The PNZ in Pictures

Kindly Supported by

HRH Duke of Edinburgh

If you're a school, student or organisation- get involved!

Home

Restoration Photos

Recovery - Rehome - Restoration

Please feel free to browse through the photos below. Make images bigger with a CLICK..

This page is set to grow so if you have any other photos to share we would be delighted to display and accredit them.

If you would like to help with the restoration with time, expertise or even spares, then just contact us at Derby Aero Club.

Recovery

The G-APNZ was recovered in March 2013 from Headcorn Aerodrome Kent UK. Headcorn is the home of the world famous Tiger Club to which the PNZ belonged for 35 years.

Recovery

At Headcorn Aerodrome Kent (UK): The car is loaded up with original PNZ 'bits'. (March 2013)

Locating all of the various parts of PNZ was not straightforward as over the years bits and pieces had been mixed, moved or buried among accumulating aviation spares. At the time, the Derby recovery team did not think much could be salvaged from these particular items.

Original PNZ engine crank case (corroded) collected from Headcorn (March 2013)

PNZ loaded up at Headcorn Aerodrome (March 2013)

Photo shows Jerry Knight who kindly donated the PNZ for restoration at Derby Airfield. Ian Harrison, driver and provider of the trailer, and John Theron (in red)

PNZ fuselage and wings ready to leave Headcorn Aerodrome UK

Ian Harrison and Jerry Knight with the world famous Tiger Club visible in the background.

PNZ fuselage and wings loaded up for transport from Headcorn (March 2013)

Ian Harrison had specially modified the trailer, extending it to take the length of the PNZ wings and ensuring it complied with rules for transporting the load on the long journey back to Derby Airfield.

Car ready to go jam packed with 'Turb bits' (March 2013)

You can just see the tips of the elevators.

Rehome

The PNZ safely in its new home at Derby Airfield

At Derby Airfield (UK): PNZ fuselage and wings arrive safely (March 2013)

The Derby Aero Club recovery team arrived back unscathed after a very long day driving the 350 miles round trip.

Unpacking PNZ at new home Derby Airfield. (Mar 2013)

The PNZ engine cowling is just visible (and Ian Harrison's right arm).

PNZ parts, half unloaded back at Derby Airfield. (Mar 2013)

You can see two engine crank cases, carburetors and various 'mixed tackle '. Old tyres provided extra 'padding' during transport.

G-APNZ instrument panel. Condition as recovered from Headcorn Aerodrome UK (2013)

PNZ fuselage at Derby Airfield (UK)
(Feb 2014)

The fuselage: condition as recovered. Jerry Knight who donated the PNZ had started the restoration some years earlier, unfortunately, work had to be abandoned.

Restoration

Recovered parts inspected and stored in temporary workshop while new facilities being completed

PNZ wings with fuselage in the background. (Feb 2014)

Temporary storage/ workshop at Derby Airfield awaiting rehousing in new workshop facilities.

Young volunteers inspect PNZ wings Derby Airfield (Feb 2014)

Young Volunteers in the workshop at Derby Airfield. (Feb 2014)

Both youngsters are also helping with the restoration of the famous Comet Racer - fuselage in the background.

Young Volunteers in the workshop at Derby Airfield. (Feb 2014)

Looking at plans and an aileron in the temporary workshop.
N.B. In the background you can clearly see the fuselage of another important restoration project. It is the famous British racing plane, the Comet Racer,"Black Magic" which was flown by the young aviatrix Amy Johnson.

Young Volunteers in the workshop at Derby Airfield (Feb 2014)

Looking at plans in the temporary workshop.
N.B. In the background you can clearly see the fuselage of another important restoration project. It is the famous British racing plane, the Comet Racer,"Black Magic" which was flown by the young aviatrix Amy Johnson.

Young Volunteers at Derby Workshop
inspecting a model Turbulent - part built. (Feb 2014)

Plans for a model Turbulent

The Aeromodeller magazine provided a planning service that was much in demand by enthusiasts. Here you can see a balsa wood model of a Druine D.31 Turbulent. The original cost was 3 shillings - 15 pence.

American model kit for a D.31 Turbulent.

Amazing to find that the picture on the box is the G-APNZ (7). This kit was purchased 2014 from Ebay.

D.31 Turbulent Undercarriage

Condition as recovered from Headcorn Aerodrome UK.
It looked reasonably complete but it will be stripped and inspected fully before painting. in particular ,the telescopic struts and links will be measured for signs of wear

D.31 Turbulent Engine early stage in the dismantlement (is that a real word?)

D.31 Turbulent Engine before work starts

Note: the engine on the floor was previously acquired but was 'too big . VW Camper Van enthusiasts should easily recognise it.

Robert one of the young volunteers on the PNZ restoration project. Taken before engine dismnatled

Whilst young volunteers are learning new skills they are carefully supervised by senior and expert technical staff and volunteers.
Note: bottom right other engine parts belonging to an old Gypsy Queen.