Write-up of flying Shuttleworth's Wren – including climbing and turning!

I was at Wisley that grey Sunday afternon in July 1957 with a school friend courtesy of my father who worked at that airfield. We were both keen aeromodellers and watching the EE engineers trying to start the ABC engine we knew just how they felt after several minutes of fruitless ‘flicking ‘ of the prop to try and start it! Just like model aircraft diesel engines of that era! But yes it did fly and I recall we were amazed that it did. But what a terrific air display that was.

And what happened to the Nash collection that was also there that day – apart from the Wellington T 10 that we were told was parked at London Airport’s BEA hangar in storage? I know the RAF museum have it these days. But my dad (as flight observer) was also one of the last people to fly in it after modification several years earlier, also at Wisley.

A brilliantly-written article, insightful stuff from the pilot and some gorgeous photos. 

I enjoyed reading the article, which left me wondering how the flight characteristics of the Wren and Michel Barry’s Souricette might compare. I’ve always thought that the latter is close to a modern evocation of the former – but with seventy plus years separating them!

The only time I’ve ever seen it fly was a straight hop or two down the runway, and the tale told over the tannoy of the last time it had flown a circuit when it had squeaked through a gap in the trees and vanished, to everyone’s consternation, before appearing in similar fashion after a very long interval at the other end of the airfield, having hedge-hopped all the way round! How true it was I don’t know, but a good yarn.

Wonderful write up on one of the collections hidden gems. Haven’t caught it at height yet but look forward to seeing it one day. 

Ok will do, thanks Elliot

Following the discussion I’ve seen online I guess it’s about time for me to read this one. I confess to knowing nothing about the Wren other than seeing it pop up in Shuttleworth YouTube videos so I’m in for an educational experience!

Thank you. What a lovely, interesting article 🙂

Sopwith that is a forum issue- just copy the link into your browser.

Thanks Elliott

The link doesn’t seem to work Elliot