The People's Mosquito at RIAT

[Shortfinals]

For all those coming to RIAT 2018, please remember that you can find The People's Mosquito stand in the Blue Zone. Meet Board Members and Volunteers, see the drawings, ask about Retrotec's plan to build the FB.VI in the UK, and more! The People's Mosquito contracts with Retrotec Ltd to build its Mosquito FB VI, RL249 - The People's Mosquito

 

[Airframes]

Great stuff. I won't be at RIAT, but our member Grant (Nuumann) from NZ will be there, so will probably call in if he has time.

 

[nuuumannn]

Yep, I'll pop by. I want to get thoughts about the other British Mosquito group and whether there are thoughts about combining efforts. Makes sense since both groups are working toward the same (ultimate) end; getting a Mosquito airborne in Britain.

 

[Crimea_River]

Yes, I would hope that they could combine their efforts. Wasteful to have 2 independent organizations devoting their energies toward accomplishing the same goal with such limited resources available.

 

[Shortfinals]

In reply to a couple of Members who have mentioned the other group attempting a Mosquito restoration. It is very simple - The People's Mosquito can confirm it has had discussions and held a meeting at Board level with the other group. We can also confirm - sadly - that there appears to be no appetite, whatsoever, on their part to co-operate at this time. Consequently, TPM is pressing forward with Retrotec and its well-researched and costed plan. Incidentally, TPM was voted in as a Full Member of Aviation Heritage UK (formerly BAPC) this month, by an overwhelming majority of AHUK delegates at their recent meeting at RAF Halton. I will be on the stand at RIAT, along with many of our Directors and Volunteers. For those going to Duxford, you will find our other stand, and at least one TPM Director, at Flying Legends on the same weekend! We will be more than happy to welcome any questions you might have.

 

[Shortfinals]

Some news -

"The TPM board would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, in particular Squadron Leader Matthew Ferris, 40 Squadron RNZAF, who did everything in their power to provide transportation for our wing jigs and wing ribs in advance of RAF Cosford, in early June.

Once again that Kiwi can-do attitude was much in evidence and proof that the strong links between the RAF and RNZAF are very much alive, when we received a warm reception to our request for freight assistance.

In an incredible gesture of goodwill, 40 Squadron was willing to offer space for our palettes on a Boeing 757-2K2 prior to its departure for RAF Brize Norton earlier this month. However, a last minute operational issue required a late change of aircraft and a resulting loss of cargo capacity.

While it was disappointing to be so close to securing an incredible collaboration, we were delighted to see the RNZAF put its 757 through its paces at RAF Cosford, knowing how hard their colleagues back home had worked to help us out. It's a gesture we will long remember.

Onwards and upwards as they say. We're now making arrangements to have the freight shipped via alternative means, but hope to have these unique assets arrive in the UK in the very near future. Watch this space!"

These jigs and fixtures are the ones used to produce the wings for KA114, TV959, etc, so this is a major step forward

 

[airshow_addict]

looking forward to visiting the stand!

 

[Crimea_River]

Interesting about the jigs. Does Avspecs not need them any more or are they just on loan?

 

[Airframes]

Was thinking the same. Maybe duplicate jigs ?

 

[Shortfinals]

The jigs TPM have acquired are unique (and yes, we have purchased them from the owner of the company that built them). We cannot - obviously - speak for Avspecs future plans.

 

[Shortfinals]

The People's Mosquito 'Front End Engineering' Campaign via JustGiving


Today, The People's Mosquito have announced their 'JustGiving' Launch Campaign for the Front End Engineering stage of the build. Every £ spent on Front End Engineering saves many £'s later in the build. This campaign has been designed to make it easy for everyone who wants to donate - even a small amount - to do so. By supporting The People's Mosquito, you will be ensuring that YOUR Mosquito takes to the air, following a superb restoration by those masters in the field, Retrotec.

Full details are here The People's Mosquito announces targeted fundraising to launch UK build - The People's Mosquito

Every donation helps!

And, thank you........

Ross

 

[Shortfinals]

A huge thank you to all who visited @PeoplesMosquito stand, today at @Shuttleworth_OW and showed their support for this superb British project! (See http://bit.ly/LaunchTPM ) Special thanks to @AirfieldFire and @svas_oldwarden, too! #RAF #RAF100 #WW2 @HistoryAviation #RAFA

1:11 PM - 1 Jul 2018

 

[Shortfinals]

Stewart Charman, the Director of Communications of The People's Mosquito, has just issued the following statement in response to a number of questions, some of them posed on this Forum, with regard to the Mosquito wing jigs bought by TPM.

"The People's Mosquito were offered the wing jigs by the owner and it would have been foolish to turn down the opportunity to secure such an valuable asset. We'll be bringing them back to the UK as soon as we can, along with our wing ribs, which are already complete.

Following the launch of our targeted fundraising campaign this month, we will continue to work with Retrotec to advance our UK-build plan, the advantages of which greatly outweigh any challenges. To this end, Guy Black of Retrotec, the world renowned aircraft restorers, will shortly be spending time with TPM's Ross Sharp to discuss our 22,000 plus collection of Mosquito drawings, and advanced engineering planning for the project. bit.ly/LaunchTPM "

 

[gumbyk]

Interesting about the jigs. Does Avspecs not need them any more or are they just on loan?

They're not Avspecs' jigs. They're still in use at the moment.