Mr Flibble wrote:Great shooting, Jon.
That airframe should be a great example of weathering a Harrier for the modellers out there!
It looks like one of the lateral strakes has been removed from the belly - any idea why that is?
Just because we have not received the weapons fit as yet, so basically leaving options open until we know what will be fitted.
Also can I take this opportunity to share with a you a statement from Dave Morris the Curator of Aircraft at the FAAM.
"Regarding the aircraft being repainted- absolutely not. ZD433 was specifically chosen by the Curator of Aircraft Dave Morris specifically because of the condition it is in.
This is In line with the Museum’s continuing policy of critically analysing all of our aircraft as per the Corsair and Martlet or, when an opportunity arises, to acquire a totally authentic aircraft straight from service (in this case almost straight from Theatre) and preserve it as a truly accurate reference object for all time. The yard stick we often use is- what if we were lucky enough to discover a completely original Sopwith Camel in a French Barn, in exactly the same condition as it was last flown in 1918. Wouldn’t we consider ourselves very lucky !. One day ZD433 will be 100 years old too. There is a time and a necessity for repainting, rebuilding and refurbishing, and Corsair and Martlet projects are not feasible or practical to apply to every aircraft. There are also instances when what is before you is already valuable for the condition it stands in and no further restoration treatments are necessary. I hope that allays some of the fears that some people clearly have regarding how original ZD433 will be maintained."
Jon
