As people are interested in non-US warbirds apparently, here's some news from Auckland NZ.
http://www.motat.org.nz/about-motat/new ... ing-boats/Sunderland MR.5 NZ4115 was moved into MOTAT's Aviation Display Hall last week. 'Q-Queenie' swapped places with Solent Mk.IV ZK-AMO, which will now undergo an exterior refurbishment under scaffolding.
[url="https://www.flickr.com/photos/errolgc/albums/72157656656858564"]My Sunderland Photo Album[/url]
This is how they both looked in 2011, when the Aviation Display Hall opened (an extension of an existing hangar).
MOTAT_Av11_6105f by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Working on the Sunderland by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Much work was done outside on the Sunderland, initially in the open, then under various configurations of scaffolding.
Sunderland scaffolded by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
MOTAT16_3718flr by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
A year ago I was able to go inside, accompanying two aircrew veterans
MOTAT16_6201flr by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Jim McHerron & Barrie Irvine outside Sunderland Q-Queenie by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Knowing the move was about to take place, I visited to get photos in sunshine with minimal clutter, while nicely painted!
Q Queenie standing proud by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Sunderland bow by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
I was invited along to watch the move, but was only able to spare a couple of hours off work. I did get some shots of the shuffle preparation, and some different angles in the sun (while dodging a TV crew during a lull).
MOTAT17_2504_12h by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
MOTAT17_2514_12h by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Waiting their turn by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
MOTAT17_2566_12h by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Ripples by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Looming by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
I returned on Sunday, part of an Aviation Open Weekend, so lots of talks, activities etc.
Short Sunderland MR.5 NZ4115 by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Sunderland from mezzanine by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
MOTAT Aviation Display Hall by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
And some of the Solent, before the scaffold shows up!
Solent temporarily sunlit by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Aircraft tugs for the kids! by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
Singers entertaining by
Errol Cavit, on Flickr
And MOTAT have released a timelapse video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-djhbJXP9Y