The plane that toppled King Kong

The plane that meant curtains for King Kong is being pieced together at Hood Aerodrome for a grand unveiling at Sunday's Sport and Vintage Aviation Society's Open Day.
The replica Curtiss Helldiver biplane used by Peter Jackson's Big Primate Productions is impressive sight even without its wings attached.
The 1930s plane was purpose-built for Jackson's blockbuster, where it appears at the end of film doing battle against the greatest movie ape of them all.
The biplane was fully kitted out with machine guns and given realistic wear and tear to give it the appearance of the genuine article.
The replica is expected to be a big draw card for the aviation society's open day, which is staged every alternate year to the biennial Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow.
The open day is a family oriented event aimed at showcasing Wairarapa's extensive collection of vintage aircraft.
Organiser Liz Pollock said it is ironic that the plane that may of interest to the most people is actually a non-flying replica.
"This is the perfect example of what is resident in the Wairarapa. What staggers me is the attention to detail they have gone to for realism.
"It shows regional and local people the aviation heritage that is on our doorstep," she said
Another important connection the society has with the Jackson's Kong movie is that the sound of the airplanes used in the movie were recorded here in Wairarapa using the society's own Harvard fighter ? both planes have the same type of Pratt and Whitney radial engine.
One of the men who built the Helldiver, David Cretchley, said it was great to see his work up on the big screen.
He said they built the plane in mint condition and the film effects people then took to it with hammers and spray and oil.
The finished product was mounted on a hydraulic gimbal and filmed in front of a blue screen.
The main event of the open day is a two-hour airshow from 1pm to 3pm featuring a flying display of vintage aircraft. There will also be static displays on show including home built aircraft, vintage motorcars and bikes, stationary engines, tractors, military vehicles and model airplanes.
Aviation society president Tom Williams said this year's open day has something for everyone.
"Having the Helldiver as part of the attractions is a real bonus for us. Like most people in the region we followed the making of King Kong with great interest," he said.
Tickets on Sunday are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $20 for a family. Gates open at 10am and the events finish at 3pm.