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Reforged history at Wings BY GERALD FORD Wings over Wairarapa is a chance for the region to show off its unequalled collection of World War I aircraft, according to pilot Gene de Marco. The Hangar at Hood Aerodrome is home to a collection of World War I aircraft owned by The Vintage Aviator. In World War I planes were initially used for reconnaissance, Mr de Marco said. “The pilot literally carried a notepad and drew pictures of what he saw.”
Every aircraft in the hangar has its own story. These days World War I aircraft are rare enough in themselves, and flying ones even more so. The museum houses “the only original flying Sopwith Camel in the world,” Mr de Marco said. The plane is still marked experimental because it hasn’t yet clocked up enough air miles to be fully licenced, but that is due to change soon, Mr de Marco said. “It’s brand new. It still has that new smell to it.”
The re-created planes are built in a Wellington factory from original plans – where available – where the plans weren’t available researchers disassembled engines and 3D scanned the parts. The World War I planes were not factory assembled so had a level of craftmanship in their wooden parts and fabric covering.
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Detail of this World War I German plane shows the level of craftsmanship required in metal, wood and canvas.
1.7% 1. %
Southey Honda
Cnr Park & Dixon Street, Masterton. Ph 06 378 2543
PHOTO/GERALD FORD
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