diff --git a/WHATSNEW b/WHATSNEW
index a51599cb7..4214179fb 100644
--- a/WHATSNEW
+++ b/WHATSNEW
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ Other changes:
 
 * New tasks bzip2 and bunzip2 to pack and unpack files using the 
   BZip2 alogrithm, replaceregexp, checksum, translate, waitfor, input,
-  manifest, vsscp, vssadd, vsscreate
+  manifest, vsscp, vssadd, vsscreate, splash
 
 * The attributes zipfile, jarfile, warfile and earfile (from the Zip, 
   Jar, War and Ear tasks) have been deprecated and superseded by a 
diff --git a/build.xml b/build.xml
index be44ea57a..3e94a8235 100644
--- a/build.xml
+++ b/build.xml
@@ -159,6 +159,8 @@
   <patternset id="needs.sun.b64">
     <exclude name="${ant.package}/taskdefs/Get.java"
              unless="base64.present" />
+    <exclude name="${optional.package}/splash/SplashTask.java"
+             unless="base64.present" />
   </patternset>
 
   <!-- depends on external libraries -->
@@ -285,6 +287,9 @@
   <patternset id="onlinetests">
     <exclude name="**/GetTest.java" if="offline" />
   </patternset>
+  <patternset id="needs.swing">
+    <exclude name="${optional.package}/splash/*.java" unless="swing.present" />
+  </patternset>
 
   <!--
        ===================================================================
@@ -435,6 +440,9 @@
       </and>
     </condition>
     
+    <available property="swing.present"
+               classname="javax.swing.ImageIcon"
+               classpathref="classpath"/>
   </target>
 
 
@@ -503,6 +511,7 @@
       <patternset refid="needs.sun.tools" />
       <patternset refid="needs.sun.b64" />
       <patternset refid="needs.jakarta.bcel" />
+      <patternset refid="needs.swing" />
     </javac>
 
     <copy todir="${build.classes}">
@@ -577,6 +586,10 @@
                      value="Apache Software Foundation" />
         </section>
       </manifest>
+
+      <fileset dir="${docs.dir}">
+        <include name="images/ant_logo_large.gif" />
+      </fileset>
     </jar>
 
     <jar destfile="${build.lib}/optional.jar"
diff --git a/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/defaults.properties b/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/defaults.properties
index f75d16e1f..5d36e3e52 100644
--- a/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/defaults.properties
+++ b/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/defaults.properties
@@ -150,6 +150,7 @@ soscheckin=org.apache.tools.ant.taskdefs.optional.sos.SOSCheckin
 soscheckout=org.apache.tools.ant.taskdefs.optional.sos.SOSCheckout
 soslabel=org.apache.tools.ant.taskdefs.optional.sos.SOSLabel
 echoproperties=org.apache.tools.ant.taskdefs.optional.EchoProperties
+splash=org.apache.tools.ant.taskdefs.optional.splash.SplashTask
 
 # deprecated ant tasks (kept for back compatibility)
 starteam=org.apache.tools.ant.taskdefs.optional.scm.AntStarTeamCheckOut
diff --git a/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/optional/splash/SplashScreen.java b/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/optional/splash/SplashScreen.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e845f6ccf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/optional/splash/SplashScreen.java
@@ -0,0 +1,140 @@
+/*
+ * The Apache Software License, Version 1.1
+ *
+ * Copyright (c) 2002 The Apache Software Foundation.  All rights
+ * reserved.
+ *
+ * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
+ * modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions
+ * are met:
+ *
+ * 1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
+ *    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
+ *
+ * 2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
+ *    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in
+ *    the documentation and/or other materials provided with the
+ *    distribution.
+ *
+ * 3. The end-user documentation included with the redistribution, if
+ *    any, must include the following acknowlegement:
+ *       "This product includes software developed by the
+ *        Apache Software Foundation (http://www.apache.org/)."
+ *    Alternately, this acknowlegement may appear in the software itself,
+ *    if and wherever such third-party acknowlegements normally appear.
+ *
+ * 4. The names "The Jakarta Project", "Ant", and "Apache Software
+ *    Foundation" must not be used to endorse or promote products derived
+ *    from this software without prior written permission. For written
+ *    permission, please contact apache@apache.org.
+ *
+ * 5. Products derived from this software may not be called "Apache"
+ *    nor may "Apache" appear in their names without prior written
+ *    permission of the Apache Group.
+ *
+ * THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ``AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED
+ * WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
+ * OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
+ * DISCLAIMED.  IN NO EVENT SHALL THE APACHE SOFTWARE FOUNDATION OR
+ * ITS CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
+ * SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+ * LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF
+ * USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND
+ * ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY,
+ * OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT
+ * OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
+ * SUCH DAMAGE.
+ * ====================================================================
+ *
+ * This software consists of voluntary contributions made by many
+ * individuals on behalf of the Apache Software Foundation.  For more
+ * information on the Apache Software Foundation, please see
+ * <http://www.apache.org/>.
+ */
+
+package org.apache.tools.ant.taskdefs.optional.splash;
+
+import org.apache.tools.ant.BuildEvent;
+import org.apache.tools.ant.BuildListener;
+
+import javax.swing.*;
+import java.awt.*;
+import java.awt.event.*;
+
+class SplashScreen extends JWindow implements ActionListener, BuildListener {
+
+    private JLabel text;
+    private JProgressBar pb;
+    private int total;
+    private final int min = 0;
+    private final int max = 200;
+
+    public SplashScreen(String msg) {
+        init(null);
+        setText(msg);
+    }
+        
+    public SplashScreen(ImageIcon img) {
+        init(img);
+    }
+
+    protected void init(ImageIcon img) {
+       
+        JPanel pan = (JPanel)getContentPane();
+        JLabel piccy;
+        if(img == null ) {
+            piccy = new JLabel();
+        } else {
+            piccy = new JLabel(img);
+        }
+            
+        piccy.setBorder(BorderFactory.createLineBorder(Color.black,1));
+        text = new JLabel("Building....", JLabel.CENTER);
+        text.setFont(new Font("Sans-Serif", Font.BOLD, 12));
+        text.setBorder(BorderFactory.createEtchedBorder());
+
+        pb = new JProgressBar(min, max);
+        pb.setBorder(BorderFactory.createBevelBorder(javax.swing.border.BevelBorder.LOWERED));
+        JPanel pan2 = new JPanel();
+        pan2.setLayout(new BorderLayout());
+
+        pan2.add(text,BorderLayout.NORTH);
+        pan2.add(pb,BorderLayout.SOUTH);
+
+        pan.setLayout(new BorderLayout());
+        pan.add(piccy, BorderLayout.CENTER);
+        pan.add(pan2, BorderLayout.SOUTH);
+
+        pan.setBorder(BorderFactory.createBevelBorder(javax.swing.border.BevelBorder.RAISED));
+
+        pack();
+
+        Dimension size = getSize();
+        Dimension scr = Toolkit.getDefaultToolkit().getScreenSize();
+        int x = (scr.width - size.width) /2;
+        int y = (scr.height - size.height) /2;
+        setBounds(x,y,size.width, size.height);
+    }
+
+    public void setText(String txt) {
+        text.setText(txt);
+    }
+
+    public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent a) {
+        if(total < max) {
+            total++;
+        } else {
+            total = min;
+        }
+        pb.setValue(total);
+    }
+
+    public void buildStarted(BuildEvent event){ actionPerformed(null);}
+    public void buildFinished(BuildEvent event){actionPerformed(null);}
+    public void targetStarted(BuildEvent event){actionPerformed(null);}
+    public void targetFinished(BuildEvent event){actionPerformed(null);}
+    public void taskStarted(BuildEvent event){actionPerformed(null);}
+    public void taskFinished(BuildEvent event){actionPerformed(null);}
+    public void messageLogged(BuildEvent event){actionPerformed(null);}
+}
+
diff --git a/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/optional/splash/SplashTask.java b/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/optional/splash/SplashTask.java
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e73c1484b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/main/org/apache/tools/ant/taskdefs/optional/splash/SplashTask.java
@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+/*
+ * The Apache Software License, Version 1.1
+ *
+ * Copyright (c) 2002 The Apache Software Foundation.  All rights
+ * reserved.
+ *
+ * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
+ * modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions
+ * are met:
+ *
+ * 1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
+ *    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
+ *
+ * 2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
+ *    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in
+ *    the documentation and/or other materials provided with the
+ *    distribution.
+ *
+ * 3. The end-user documentation included with the redistribution, if
+ *    any, must include the following acknowlegement:
+ *       "This product includes software developed by the
+ *        Apache Software Foundation (http://www.apache.org/)."
+ *    Alternately, this acknowlegement may appear in the software itself,
+ *    if and wherever such third-party acknowlegements normally appear.
+ *
+ * 4. The names "The Jakarta Project", "Ant", and "Apache Software
+ *    Foundation" must not be used to endorse or promote products derived
+ *    from this software without prior written permission. For written
+ *    permission, please contact apache@apache.org.
+ *
+ * 5. Products derived from this software may not be called "Apache"
+ *    nor may "Apache" appear in their names without prior written
+ *    permission of the Apache Group.
+ *
+ * THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ``AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED
+ * WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
+ * OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
+ * DISCLAIMED.  IN NO EVENT SHALL THE APACHE SOFTWARE FOUNDATION OR
+ * ITS CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
+ * SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+ * LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF
+ * USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND
+ * ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY,
+ * OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT
+ * OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
+ * SUCH DAMAGE.
+ * ====================================================================
+ *
+ * This software consists of voluntary contributions made by many
+ * individuals on behalf of the Apache Software Foundation.  For more
+ * information on the Apache Software Foundation, please see
+ * <http://www.apache.org/>.
+ */
+
+package org.apache.tools.ant.taskdefs.optional.splash;
+
+import javax.swing.ImageIcon;
+import org.apache.tools.ant.BuildException;
+import org.apache.tools.ant.Project;
+import org.apache.tools.ant.Task;
+
+import java.io.*;
+import java.net.*;
+
+public class SplashTask extends Task {
+
+    private String imgurl = null;
+    private String proxy = null;
+    private String user = null;
+    private String password = null;
+    private String port = "80";
+    private int showDuration = 5000;
+    private boolean useProxy = false;
+
+    private static SplashScreen splash = null;
+
+    public void setImageURL(String imgurl) {
+        this.imgurl = imgurl;
+    }
+    public void setUseproxy(boolean useProxy) {
+        this.useProxy = useProxy;
+    }
+    public void setProxy(String proxy){
+        this.proxy = proxy;
+    }
+    public void setPort(String port){
+        this.port = port;
+    }
+    public void setUser(String user){
+        this.user = user;
+    }
+    public void setPassword(String password){
+        this.password = password;
+    }
+    public void setShowduration(int duration) {
+        this.showDuration = duration;
+    }
+   
+
+    public void execute() throws BuildException {
+        if (splash != null ) {
+            splash.setVisible(false);
+            getProject().removeBuildListener(splash);
+            splash.dispose();
+            splash = null;
+        }
+      
+        log("Creating new SplashScreen", Project.MSG_VERBOSE);
+        InputStream in = null;
+
+        if (imgurl != null) {
+            try{
+                URLConnection conn = null;
+                
+                if(useProxy &&
+                   (proxy != null && proxy.length() > 0) &&
+                   (port != null && port.length() > 0)) {
+                    
+                    log("Using proxied Connection",  Project.MSG_DEBUG);
+                    System.getProperties().put("http.proxySet", "true");
+                    System.getProperties().put("http.proxyHost", proxy);
+                    System.getProperties().put("http.proxyPort", port);
+                    
+                    URL url = new URL(imgurl);
+                    
+                    conn = url.openConnection();
+                    if (user != null && user.length() > 0) {
+                        String encodedcreds = 
+                            new sun.misc.BASE64Encoder().encode((new String(user+":"+password)).getBytes());
+                        conn.setRequestProperty("Proxy-Authorization", 
+                                                encodedcreds);
+                    }
+                    
+                } else {
+                    System.getProperties().put("http.proxySet", "false");
+                    System.getProperties().put("http.proxyHost", "");
+                    System.getProperties().put("http.proxyPort", "");
+                    log("Using Direction HTTP Connection", Project.MSG_DEBUG);
+                    URL url = new URL(imgurl);
+                    conn = url.openConnection();
+                }
+                conn.setDoInput(true);
+                conn.setDoOutput(false);
+                
+                in = conn.getInputStream();
+
+                // Catch everything - some of the above return nulls, throw exceptions or generally misbehave
+                // in the event of a problem etc
+                
+            } catch(Throwable ioe) {
+                log("Unable to download image, trying default Ant Logo", Project.MSG_DEBUG);
+                log("(Exception was \""+ioe.getMessage()+"\"", Project.MSG_DEBUG);
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (in == null) {
+            in = SplashTask.class.getClassLoader().getResourceAsStream("images/ant_logo_large.gif");
+        }
+
+        if(in != null) {
+            DataInputStream din = new DataInputStream(in);
+            boolean success = false;
+            try {
+                ByteArrayOutputStream bout = new ByteArrayOutputStream();
+                int data;
+                while((data = din.read()) != -1) {
+                    bout.write((byte)data);
+                }
+                
+                log("Got ByteArray, creating splash",  Project.MSG_DEBUG);
+                ImageIcon img = new ImageIcon(bout.toByteArray());
+                
+                splash = new SplashScreen(img);
+                success = true;
+            } catch(Exception e) {
+                throw new BuildException(e);
+            } finally {
+                try {
+                    din.close();
+                } catch (IOException ioe) {
+                    // swallow if there was an error before so that
+                    // original error will be passed up
+                    if (success) {
+                        throw new BuildException(ioe);
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        } else {
+            splash = new SplashScreen("Image Unavailable.");
+        }
+
+        splash.setVisible(true);
+        splash.toFront();
+        getProject().addBuildListener(splash);
+        try {
+            Thread.currentThread().sleep(showDuration);
+        } catch (InterruptedException e) {
+        }
+        
+    }
+}