Particularly across the Atlantic, I hope a few of you guys can sort through your memory banks and assist us in researching the history of Charles Boddington’s BE-2c replica which flew in the USA in the 1970s.
What we know so far is:
It was built in Sywell, England, from modified DH Tiger Moth components, by Charles Boddington of the Barnstormers Flying Circus in 1969.
Originally registered G-AWYI, it was destined for a movie called Biggles Sweeps the Skies, but the filming was never completed. The aeroplane was shipped (by Universal we think), to the USA, when it was subsequently registered N1914B. It was about this time the BBC used it during the making of their serial ‘Wings’.
After that the trail gets colder. We know it flew with a Flying Circus operation at Bealeton VA. Then it crashed near Oshkosh WI in 1977, injuring the pilot. And that’s about it!
We are particularly keen to make contact with anyone who was involved with the aeroplane during its time in the USA.
Also does anyone have any photos?
Better still, can anyone put us in contact with the unfortunate pilot from 1977?
Maybe these pictures might spur a memory or two?
By: GASML - 29th June 2005 at 11:17
Help required to chase new lead
Thanks Blue Max you beat me to it!
Also to artist and BE-2 fan Rob Karr in the USA, who found them in his archive.
Must post a small print of his handiwork too. Nice stuff. There’s more at http://www.wwi-models.org/Images/Karr/Allied/index.html
Now the latest challenge. We’ve heard that the pilot when the replica crashed in the USA may have been Dave Jameson, who was heavily involved with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Does anyone know whether its still possible to track him down?
Of course any other information too, would be handy!
By: The Blue Max - 29th June 2005 at 08:38
Have just been sent these pics if it brings back any memories?
By: GASML - 22nd June 2005 at 22:17
Hi GASML,
I seem to remember the aircraft appearing on the front cover of the BAPC journal control column, I’ll try to find the issue later tonight.
Septic.
Thanks Septic. If it elps get any more memories going, here’s something that appeared in Air Pictorial at about the same time………
Any info from our American cousins??
By: The Blue Max - 21st June 2005 at 08:31
Thanks septic, any info or pics will be greatfully recieved.
By: Septic - 20th June 2005 at 20:40
Hi GASML,
I seem to remember the aircraft appearing on the front cover of the BAPC journal control column, I’ll try to find the issue later tonight.
Septic.
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June 20, 2005 at 2:57 pm