Brooklands Aviation Centenary 7th June 2008

‘MB cars raced on the circuit pre-war.’
Yes, but only about three times!

The Pembroke is of course also the only one of its breed flying anywhere in the World at present

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM

Hello Pagen01 and British Canuck

Yes, whilst we all might deplore the demise of the airfield at Brooklands, it was not under any control of the museum and was falling into a poor state, especially the old runway. The museum’s VC10 and Vanguard were out there, virtually open to vandalism. Mercede-Benz, I believe, chose this site to establish their UK HQ and promotional centre as it has such great motoring history. MB cars raced on the circuit pre-war.

They have made a great contribution to the preservation of the old circuit and the relationship with the adjacent museum has been beneficial to both, I would think. The addition of an hotel will add to the attraction of the site and should bring more business to the museum as well.

See my 8 June reply for list of engine runners.

What aircraft were taking parts in the engine runs at Brooklands on Sat?..nice to see the Vickers Merchantman up and running very nicely…

Andrew

At least Mercedes has done something a British motoring company (any left?)hasn’t, and that is shown some interest in the site and its preservation.
Don’t forget the motoring past of Brooklands is as strong as its flying, I think it’s a truely wonderful place to visit and have even driven on the historic banking there.
The Wellington exhibit is fantastic and has a unique feel
I’m wondering if setting up an airfield (even grass) is a bit more involved than just MB agreeing to it.

I did not even know about the hotel!!. What a sad state of affairs where such a sight soaked in history is being squeezed by the corporates greed for land (and , to be fair, the consumers greed for all the 21st century rubbish),
The Mecedez Benz building is the ugliest thing I have seen for a long time and it’s presense is certainly ironic to say the least when one considers the fabulous war effort that Brooklands put in.

Hi patb

As I understand it, the grass area used on Saturday for spectators of the aero-engined car runs and air show is in fact the grass strip allocated by Mercedes-Benz. It remains unprepared until a decision can be made as to its suitability. Brooklands promotes all aspects of its history, which really centres on its origins in motoring, so there is a natural tendency towards two and four wheeled machines and, I expect, easier to show.

However, there are probably more volunteers occupied on the aviation side and, no doubt, it is their priority to maintain those exhibits. Actual flying there would be great but I doubt it is of the highest priority. Yes, it would be good to see the fly-ins again and for pilots to get Brooklands in their log book! Maybe if everyone had a helicopter they could land there still. Who knows what may happen in the future.

The air display line on Saturday passed over the site for the new hotel, so you were possibly witnessing the last such event that will be held there. You, and your son, were ‘privileged’ to be there on a possible double ‘historic’ occasion!

I had a very interesting chat with a couple of volunteers who were showing people around the Wellington Hanger. There was an agreement when Mercedes moved in that there would be a grass airstrip to enable small airshows to take place but that simply has not come into being. I sensed some frustration from these 2 gents that the focus at Brooklands is inreasingly on the motoring side, possibly to the neglect of the flying.

Anyone have more info?

Brooklands Aviation Centenary

Hi Archer

Here are some more pictures for you and everyone else who failed, or were unable, to turn up at Brooklands on 7 June. Some people even dressed in period costume for the occasion! The Nimrod was, I believe, flown by Charlie Brown. The red Rearwin Cloudster is the only one in Europe.

Sounds like it was a good day. Can anyone post some more photos? Both from the air display and the engine runs perhaps? I would’ve loved to be there myself but it was a bit too far away unfortunately. (Hi N. All well I hope?)

Joe90 and patb,

Glad You enjoyed Yourselves, blessed with wonderful weather..

Great pictures Joe90, hope to see more one day.

Sorry to Nosmo King for not replying earlier but the event was only for one day.

Cheers
GASYD

Brooklands

Hello patb

The Hurricane was R4118/G-HUPW of Peter Vacher fame.

can anyone tell me which Hurricane it was. I was too far away from the commentary and was distracted by my 2 year old son doing a very good impression of the devil.

Mustang display was lovely

Brooklands Aviation Centenary

The Brooklands Centenary event on Saturday 7 June turned out to be a great event, in marvellous weather. If you did not go, you don’t know what you missed!

Besides the first public appearance of the new Roe biplane replica with an engine run, the Vanguard ran all engines and there were also engine runs by the Bleriot, Demoiselle, Camel and Drone. Added to this were runs by a static Merlin and a Leonides. The partly completed Roe triplane from Manchester was the centrepiece for a great photographic exhibition. And lots more.

All this was followed by a great 45 minute air display out on the Mercedes-Benz World site with appearances by a selection of aircraft spanning some 90years – Sopwith Triplane & Pup, Auster V, Rearwin Cloudster (only one in Europe), Hurricane, Mustang, Guinot Stearman (with wingwalker), beautiful Pembroke and a couple of helicopters. Sadly the Vimy was unable to appear due to technical reasons but believe is still booked for Farnborough in July.

Brooklands Aviation Centenary

Is it only for one day? your motoring Centerary last year was Held over two days. Nosmo King

Thanks for reminder. Must get there and looking forward to an interesting day