this is an attractive and atmospheric Airshow location. The show is held every second year and is a big event on the local calendar of activities.

This year, unfortunately, the weather gods decided not to co-operate and a wet, cold start to the day kept many spectators away. As it turned out the sun eventually broke through and an almost full flying program became possible. Too late to help the organisers – demonstrating the inherent risk in Airshow management – but at least it gave those spectators who persevered a show worth seeing.

Aerobatics and Wing walking supplied a wow factor; a Yak 11 provided the heavy metal.

But for me the real stars of the show were the classics: a beautifully prepared Beech 18 from Denmark, the lovely KZ IV also from Denmark (see my Stauning Blog), a magnificent 1936 Waco YKS-6 with an Alaskan history, a Beech Staggerwing, the Norwegian DC3 with a D-Day history and last but far from least a lovingly rebuilt 1933 Bucker Jungmann. It’s a privilege to see aircraft like this and sometimes it’s only after the event that you realise just what a privilege it was.

Off field and completely in keeping with all the European Air shows we’ve attended, the Friday night pilots’ party was a night to remember. Our minders, Maik and Stephen, arranged invites and I have to say that Kapt’n Kumos Marching Band turned on a memorable performance! All local music professionals, these guys and gals played a sort of German Dixieland (imagine, if you can, an oom pah pah version of When the Saints Go Marching In) that made your eyes water.

So that was Flensburg – I hope it can all be done again in two years time. Low gate takings this year and the only too typical debate between airfield users and Johnny come lately subdivision dwellers may dictate otherwise.

Let’s hope not – it would be a big loss.

M.O.G. Aviation Art

The MOG Aviation Art can now be purchased through our secure CafePress online store by credit card.
Our Aviation Art range will be expanding all the time with some exciting new NOSE ART works on the easel as we speak.

All works can be purchase in 4 formats:

Large Posters
Framed Prints
Mini Prints
&
Postcards (8 packs)

We are also keen for any suggestions of Aviation you’d like to see our artist create!
Just add a comment below and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Denmark and Aviation History

You may be surprised to learn that Denmark has a rich aviation heritage.

On September 12 1906 Jacob Ellehammer became the first man in Europe to make a powered flight. The location was the tiny island of Lindholm in southern Zeeland not that far from Copenhagen. Ellehammer was an accomplished inventor who came to his first powered aircraft via a motorcycle and engine of unique design.

Whilst there is no dispute that Ellehammer’s Sept 12 flight occurred.,there is controversy as to whether the ‘event’ actually qualified as a flight.
The aircraft was tethered and flew around a pole (over a distance of 140 ft and an altitude of about 1 – 1.5 ft) In the opinion of the Danish Flight Museum, Ellehammer’s flight cannot really be considered a true free flight, which leaves first European flight honours to either Trajan Vuia (France – Mar 18 1906) or Santos Dumont (France – Sept 13 1906).

But does it really matter? Those familiar with the early history of aviation will know that the annals are full of claims and counterclaims of ‘firsts’ but however you view these, you have to admire all those who tried and marvel at those who flew at all.

Which is a good point to further introduce the Danish Flight Museum. They aim to preserve Denmark’s aviation heritage from Ellehammer through to today and in doing so they intend to keep as many original aircraft flying as is possible. On display today are 48 aircraft, 17 of which are airworthy with many on regular Air Show duty.

There are many gems in the collection. My favourites are the KZ series of aircraft which were designed and built in Denmark over the period 1937 -1954. They are primarily sports or training aircraft built mainly of wood and canvas. Perhaps the most graceful of these is the KZ IV , a twin engined , twin tailed monoplane designed as an ambulance plane and used towards the end of the war by Swedish Count Bernadotte as a courier aircraft during peace negotiations. Only two of these craft were built and one still flies today as the museums flagship.

The museum’s and Denmark’s oldest flying airplane is a DH 87B Hornet Moth. This particular Moth was built in 1935 and first flew with the Kuala Lumpur Flying Club. If you’ve read Ken Follett’s book Hornet Flight you’ll appreciate both this aircraft and its location.

On the non-flying roster, a Hawker Danecock captures attention. This is a Hawker Woodcock modified to Danish specifications. Only 3 Danecocks were built (and only 64 Woodcocks for that matter) so, if like me you don’t have a ready recollection of the type its perhaps not surprising.

Turning to more recent times, the museum has only just opened a new hangar which houses a ‘cold war’ collection of aircraft that have served with the Royal Danish Air Force. These include a Republic F84F Thunderflash, a Mark 8 Meteor, an F86D Sabre and two mean but beautiful looking Draken F35s. Looking ahead, the museum has exciting plans to expand this collection, in fact some of the exhibits already have their display signs and allocated floor spaces! A Fairey Firefly is under restoration for viewing in 2009 but of possibly greater interest is a Republic F84G Thunderjet which rumour has it is being restored to an airworthy state by 2008.
Being a New Zealander its maybe easy to forget the intensity of the Cold War days of the 50s and 60s – not so for the Dane’s who were in the front line of those uncertain and trying times. This collection provides a thought-provoking memorial of that recent history.

As you will have gathered I think this museum is well worth making an effort to visit. And an effort you will have to make! The location is near the village of Stauning in mid Jutland. The nearest town of any size is Ringkobing and it’s about a 4-hour drive west of Copenhagen. If you are traveling with children the journey may not be that far off your itinerary – Legoland is close by.


The museum is open from May 1 to Oct 31. The best time to visit though is during July and August when they hold flying evenings every Thursday.

You can check out their website at http://www.flymuseum.dk - the main site is in Danish but there is a smaller English version. I’m assured this will be updated soon – just as soon as they can find the right volunteer!

M.O.G. 1941 Replica Solid Brass Zippo

This is an accurate replica of the great old 1941 Brass Zippo.
The M.O.G. log has been professionally engraved by the Zippo company in the U.S and reflects the traditional styling of bygone days.

Second World War fighter squadrons were often issued the windproof Zippo with their squadrons insignia on it.

The Zippo itself has history and reputation few companies can even compare too. You can read story after story online about their fascinating history.

We are very proud to now stock this great design success story. It is very possibly the perfect marriage of form & function. Zippo still, as it always has provides a lifetime guarantee on their wind proof lighters.

One of my favourite aspects of the Zippo is the look it gets over time after use. It’s just of of those beautifully weighted, nostalgic ,,,,,,,things.

Even the box it comes in is the traditional Art Deco packaging of the day. It really does makes for the perfect gift.

Tannkosh Airshow

Tannheim Airstrip
Tannheim
Bavaria
Germany
July 14 -16, 2006


During this hot summer weekend more than 1300 aircraft of all descriptions and from all over Europe, descended on the Tannheim airstrip for an annual festival of flying.

Billed as Tannkosh, the event pays its respects to its American inspiration – Oshkosh – and I imagine Tannkosh today is similar to what Oshkosh was in the beginning. A Fly In for flyers. There is no formal Air Show program as such – it’s more like a pilot saying I feel like doing my thing now and then doing it. And the performances exactly reflected the obvious enjoyment the pilots were having. Backing up the flying was a program of Workshops and, of course, a couple of awesome parties!

For me there were several memorable moments but the one that comes most to mind is sitting on the terrace on the Friday evening enjoying a fine Bavarian lager, talking with a flyer from Koln who had made the in bound flight in a home built that day, watching a graceful aerobatic display by an immaculately prepared Harvard. The only thing that would beat that would be flying the Harvard!

Tannkosh started in 1995, the brainchild and passion of the flying Dolderer family. It was Max Dolderer - who turned from farming to flying - who lay the foundations for the show 30 years ago by converting a field to an airstrip. Today Verena and Matthias Dolderer are in charge and are clearly keeping the tradition alive – the 1300 arrivals this year bettered last year’s numbers by almost 500.

As for the aircraft, it must be a plane spotters paradise, vintage, microlights, ultralights, powered gliders, warbirds and even a couple of gyrocopters. All beautifully prepared, all beautifully flown.

From a spectators perspective maybe the best day is Sunday when there is a constant stream of departing aircraft from virtually first light.

I imagine most will be returning next year and if you are interested you will be able to follow the build up at www.tannkosh.com. Or if you just want to go flying in a beautiful area with very hospitable hosts, check out http://www.edmt.de.

As they say at Tannheim, here’s to ‘blue skies and tailwinds’.

Tannkosh Airshow

Tannheim Airstrip
Tannheim
Bavaria
Germany
July 14 -16, 2006


During this hot summer weekend more than 1300 aircraft of all descriptions and from all over Europe, descended on the Tannheim airstrip for an annual festival of flying.

Billed as Tannkosh, the event pays its respects to its American inspiration – Oshkosh – and I imagine Tannkosh today is similar to what Oshkosh was in the beginning. A Fly In for flyers. There is no formal Air Show program as such – it’s more like a pilot saying I feel like doing my thing now and then doing it. And the performances exactly reflected the obvious enjoyment the pilots were having. Backing up the flying was a program of Workshops and, of course, a couple of awesome parties!

For me there were several memorable moments but the one that comes most to mind is sitting on the terrace on the Friday evening enjoying a fine Bavarian lager, talking with a flyer from Koln who had made the in bound flight in a home built that day, watching a graceful aerobatic display by an immaculately prepared Harvard. The only thing that would beat that would be flying the Harvard!

Tannkosh started in 1995, the brainchild and passion of the flying Dolderer family. It was Max Dolderer - who turned from farming to flying - who lay the foundations for the show 30 years ago by converting a field to an airstrip. Today Verena and Matthias Dolderer are in charge and are clearly keeping the tradition alive – the 1300 arrivals this year bettered last year’s numbers by almost 500.

As for the aircraft, it must be a plane spotters paradise, vintage, microlights, ultralights, powered gliders, warbirds and even a couple of gyrocopters. All beautifully prepared, all beautifully flown.

From a spectators perspective maybe the best day is Sunday when there is a constant stream of departing aircraft from virtually first light.

I imagine most will be returning next year and if you are interested you will be able to follow the build up at www.tannkosh.com. Or if you just want to go flying in a beautiful area with very hospitable hosts, check out http://www.edmt.de.

As they say at Tannheim, here’s to ‘blue skies and tailwinds’.

Kapfenberg Airshow

Kapfenberg Airstrip
Steiermark
Austria
July 7 -9, 2006

Combine Aircraft with Gliders and Model Aircraft, Beer Tents with a travelling Amusement Park, add a picturesque grass airstrip tucked away in the Austrian Alps and you will begin to get some idea of this Airshow.

Although the atmosphere was more village fair than serious Airshow, it was impossible not to get caught up in the fun of it all.

This was the 8th Airshow organised by the enthusiastic and energetic pairing of Herr Johann Siber and Karl Gosch. (Who I gather started this whole venture because it seemed a good idea at the time.) Entry is free; the crew are all volunteers as I think are the performers. The Red Bull Team with their Corsair, Edge and Apache added a professional touch, as did the Austrian Airforce with a fire fighting helicopter display.

The model aircraft contingent provided some eye-catching sequences with some Very Large Models, a Glider and Tug combination and several aerobatic displays – one of witch was done by a jet model and was particularly smooth. With the larger models it was difficult to tell you were actually looking at model and not the real thing.

But of all the performances, the one I really thought outstanding was a formation aerobatic display by a pair of Blanik gliders. It was very graceful and somehow seemed to capture the essence of flight. Hats off to the pilots.

Of course just being in Austria added a distinctive flavour – we ate quite a few schnitzels – and I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many ski fields!

I don’t think this Airshow will be on the circuit next year – I understand a much bigger affair is planned just up the valley. It will be worth looking out for if you are planning on being in that part of the world.

The Shuttleworth Collection

Old Warden Aerodrome
Biggleswade
Bedfordshire
England
May 20, 2006


This ‘Museum’ is everything an aircraft collection ought to be:

• Three of the oldest flying aero planes in the world including the worlds oldest airworthy aero plane – a 1909 Bleriot Type XI

• Most of the about 40 aero planes maintained in flying or at least taxiable condition

• A perfect country aerodrome setting complete with grass strip

• Frequent flying displays including evening performances – take a picnic – cucumber sandwiches, strawberries and champagne are ideal accompaniments

The weather was not the best at the time of my visit but they managed to get most of the 22 participating aircraft in the air.
It was great to see a Gloster Gladiator even though it was grounded with an engine problem.

A low level barnstorming performance by a couple of Miles Magisters and a Chipmunk was a first for me. The limbo act was a particularly amazing display of flying skills!

All up this place has to be near the top of Must See aero sites.

Duxford AirSpace Airshow

Imperial War Museum - Duxford
Cambridge
England
May 21, 2006


Duxford – one of the RAF’s oldest fighter bases, home to the USAF’s 8th Air Force during WWII and now the American Air Museum, home also too The Old Flying Machine Company and The Fighter Collection – a true Mecca for all air enthusiasts.

The weather on Air Show day was about as bad as it can get and still put aircraft in the air. Eventually though, the weather won and the show was significantly curtailed.

But it didn’t really matter as the Museum is huge – far more there then can be taken in one day.

On the flying side they did manage to get the Sally B – a USAF B-17 Flying Fortress - airborne. A first for me and it made quite an impression. More so than I would have expected – probably because it was a first.

Bigwing

Bigwing
Dabble Duck Estate
Shildon
County Durham
May 23, 2006


George Conway is the originator of the Brass Spitfire kitset. George is an engineer and his father is a watchmaker which goes part way to explaining how the whole idea of brass aircraft came about!

George’s wife, Pauline, helps out not only with moral support but also as the lead sales person at the various shows they attend around the UK. George and Pauline are Bigwing.

I bought one of George’s early kit-sets and was so impressed with it’s uniqueness and stunning good looks that I determined then and there that I would contact George and see if he was interested in having me help market the product in New Zealand and Europe. The rest is history as they say and we’ve made several enjoyable visits to work out a marketing strategy for these markets.

My first experience selling the Spitfire was at the Warbirds Over Wanaka Air show where the finished model generated considerable interest. At this show one of the most frequently asked questions was ‘What and when will be the next kitset in the series?’

The main reason for our latest visit to George was to answer this question.

As you can probably imagine putting one of these kit-sets together is quite a task. And as most of the metal work has been outsourced it’s been a very time consuming process moving from a cardboard cut-out to precision cut brass parts. As a consequence George has had to defer the next aircraft – a Hawker Hurricane – several times. As a further consequence he has decided to invest in a milling machine and lathe, which will help to speed up the development work.

So the answer to the question is:

Model Target Release Date

Hurricane August 2006

Mustang January 2007

Bf 109 June 2007

Beyond then several options are under consideration for a decision towards the end of this year.

Finally, George takes a very close and personal interest in all of his Customers who are encouraged to contact him with comments, suggestions or just to talk about building brass Spitfires.

So please visit his website at http://www.bigwing.biz and if you happen to visit any shows he is attending make a point of saying hello.

Hellfire Corner

County of Kent
England
May 19, 2006


Having a couple of spare days whilst en-route to our supplier of Brass Spitfires, I had determined to visit Kent where there is a Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge.

Hawkinge, very near Dover and Folkestone, was the home of a forward RAF Fighter Command airfield and was in the thick of the Battle of Britain – so much so that the area came to be known as Hellfire Corner. Learning this, our trip to the museum turned into a sort of Battle of Britain pilgrimage with stops at the White Cliffs of Dover, the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne, the Cat and Custard Pot Pub at Paddlesworth and the White Hart Inn at Brasted.

From much earlier days I was surprised to find a Bleriot memorial, which has been created at the point near Dover castle where Bleriot completed the worlds first international flight!

It was a memorable day.

I won’t forget the radar towers at Dover, the Memorial Wall at Capel le Ferne, or the broken Merlin and Daimler Benz engines at the Museum. The engines came from aircraft wrecks, which have been recovered over the years, and each has been researched and presented according to its individual history. For some reason, those engines and their stories were the most poignant of memorials of all.

Footnote:

We stayed in a night Folkestone.
Interestingly, our hotel had the following sign in the room

IN THE INTERESTS
OF SAFTEY
HOTEL GUESTS ARE
REQUESTED TO
REFRAIN
FROM CLIMBING OUT
OF THE WINDOWS

Which probably says something about the town!

If you plan a similar journey, we’d suggest Deal, Canterbury or maybe Sandwich as preferable overnight options.

The Merchant At Warbirds

This was The Merchants first outing. It was a test run, really, to see if other people shared my interest in the products to the point of parting with $$ for them and to see if I could face the public for three days and end up still smiling!

Happily, the answer was yes on both counts. In fact I enjoyed myself so much I was very near the first in the queue to get my booking in for the next show!

I had left all the arrangements to the last minute so I was very light on promotional material and the only accommodation I could arrange was in Cromwell about a 40 min drive from the field.

But meeting so many great people both in the spectator crowds and amongst my fellow exhibitors more than compensated for the shortfalls.

To avoid the traffic I was near the gates at the 6:30 am opening each day and a lasting memory will be sitting out at the runway near sunrise, replete with freshly brewed coffee and bacon sandwich hot off the BBQ, watching the early aircraft movements and anticipating the events of the day.

Fortunately for me, my daughter was able to join me for the last day and a half, which gave a welcome break and a chance to see some of the action on the field. She was also good company at the social events and we departed Wanaka tired but happy campers.

As a result of the Wanaka show I determined to make a far greater commitment to the Merchant concept, which has lead to what you see before you now. The idea now is to visit European Air Shows during the Northern Hemisphere summer and pick up the NZ shows in the Southern Hemisphere summer.

This site has a schedule of forthcoming appearances so if you happen to be at any of these shows please do drop by and say hello – I’ll be very happy to see you.

Warbirds Over Wanaka 2006

This is reputedly the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Warbirds Air show. It’s a 3-Day event with Friday being an official ‘practice’ day (but open to the public nonetheless).

Friday has always been my favourite day – there are fewer people and the pilots seem to put on a more relaxed display. But then I usually go to all 3 Days so I don’t miss anything anyway!

The backdrop of mountains, lake and the semi desert of Central Otago must make this one of the more spectacular air shows with many unforgettable sights.

This year my list of ‘unforgettables’ would include:

• The Fokker Triplane and the Sopwith Camel dogfighting over the airfield

• The aerobatics of Svetlana Kapanina and Jurgis Kairys in their Sukhois

• The Hawker Hunter making a low level approach over the plains to the east

• The RAAF F111 making a great deal of noise whilst doing a spectacular ‘dump and burn’ display.

• Sir Tim Wallis’s Spitfire bidding its farewell to its home of the past few years

Of course the performances of Wanaka’s own Andrew Sisters did much to add to the overall ambience of a great weekend!

Looking ahead, those in the know, will know that after every show there are many rumours claiming the show just past may be the last.

This year was no exception, the rumours being fueled by the knowledge that Sir Tim Wallis’s Alpine Deer Group Team are handing future shows over to a Community Trust.

But I’m sure that Trust will be well aware of the huge legacy they have been handed – and I, for one, have made by bookings for 2008.

Tigermoth Flight

Croydon Aircraft Company Ltd
Old Mandeville Airfield Jan 11 2006
Gore, Southland, New Zealand

First flight in a Tiger Moth !
Why have I not ‘discovered’ these before ?

Ryan was my pilot and he allowed me some satisfying P2 time before launching the Tiger into a full sequence of aerobatics. But these were like nothing I’ve experienced before – its sort of what I imagine an aerial ballet might be like – you can feel the shape and timing of each manoeuvre.

You can try a Pitts Special if you want to be flung about the sky but this was a true joy.

And at the end of the flight, with wind in the wires we hushed down the glide slope to a perfect landing on Old Mandeville’s grass runway. Flying doesn’t get much better than this.

You can find out more about the Croydon Aircraft Company at:
http://www.croydonaircraft.com .

These folk have a DH88 Comet racer nearing completion in their workshops.

And if you have your mind set on learning to fly they’ll teach you in a Tiger Moth – imagine that !

James Grimstead Photographer

A big thanks goes out to James Grimstead, for the use of his photo for the basis of our Open Cockpit Scarf poster. His site is well worth the look: www.jrgimages.co.uk

Cheers James!

New Zealand Gliding Grand Prix

New Zealand Gliding Grand Prix Jan 27 -29
Omarama
McKenzie Country
South Island

This was a first for NZ and a World first in using state of the art technology in an endeavour to bring the excitement of competitive gliding not only to on site spectators, but into the living rooms of the population at large. See: http://www.gp06.com/

Was it successful?

Well, I’m an ex glider pilot so maybe I’m biased but this was the most spellbinding and exciting event I’ve been to for a very long time. The format really does convey what competitive soaring is all about and for anyone who hasn’t had the experience first hand, I think you will be very surprised at the level of drama and the spectacular photography when you first see it.

Omarama is a long way from anywhere in NZ and NZ is where the big aircraft go to turn around so it perhaps wasn’t surprising that spectator attendance didn’t really meet expectations. But based on the folk I talked to on the field (including many elderly couples (about our age!) who have an aircraft in the family for their farming activities!) the next time will be very different.

And there will be a next time because the success of the event in Gliding circles has lead to New Zealand being awarded the first World Grand Prix which will be held in NZ's South Island in Dec 2007 See: http://www.fai.org/gliding/node/278

I rate this a ‘must see’ if you are able to make the journey.

And if you’re a Gliding enthusiast don’t miss:
http://www.gliding.co.nz