Warbird Information Exchange

G'day Mac

These days I do contract work for those fortunate enough to be able to run a full restoration business, i have worked around the world in my early years, mainly in the UK. I do have a small work shop where i do fabrication work for what ever project i can get involved in. I also do a lot of work in the vintage motor vehicle restoration side of things, but i suppose that most of you bloke would find that rather staid. Early days at G.A.F in Melbourne involved on Mirage, Nomad and Jindivik. (all airframe work) A bit of a jack of all trades i get plenty of varied work so i don't complain.

That's more like it. Welcome.

You'll be surprised at the depth of interest and involvement by some forum members here then! Have a browse in the off topic forum etc. Lots of hands-on people.

I suspect that most WIX members are also keen on vintage motors of some kind - I'm certainly one. I'm 'between' MGBs...

Anything interesting you'd care to discuss?

Interesting. What were your impressions of the Nomad?

It'd be good to see a Mirage IIIO back in the air; maybe sooner than we think, too.

Regards,

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

So,
How many rivits are there in the alereon of a P-51?

Well?



I couldn't help it, it had to be asked.

Welcome aboard.

_________________
Curtis Block

I've seen too many airplanes destroyed by the term "Static Restoration."

To see a Mirage grace our skies again, how sweet it would be. As for the Nomad or as many who worked on them The Gomad, Problems aplenty for sure, but much maligned by many. When it worked it worked bloody well and did a wonderful job, i had the pleasure of many flights in nomad while living in P.N.G in the early 80's that's where it earned it's keep. I do here that the type certificate has been picked up by a company in Vic, who knows we may see a better version back in the skies. So for rivets in the aileron? Next time i see one i will do my penance and count them OK. and as for the automotive side of things i have just finished restoring a 63 Sunbeam Alpine for a customer, he wants to do a Tiger next, but that is death on wheels. I am also a qualified motor mechanic (my first trade) later re training in Aviation air frame fitting.

Whoa, a Tiger; now you've got my attention

_________________
"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

Further to Nomad, The problems started at the Bend, the work practices in those early days were, well best not described as some aircraft are still flying. But i do remember watching in horror as a group of South African A/F personal were touring the factory. A finished wing was being removed from the final assembly jig, all the brass watching as they tried to lift the wing from the jig with the main jig locating pins still attached. Result one bent wing, one damaged Jig, and red faces all around. I was told that the contract never went ahead as the Aust gov would not allow the hard point mods the S/A wanted on there wings. Have you heard of this?

The Tiger, as far as i know is still on the drawing board so to speak, i know he has been looking for a chassis so it may be a fair dinkum threat to life and limb. I drove one a few years ago, i will never wear light coloured undies ever again.