For those that may not know, the well-known aviation photographer and Eastern-European traveller Colin Ballantine passed away last Tuesday after a battle with lung cancer. Colin started Plane Fotos International, which became the Aviation Hobby Shop. He was infamous for his clandestine pre-1989 trips to East Germany and the East Bloc, where he took extreme risks photographing his passion for anything Soviet built, particularly airliners.
Some of these were published in his book “Vintage Russian”. It was a pleasure to have known Colin and hear of his latest trip to the ‘East’.
There will be a collection for the Alice Foundation at the Heathrow Enthusiasts’ Fair at Feltham on Saturday 13th November
By: MANAIRPORTMAD - 6th November 2004 at 17:37
Very sad news.
By: MANAIRPORTMAD - 6th November 2004 at 17:37
Very sad news.
By: MSR777 - 6th November 2004 at 17:36
Albert, Thanks for that information. I had no idea that Colin had gone…very sad news. I have all of his titles in my collection and I shall miss his books in future. He served me once on a stall at Mildenhall air show (with one of his titles of course!). Sincere condolences to his family and friends. Colin was taking photos and writing books of Soviet airliners well before most gave them a second look. Fans of those marvellous machines like myself would have very little to look back on had it not been for Colins bravery, some would say foolishness, behind the “Iron Curtain” in years gone by. Thank You Colin and rest in peace.
By: MSR777 - 6th November 2004 at 17:36
Albert, Thanks for that information. I had no idea that Colin had gone…very sad news. I have all of his titles in my collection and I shall miss his books in future. He served me once on a stall at Mildenhall air show (with one of his titles of course!). Sincere condolences to his family and friends. Colin was taking photos and writing books of Soviet airliners well before most gave them a second look. Fans of those marvellous machines like myself would have very little to look back on had it not been for Colins bravery, some would say foolishness, behind the “Iron Curtain” in years gone by. Thank You Colin and rest in peace.
By: Deano - 5th November 2004 at 11:05
sad news indeed, thoughts and prayers to his family
By: Deano - 5th November 2004 at 11:05
sad news indeed, thoughts and prayers to his family
By: TRIDENT MAN - 5th November 2004 at 10:52
I knew Colin very well indeed ,and i am deeply saddened to hear of his passing away,my thoughts go to his family,what a great loss to the aviation world.
By: TRIDENT MAN - 5th November 2004 at 10:52
I knew Colin very well indeed ,and i am deeply saddened to hear of his passing away,my thoughts go to his family,what a great loss to the aviation world.
By: Robert Hamilton - 5th November 2004 at 10:07
R.I.P
By: Robert Hamilton - 5th November 2004 at 10:07
R.I.P
By: rudi - 5th November 2004 at 00:49
Although I didn’t know him, I recognise his name from many photos over the years and I visit TAHS (Aviation Hobby Shop – well worth a visit) in West Drayton quite regularly. Even though his name may not ring a bell I suspect most of us have seen some of his excellent work. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
By: rudi - 5th November 2004 at 00:49
Although I didn’t know him, I recognise his name from many photos over the years and I visit TAHS (Aviation Hobby Shop – well worth a visit) in West Drayton quite regularly. Even though his name may not ring a bell I suspect most of us have seen some of his excellent work. Sincere condolences to family and friends.
By: Ren Frew - 4th November 2004 at 16:05
Condolences. 🙁
By: Ren Frew - 4th November 2004 at 16:05
Condolences. 🙁
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November 4, 2004 at 3:58 pm