Apart from a bit of snow in Cambridge as I waited for the bus and the roundabout closed the other side of Sawston and with a slight sightseeing tour around Cambridgeshire, we actually got to Duxford on time just before doors opened. Half term and 2 coach loads of Cubs were about to descend on the place. As I got closer to the American Air Museum I could hear orders being barked out in an American accent, sort of. A group of re-enactors in period dress were being drilled outside the AAM. They had set up displays by the B-17 and B-24. Some of the leather jackets had ‘Little Patches’ on the back of them. It referred to B-17G-25-BO/42-31679 of the 91st Bomb Group based at Bassingbourn from 1943. The name ‘Little Patches’ came about as on the aircraft’s first mission to Frankfurt, it returned to base with lots of little holes in it caused by flak over the target. ‘Little Patches’ survived the war with over 100 missions under its belt only to return to America to be disposed of for scrap. The OFMC Spitfire was the only airframe being worked on as it continued its winter maintenance.
Brian
By: Bluebird Mike - 31st March 2025 at 11:24
The Blenheim is looking tremendous!
By: ZRX61 - 31st March 2025 at 11:23
Good grief, they’ve got enough drip pans under that Spitfire to re-engine it with an R2800…:D
By: The Blue Max - 31st March 2025 at 11:23
Whats the story with the Acro sport II ??
By: markstringer - 31st March 2025 at 11:21
Any news on whether TFC have sorted out their issues with the CAA yet Brian?:confused:
By: Pen Pusher - 31st March 2025 at 11:21
Short answer – Don’t know.
If I did know, which I don’t, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be down to me to say anything as that information would have to come from TFC themselves.
Brian
By: piston power! - 31st March 2025 at 11:21
Re inactments whats all that about it’s a bit sad! much better things to do on a weekend.
By: TempestV - 31st March 2025 at 11:21
ARCO Blenhiem
Won’t it be lovely to see the ARCO Blenhiem flying as a MK1!! 🙂
Many of the RAF aircraft (and hence their colours) they had on strength on the eve of WW2 are sadly absent from the skies.
A formation of the following would be nice:
Mk1 Spitfire
Mk1 Hurricane
Mk1 Blenhiem
Gladiator
It would be great to be able to add a Battle to this list too.
By: Blue_2 - 31st March 2025 at 11:21
…Followed by a formation of Hampden, Whitley, Wimpey ideally!
By: 50sqnwop/ag - 31st March 2025 at 11:20
”Re inactments whats all that about it’s a bit sad! much better things to do on a weekend.”
To each there own, not like they’re driving around in circles in a town centre smokin green stuff.
the group were invited by the IWM as part of the educational program they have in place aswell as to add to the aircraft displayed and give people more of an idea about the people who crewed and ran the stations where they were based. Keeping the memory of those that flew and maintained the a/c is an important part of the point of the museum exhibits is it not? not just to look at nice shiny a/c?
The IWM has done the same with the RAF in the superhanger and by all accounts they are very successful events…
By: G-ASEA - 31st March 2025 at 11:20
Is the Blenhiem going to be painted in 113 sdn markings, western desert? As ‘The Old Un’ was a name used by 113 sdn.
Dave
By: sycamore - 31st March 2025 at 11:19
Anyone know any `engineers` involved with the Spit and P47 on jacks ? If so, please remind them that `ballast weights` must not be suspended in mid-air.It puts a crushing load on the tail structure. Any CAA Inspector would throw a `wobbly` and the book as well !!!
By: Denis - 31st March 2025 at 11:19
The IWM has done the same with the RAF in the superhanger and by all accounts they are very successful events…
If I remember correctly that demonstration was by the ‘B5 boys’ Extremely educational and I might say, very true to life. They actually looked like a bomber crew and seemed to be of the right age.
However, and I am sticking my neck out here, Those ‘American’ re-enactors look slightly past their sell by date. I applaud what they are doing to a point, but young looking Army Air Force boys & girls they aint!
Far too many doughnuts have been eaten!
By: 50sqnwop/ag - 31st March 2025 at 11:18
unfortunately this is true, well you cant hide the fact can you 😉 tis a hobby wide issue…. (no pun intended)
but to be fair alot of younger types are either pissed or stoned out of their little brains and have no money left to buy the kit or afford the petrol to get to events or more likely arent interested in the last time this country was worth a damn, cause it sure aint now…
By: piston power! - 31st March 2025 at 11:18
However, and I am sticking my neck out here, Those ‘American’ re-enactors look slightly past their sell by date. I applaud what they are doing to a point, but young looking Army Air Force boys & girls they aint!
Exactly.
The younger end won’t entertain this unless there getting paid for film work or extras it’s far too boring and geekey to do if it’s your cup of tea and i have upset you well tough.
Pinewood studios might take you on………….
By: Mark V - 31st March 2025 at 11:17
The younger end won’t entertain this unless there getting paid for film work or extras it’s far too boring and geekey to do if it’s your cup of tea and i have upset you well tough.
Pinewood studios might take you on………….
This younger bunch were making a good job of it – but then they were getting paid 🙂
By: 50sqnwop/ag - 31st March 2025 at 11:16
:rolleyes:
they for the new film about the tuskegee sqns?
By: Bluebird Mike - 31st March 2025 at 11:16
Well as a fan of vintage glamour, I rather like the redhead!
By: Red Hunter - 31st March 2025 at 11:16
Well, I am there with a youngster tomorrow and he will certainly enjoy any re-enactments on offer – Home Guard and a Lancaster rear-gunner talking about “his experiences” are on offer, I think, so I am really looking forward to our day.
By: Mark V - 31st March 2025 at 11:16
:rolleyes:
they for the new film about the tuskegee sqns?
Yep – taken on the ‘Red Tails’ set last may.
By: The Big Picture - 31st March 2025 at 11:14
Anyone know any `engineers` involved with the Spit and P47 on jacks ? If so, please remind them that `ballast weights` must not be suspended in mid-air.It puts a crushing load on the tail structure. Any CAA Inspector would throw a `wobbly` and the book as well !!!
Crushing load on the tail?
i suggest you look in your copy of the P-47 Manual.
then cross reference it with all the ADs and TOs you have on file as well.
What may be standard to some “expert” may be different to what some
“engineer” has to comply with.
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February 15, 2010 at 8:14 pm