Restoration Force: Grass Roots Preservation of Civilian and Military Aircraft by Enthusiasts Worldwide

by Gavin Hoffen

Overview

We can all walk into any of the myriad aircraft museums dotted across the world and appreciate the wonderfully restored and preserved exhibits on display. But what about the many gems lovingly brought back to life and hiding away in people’s garages, sheds, barns and gardens?

With Gavin Hoffen’s book you become a privileged spectator into a dedicated but often secretive world – to protect their security, names, projects and locations have been limited to the very basics. This is the nostalgic domain of the amateur restorer, hobbyist, and ‘cockpiteer’ of which Gavin is one.

Here you will find complete coverage of over 20 projects worldwide with background histories of the aircraft, color photos of the restoration and full information and specifications – be it of cockpit, fuselage, or full aircraft. From Spitfire to Chipmunk, Vulcan to Buccaneer, Piper Aztec to B-52, this is a fascinating insight into an obsession with the romance that aviation once was. A must-see for every aircraft aficionado, and an inspiration for future preservers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781911667131
Publisher:	Grub Street
Publication date:	05/26/2021
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.20(h) x (d)

About the Author

Gavin Hoffen was born in 1980 in a Wiltshire village surrounded by disused Second World War airfields. The military aviation seed was planted at a very young age with many summer holidays spent exploring the decaying airfield parameters. His love of aviation flourished in secondary school at Haberdashers Monmouth School, where he played an active role in the Combined Cadet Force. After leaving education, even though his career path took him down a career in property, his love of aviation never left him. In 2010, Gavin purchased his first military cockpit and a passion for aircraft cockpits was born.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

Introduction 7

Chapter 1 Matthew from Cambridgeshire 10

Chapter 2 Steve from Stoneykirk 15

Chapter 3 Robin from Oxfordshire 23

Chapter 4 Ged from Kent 30

Chapter 5 Steve from Kansas 35

Chapter 6 Bob from Adelaide 39

Chapter 7 Harri from South Yorkshire 43

Chapter 8 Jon from Lincolnshire 47

Chapter 9 Steven from Melbourne 50

Chapter 10 Peter from South Manchester 54

Chapter 11 Andrew from Devon 56

Chapter 12 Tony from South Wiltshire 64

Chapter 13 David from Belfast 68

Chapter 14 Denny & Sean from Florida 71

Chapter 15 Paul from Melbourne 74

Chapter 16 Andrew from Ontario 78

Chapter 17 Chris from Somerset 81

Chapter 18 Jason from South Wales 85

Chapter 19 Malcolm from Staffordshire 89

Chapter 20 Ben from Sydney 92

Chapter 21 Michael from South Manchester 95

Chapter 22 Tony from Essex 98

Chapter 23 Geoff from Kent 103

Index 107

Editorial Reviews

"The author provides a brief overview of each of the aircraft that are presented in the book...an enjoyable read."

Model Aviation