P7350

I think P7 now sits right at the top of the favourites list – that BofB scheme for the Isaacs is now looking all the more tempting 😉

Great posting Tim , anymore you can share with us ?? 🙂

Great anecdote,Tim,thanks for posting. 🙂

How nice to see P7350 looking so good. I did my last Spitfire flight in her, so feel special affection for her.

On 5 November 1968, after the aerial scenes for the BofB film had been completed, I was given the “onerous” task of delivering P 7350 from Bovingdon to Coltishall, the then home of the BofB Memorial Flight, her new owner. I didn’t object!

At the time I was instructing on Jet Provosts and Chipmunks at Cranwell, and my boss suggested that it would be a good idea to show the budding Harrier and Phantom pilots what a real aeroplane looked like by stopping for lunch at Cranwell on the way, which I did. I got a mild rap over the knuckles later because we hadn’t told Coltishall, and they wondered where there new toy had got to.

After lunch I set off for Colt, in company with a Jet Provost, which had to do the R/T, since I only had VHF and the RAF UHF. Arrived at Colt, the Lightning OCU, with two or three Lightnings in the circuit, all using as much fuel for one circuit as I used for the whole trip, JP got joining clearence, I got green light from runway caravan, did customary low run in and break to downwind, throttle to idle, U/C down, curved approach to keep threshold in sight past the nose, trickle of power round finals; NO TRICKLE OF POWER! only large three bladed prop coming to a standstill. Tight finals, delay flap, no problem in making the runway, phew!

Lightnings in circuit see their only runway blocked by dead Spitfire, frantic pilot trying to push it to the nearest exit. luckily Colt OC Flying soon joined me, and we soon cleared the runway before anyone became too upset.

My final flight in a delightful, classic aeroplane, which it had been a privilege to fly. No wonder I remember it so well.

I agree that the BBMF might consider those Campbell helmets, I was thinking of suggesting it last night when I saw the photo but didn’t get round to it. I’m glad someone brought it up. The bonedome helmet looks so big it makes the plane look like one of Daz’s scaled down replicas. 😉

What I really want to know is, what’s the vintage aircraft being built in that Campbell hangar (see the hangar on the website). When Warbirds over Wanaka was on earlier this year Mr Campbell was interviewed because his products were selling like hotcakes at the airshow. They showed his hangar in South Canterbury, and in one shot of the news item they wheeled out a skeletal wooden aircraft that was near complete but awaiting fabric. It was a biplane of a 1930’s fighter/trainer type, and had a distinctively Hwker style tail, like a Tomtit, Hart, Hind or something. I’d love to know what it is, and whether it’s real or a fake.

I recall Campbell stating that he invented the helmets in 1996 after seeing the result ot Sir Tim Wallis’s crash. Funnily enough a group of us who’s trade involved servicing helmets and upholstery in the RNZAF once discussed making exactly the same concept with Phil Murray, RNZAF pilot and warbird pilot. This was in 1992. I think my workmate was going to build one for Phil as a trial piece, and I know other operators had shown an interest too, but I don’t know what became ot the whole thing. Imagine, we could have patented that idea and have been getting all that business now. Damn!

Actually, thinking about it, I might one day, if I get bored with the Spit! 😀

Ohhhh no, I’m not building a 60% scale Hurricane too! 😉

Hmmmm……also available in AVM Park style white aswell……. 😉 😀

I’ll have to remember to get one for flying the Spit 😉

Good Idea Daz.

Can someone post this link to the BBMF please. 😀

http://www.campbellaeroclassics.com/

J.V.

remember when del boy made the turban helmets? thats what im seeing shades off right now 🙂

Good Idea Daz.

Can someone post this link to the BBMF please. 😀

http://www.campbellaeroclassics.com/

J.V.

Or they should use those Campbell helmets that everyone wears – safe and reasonably authentic-looking! 😉

“i wouldimagine the bone domes are drastically more safe than the period headgear and because of this should remain”

Agreed of course, but if they were standard issue green it would help.

but would that clash with the overalls 🙂

“i wouldimagine the bone domes are drastically more safe than the period headgear and because of this should remain”

Agreed of course, but if they were standard issue green it would help.

I’m debating whether to eventually paint the Isaacs Spit up like this, or in another scheme – decisions, decisions…!!

Personally I reckon PR Blue gives the Spit the best effect !!
(Like the one in that other thread) 🙂

Lovely, just a shame the BBMF cannot be persuaded to equip their aircrew with more appropriate headgear.

i wouldimagine the bone domes are drastically more safe than the period headgear and because of this should remain.

Lovely, just a shame the BBMF cannot be persuaded to equip their aircrew with more appropriate headgear.

I’m debating whether to eventually paint the Isaacs Spit up like this, or in another scheme – decisions, decisions…!!

I saw her at the Dutch show at Volkel on the 19th June (where it looks like this photo was taken).
She does look 100% better. Very nice indeed.

Willow