WIX Archives
Re: The Australian one is:
Posted by Tracey on Fri Mar 08, 2002 02:41:11 PM
In reply top Re: The Australian one is: posted by Paul McMillan on Fri Mar 08, 2002 10:45:42 AM
Graham Hosking's F4U-5NL Bu124493 is indeed being restored by Aerotec's restoration workshop in Darwin, NT., Australia. Aerotec is owned by Lynette Zuccoli ( widow of Guido Zuccoli ). Their primary facility is in Toowoomba, Queensland.
This particular Corsair was one of ten -5 variants purchased by the FAH (Fuerza Aerea Hondurea)in early 1956. It took on the identifier FAH608.
124493 was one of the Corsairs of the FAH that returned to the U.S, but not under the Hollywood Wings deal. Ownership of this F4U-5NL eventually passed to Walt Disney Studios.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force ( RNZAF ) Museum, at Wigram Air Base in Christchurch acquired the F4U-5NL, and it arrived by ship in September 1987. This was an exchange deal for the use of RNZAF A-4 Skyhawks in a motion picture being filmed in New Zealand. The Corsair was to become a static restoration project.
In 1996 ownership passed to Australian vintage aircraft identity, Graham Hosking, in yet another exchange deal which involved the provision of a Curtiss P-40 for the RNZAF Museum. The Corsair arrived in Melbourne (Tyabb), Australia in June that year
The aircraft was complete with its engine, but minus all control and flying surfaces. One area that was noticeably lacking componentry was that forward of the firewall.
The F4U-5NL is now undergoing restoration at the workshops of Aerotec in Darwin, Northern Territory. Aerotec are renowned for their very high standard of workmanship.
By July 1999 substantial skin work had been completed. The complex systems associated with these later models will keep the restorers busy for some time.
By September 2000 structural work had essentially been completed and it was nice that the aircraft was standing once again on its own undercarriage. Work was progressing on the wing folding mechanism.
Recently the wings were re-attached, and restoration is proceeding at a nice pace.
Regards
Tracey
Historical Aircraft Restoration Society
Sydney