It finally happened last week Bristol Freighter NZ5911 was uplifted and moved off our tarmac to the Ports of Auckland to begin it’s journey back to Filton. This was the end of what has been a rather large logistical exercise with the container carrying the engines, props and other ancillary parts having left early last month.
This aircraft when restored will move into the museum at Filton which is having it’s grand opening today, this museum acknowledges the important role that the Bristol Aircraft Company has played in British aviation. We wish them well for the opening and the future.
Engine in container.
Container away.
Wings loaded
centre section loaded.
Heading out
3am Friday
Fuse loading.
Going, going, gone
What a shame it had to be shipped away from NZ.
Not at all Peter this aircraft has languished here at Ardmore for almost 40 years and now it is going to be returned to its former glory for a museum display in Bristol. This is superb news for this airframe.
I think that what Peter means is that the aircraft should be restored in New Zealand and fly in New Zealand. YES, getting rid of precious relics like this one is a shame and there is no answer or argument to that fact, shame, shame, shame. Period.
Hi Nuno, every one has their opinion on this and ours vary markedly. Fact is that this aircraft has been sitting outside for sale in NZ for 30 plus years, every year deteriorating. Returning this airframe to the air is also not a viable option at this point, it may have been 30 years ago.
The Kiwis had their chance and didn’t take it up it is now going to sit in the Bristol Museum as a static a very fitting place for it.
I agree Admin, it’s like “use it or lose it”, even MOTAT didn’t want it, so the best possible outcome has occurred. After all there are 3 complete Bristol Freighters preserved in the South Island, including one in taxiable condition 🙂