RNZAF Harvard NZ906. Part 10 - Bog and Brackets

[@leocompot]

Ain't it gonna be Theseus' NZ906 with little of original parts and so many replacements? 😅

[@biplaneflights]

The debate on whether aircraft are original, restorations or replicas is an interesting one as the definitions are vague and constantly debated. Something straight out of the factory is clearly original but is it original after the brake linings have been replaced at a major service, or new seating and interior are fitted at some point in it's life? If a wing is damaged beyond repair and replaced, is the aircraft original? Look at the Mosquitos flying today - the wooden fuselages, wings and tail feathers are all new but some parts of the original aircraft are added to keep the original identity. At the other end of the scale are "original" aircraft that may just consist of the makers data plate. The aircraft may have been built using original plans and construction techniques but is it still "original"? In the case of NZ906, it is being restored as a flight simulator and not an airworthy aircraft but the main frame, firewall, instrument panel surround and electrical boxes are all original and form the basis for its identity. I would never claim that everything I put on it is from the original aircraft because clearly parts are being added from other aircraft but the core of what I have is from an identifiable machine. I fly an Ag-Cat that is made up from three aircraft. Its identity comes from the main fuselage and data plate but, like NZ906, it is not 100% original. Most aircraft are not original if you use the definition of what it looked like and what it had on it when it came out of the factory. A great debate. 🙂👍

[@leocompot]

@@biplaneflightsWow, thank you for the answer, I got your point and i didn't mean to offend you!

[@biplaneflights]

@@leocompot Hey, no worries - no offence taken. I think it was great you raised the topic as it is interesting to discuss what is the difference between an aircraft that is deemed original, a restoration or a replica. I thank you for you input. 😄👍