Masterton Saturday

On Saturday afternoon we were able to watch an RE8 reproduction take to the air , with more horsepower than the BE2a and the BE2c we had watched earlier , the RE8 seemed less prone to the gusty wind . The three SE5a reproductions put on quite a spirited performance compared to the more sedate FE2d which had been accompanied by an original Bristol Fighter and a replica . The replica Bristol was finished in what I would take to be PC10 but the restored one was almost black on its top surfaces and sides . Apart from the RE8 the only new aircraft was a Fokker EVIII powered by a reproduction German rotary . Of the German aircraft to fly , the two Albatros DVa reproductions were I think the smoothest sounding but I did like the Gypsy Queen powered Fokker DVII which I think probably comes from the Blue Max movie along with the Pfalz DIII .
The day was gusty but sunny and warm , the crowd was small so everyone had a great view , with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang giving the kids rides and the money earned from it going to charity . The Red Checkers put on a display and a couple of Tiger Moths and a Stampe cut streamers they had dropped in front of the crowd .