CLASSIC WINGS 65

[DaveM2]

All

Latest magazine is out, features as follows:


A PERFECT ZERO!

When anyone is asked to name a Japanese fighter aircraft you can almost guarantee that ‘Zero’ will be the answer, and for many that is as far as their knowledge extends on the subject. Japanese types have tended to take a backseat, particularly when compared to their Allied and German counterparts, and this apathy seems to have extended as far back as the post-war years, which saw relatively few examples put aside for preservation. With only one genuine Zero flying today collectors have had to settle with totally rebuilt aircraft powered by American engines to full the void. Most have started with recovered remains which are good for patterns, and totally rebuilt the aircraft, having to remanufacture thousands of parts, costing vast amounts of time and money.
One of the most exquisite machines to be reborn in this way is Zero ‘1498’ currently owned by Warren Pietsch of Minot, North Dakota - the story of this aircraft’s completion and colours is the subject of this article.


OPERATION SKUA

The ungainly Skua achieved a degree of fame when, on 10th April 1940, twenty aircraft attacked and sank the German cruiser ‘Königsberg’ at Bergen. This was the first time a major warship had been sunk by aircraft. However this success was soon tempered when squadrons suffered heavy losses in an attack on the capital ships ‘Scharnhorst’ and ‘Admiral Hipper’ at Trondheim on 13th June, in what would become known as ‘Black Thursday.’ Eight out of fifteen aircraft were lost in the attack including both squadron commanders, whose aircraft ditched at Geitastand, nearby Trondheim. It is this machine that was the focus of a recovery effort by the Norwegians, it being one of two aircraft shot down and sought by the Bodø museum in order that a complete example might be rebuilt for display. This article describes that effort and the results that will eventually see at least one of these unsung types grace a museum floor.


BEAUFIGHTER SURVIVORS

The subject of our ‘Mystery Aircraft’ in Issue 60 we are now able to present a comprehensive survivor listing following the input of Rob Greinert who sorts out some of the ongoing confusion regarding the machines of Australian origin. The list is complimented by some wonderful 'then and now' photographs. Few of these powerful machines survive, although as has been shown in previous news items others have been discovered relatively intact in the waters off Greece and Norway, so there is at least the possibility that we maybe able to add to the list sometime in the future!


AVRO CADET-RARE AS HEN'S TEETH!

Well almost! The Avro Tudor / Cadet family was never built in large numbers so it isn't surprising that relatively few survive. One of the first types we focused on after launching Classic Wings back in 1994, the editor was keen to explore just how many machines, be they derelicts in barns, crash wreckage or accumulated parts, had the likelihood of being resurrected. As a result we are thrilled to be able to generate the first 'survivors list' of this series showing that there are 17 aircraft remaining, five of which have returned to the skies. With these and other changes to the disposition of the remaining machines, we decided to revisit the story, which is complimented by period photos and lovely air to airs.



AIR SHOWS

WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA
TEMORA FLY-IN

[Jerry O'Neill]

For some rerason. I love the cover shot!
Blue skies,
Jerry

[davem]

Plane porrnn?

[Dave Homewood]

Well done Dave, Graham and all the team, it's another great issue of Classic Wings. Some famtastic photos, interesting looking articles that I look forward to reading and absorbing, and some interesting news I hadn't seen already on forums.

The sale of Pinoneer Aero Restorations was a surprise to me but it's good to see it's gone to people who already work there and care deeply about the business. I've met Paul McSweeney on a couple of occasions and via email and he's a top bloke.

I was also stunned to read about the B-17 that was torched and melted in the deliberately lit scrub fire. That's very sad and something I hadn't read about online.

One question, the page 6 news article about the Oscar does not mention anything about it being a replica. Is it considered genuine? Or is it one of the new builds as I suspect?

[DaveM2]

Thanks Dave

The new build Oscar is based on the remains of wrecks from the Kurils, so more a 'reproduction' with 'significant' differences. I had to be a little diplomatic and could not discard all the original text sent with the photo

The PNG B-17 certainly needs to be recovered, but with the ongoing fight over Swamp Ghost (the end in sight ), that may be a tall order

Dave

[spookythecat]

This was a pleasant surprise in my mail today. Can't wait to dive into it. Thanks!

[Matt Gunsch]

Dave,
Which B-17 ? Black Cat Pass ?

[DaveM2]

Matt -Correct

Al- No problem hope you enjoy it.

Dave

[spookythecat]

Al- No problem hope you enjoy it.

Dave

Any sign of the disc yet?

[warbird1]

Which one is the "Perfect Zero". The c/n doesn't match the one that Odegaard rebuilt for the Fargo Air Museum. Is this a different airplane?

[DaveM2]

Al, no it hasn't, hopefully tomorrow.

Warbird Kid, yes it is the Fargo machine now with Peitsch. The serial was adopted from a part number as the remains of the airframe(s) used were unidentified for certain. This is because US Customs required it for the paperwork when it came from Blayd.

Dave

[croweater]

Got mine today in Oz. Great stuff, can't put it down.
One question though.
Does The RAAF Museum/AWM have enough to make a Beaufighter?

Regards Croweater

[DaveM2]

Croweater

As I understand it, yes they have enough parts. There was some talk of the project going to the AWM for restoration and loan, but I believe that is not now the case and the work will be done at Point Cook.........eventually!

Dave

[paulmcmillan]

Great issue of Classic (P-40) Wings, formally Classic (Axis Aircraft) Wings formally Classic Wings Downunder!

Seriously though brilliant!!!!

[Dave Homewood]

Paul, I couldn't help but think when I flicked through this issue the first time, and also in previous issues, just how many P-40's are now flying or nearing flight. It's fantastic. There was a time not too long ago when there were only around 10 flying in the world. Now numbers are climbing rapidly. It's almost like the breeding programmes that are saving our endangered birds and animals, fantastic.