This fascinating reinactment display just leaves you speechless.The amount of work put into this one scene is an absolute credit to the engineers of Weta productions and our "Lord of the Rings" hero Peter Jackson.

This pictures shows us a Nieuport 11 biplane with British markings crashed into a large oak tree while below the German pilot of the Siemens Schuckent D extols the virtues and superiority of his plane.

The pilots are surrounded by German soldiers examining parts of the plane and keeping an eye on the British pilot. 

 

 

This crow in the branches of the Oak tree nonchantly surveys the scene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The German plane is a Siemens Schuckent D powered by a 200 hp rotary engine and was unique in that the crankshaft revolved in opposite direction to the cylinder and crankcase. This system allowed the use of a 4  bladed propellor thus giving it a phenomal rate of climb, making it easily controlled and very responsive. However some pilots said it had a nasty stall and with its short landing gear plus limited prop clearance led to tricky landings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

German soldiers examining the wheel of the Nieuport amongst the broken branches of the oak  and in the snow shows us the extraodinary  detail put into these scenes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The victor and the victim still had the upmost respect for each other and in some respects were the gentleman pilots.

 

 

Here are more pictures of War Birds and First World War memorabilia at the world class and recently opened display at the Omaka Aviation Hertiage Centre in Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand. Soon I will have pictures of the up coming Aviation event ‘Classic Fighters Marlborough Airshow’ to be held on the 6th- 8th of April 2007  which will again draw Aviation admirers from all over New Zealand and the World. An air show and military re-enactment featuring World War I and II replica fighters, military aircraft, vehicles, and historic civil aircraft. More to come.

 

Propellor construction must have been one of considerable skill and patience.

Aircraft engineer preparing wing. These amazing life like figures and wonderful  settings are a great tribute to Peter Jackson and Weta productions.

Poster encouraging support for the allies.

Capturered pilot

These 3 scenes depict a incredible display of bravery under very adverse conditions by serviceman and nurses.  Many of them were the unsung heroes of the war.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 This plane ironically inspired by a French racing airman proved to be well ahead of its time. Its speed ,agility and revolutionary through the propellor machine gunfire capability proved an advantage that decimated allied aircraft during a period known as "The Fokkar Scourge".  This ended with the introduction of the the British Airco pusher biplane, the French Nieuport and the Morane-Sauliner Type N Bullet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Could someone please tell us what this plane is?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Reloading magazines and servicing machine guns for next battle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veiw one of the world’s largest private collections of  WW1 aircraft and memorabilia brought to life by the masters of cinematic spectacle.

 

This amazing aircraft controls its flight by changing the shape of its wing- just like a bird. What’s even more amazing is that it can still be flown today.

 

This is another picture of the Etich Taube being pursued by a S.E.5a.

 

This plane was designed so the pilot didn’t have to bother about the bullets smashing his prop as it was behind him.As a result it had much success.

 

 

 

This Aviation Centre which opened less than 2 weeks ago is a wonderful tribute to the aviation enthusiasts of Marlborough, New Zealand and the world. Without the contribution of Peter Jackson ( Lord of the Rings)  and his team at Weta workshop this dream would not have taken flight.

The lady addressing the public is Jane Orphan who along with her husband Graham were the driving force of this victorious effort.

Do you want to see more?