Mosquito CF-HML / VR796 Update

[davem]

It's getting closer to flying...

http://vicair.net/projects/mosquito/may-2010

http://www.mossie.org/VR796.htm

[mustangdriver]

I can't wait to see this Mossie flying!!

[Tanker 336]

I didn't realize they made an all metal fuselage model.

[Matt Gunsch]

I didn't realize they made an all metal fuselage model.

They didn't, the silver color is the UV coat on the fabric that is glued over the wood.

[warbird1]

I can't wait to see this Mossie flying!!

Me too, although I'm a little sad that it will probably only fly once or twice then be permanently grounded. I'm not putting this one in the airworthy category after it flies.

Regardless, thanks for the update. Is it still going to be restored in the Spartan colors/paint-scheme?

[mkxiv]

I would love to see Mike Potter get ahold of this one!

[warbird1]

I would love to see Mike Potter get ahold of this one!

Agreed. Either this one or the Calgary? one embroiled in the dispute about whether to sell or not.

[warbird1]

Great update, thanks for posting. Warbird1, my understanding is that VR796 will retain it's Spartan scheme, anybody to confirm that? IIRC both VR796 and Calgary's RS700 are ex-Spartan. There seems to be quite a bit on controversy about Calgary's airframe, and everything seems to be in slow motion there. I guess the City is broke (like most now). Anybody have an opinion about if selling RS700 to Mr. Potter would expedite it's restoration?

I hope Calgary does sell it to someone who has the resources (money) to do a proper, authentic, first-class restoration. I doubt they are going to find many volunteers with the skill levels and dedication necessary to do a proper restoration on VR796 that will have it done in our lifetimes! Mr. Potter certainly fits the bill as a person with the resources for this task as well as several other individuals. In this case, you have to do what's best for the airplane and it's future preservation. Why not sell it to Mr. Potter, use the money to restore the Hurricane and then have some kind of agreement, where the new owner (Mr. Potter) is required to visit (fly) to Calgary for an airshow for it's citizens once a year or so and make a big public spectacle about it's "living" history. Yes, I know, she's a "National Treasure", but I would say exactly the same thing if an American warbird were rotting away in some American museum and they lacked the resources to restore it properly, even if it meant leaving the country. I have no problem with warbirds leaving their indigenous countries if it secures a long-term preservation for the aircraft for future generations to see. JM2C !

[peter]

quote]

I hope Calgary does sell it to someone who has the resources (money) to do a proper, authentic, first-class restoration. I doubt they are going to find many volunteers with the skill levels and dedication necessary to do a proper restoration on VR796 that will have it done in our lifetimes! Mr. Potter certainly fits the bill as a person with the resources for this task as well as several other individuals. In this case, you have to do what's best for the airplane and it's future preservation. JM2C !

Sorry but .. what??
I think you need to correct your serial numbers. VR796 IS being restored by skilled volunteers and is a very professional restoration in every sense of the word. RS700 is the Calgary bird and she is the one in need of truckloads of money and loving hands to bring her back to her former glory!

[davem]

VR796 IS being restored by skilled volunteers and is a very professional restoration in every sense of the word.

Victoria Air Maitenance actually is a restoration company - very professional and well paid.

[gregv]

Me too, although I'm a little sad that it will probably only fly once or twice then be permanently grounded. I'm not putting this one in the airworthy category after it flies.

Regardless, thanks for the update. Is it still going to be restored in the Spartan colors/paint-scheme?

Did I miss something? Are there plans to not actively fly this Mosquito after a few post-restoration flights (like Shearwater), or is this assumption based on how often the Spitfire XIV flies?

Seeing this in Spartan colors would be amazing!


greg v.

[warbird1]

Me too, although I'm a little sad that it will probably only fly once or twice then be permanently grounded. I'm not putting this one in the airworthy category after it flies.

Regardless, thanks for the update. Is it still going to be restored in the Spartan colors/paint-scheme?

Did I miss something? Are there plans to not actively fly this Mosquito after a few post-restoration flights (like Shearwater), or is this assumption based on how often the Spitfire XIV flies?

Seeing this in Spartan colors would be amazing!


greg v.

Yes, that is correct. One of our WIX members spoke to the owner and he told him that the Mossie would probably only fly once or twice for photo ops with the Spit and then be permanently grounded.

[warbird1]

quote]

I hope Calgary does sell it to someone who has the resources (money) to do a proper, authentic, first-class restoration. I doubt they are going to find many volunteers with the skill levels and dedication necessary to do a proper restoration on VR796 that will have it done in our lifetimes! Mr. Potter certainly fits the bill as a person with the resources for this task as well as several other individuals. In this case, you have to do what's best for the airplane and it's future preservation. JM2C !

Sorry but .. what??
I think you need to correct your serial numbers. VR796 IS being restored by skilled volunteers and is a very professional restoration in every sense of the word. RS700 is the Calgary bird and she is the one in need of truckloads of money and loving hands to bring her back to her former glory!

Yep, wrong serial numbers. You knew what I meant!

[peter]

Wow that is sad to hear one or two flights.. hopefully they can fly her with the Lancaster at CWH!
And yes I knew that was what you meant,,,,,

[gregv]

While I applaud the owner's dedication of energy, time and especially dollars to getting this Mosquito restored to airworthy, it doesn't seem to make an awful lot of sense to me to do so for only a handful of flights. Unless he plans on possibly selling it afterwards?

Anyways, don't get me wrong, I am extremely glad to see someone pour money into an airworthy Mosquito, I just don't get why after all that effort it wouldn't be kept airworthy, even for only a few flights a year. I'd love to hear two (and a Griffon for that matter) Merlins flying over my house periodically.

greg v.

P.S. imagine if the Spitfire were restored to its post-war race colors, what a sight that would be with a Spartan-liveried Mosquito:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Imperial ... 8866ed7d23