Saturday was to be the highlight of the Caravan Club Rally. As yesterday was Armistice Day a tribute was held at Hood Aerodrome to remember the men who gave their all during WW I. On display were motor vehicles and motorcycles from the era, all in working condition. However all wasn’t what it appeared to be as the military vehicles were all copies made for the film industry, some on genuine chassis' or wheels but the rest in modern materials.The WW I tank looked authentic but up close you could detect the imitation guns and cannon as well as the 20 century engine.
The highlight was of course the beautifully made replica aircraft of both English and German origin. Made from original blueprints using Spruce and Ash as well as Irish Linen or something closely resembling the material. The 20 – 25 aircraft were all air worthy and most of them took to the sky despite a stiff southerly breeze and rain.
Talking to one of the staff we were under the impression that the person bankrolling all this didn’t want to be identified but when New Zealand’s number one film maker lives here in Masterton and a lot of it had been made for the film industry we surmised that Sir Peter Jackson was involved. He has directed a short film entitled Crossing the Line to test a new model of digital cinema camera. The film takes place during World War I, and was shot in two days. He also owns an aircraft restoration and manufacturing company, The Vintage Aviator, which is based at Hood Aerodrome and dedicated to World War I and World War II fighter planes among other planes from the 1920s and 1930s.
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