Cosford Airshow this weekend

We’re actually able to use the disabled parking too if we wish, but decided not to mess about on our way in- wish we had now then!

I went too, arriving early at about 7:30, had to wait a few minutes before they opened the parking, otherwise no delay for me (of course, that’s what I expected at that time), and easy getting out too. I am fortunate in being able to use the disabled car park, it seems (and I’ve got a story about that too – but I got help from the OIC Parking – so thanks to her for arranging an escort).

Gloomy, and not very good for photography, I’m afraid. Was faintly amused by people trying to photograph flying aircraft on their mobile phones, then complaining that they just looked like dots.

Was not amused by the extremely loud, to the point of distortion, PA system, and once again it’s speakers on pylons (they should take leaf or two out of Culdrose’s book) getting into virtually every photograph 🙁 -it was either that or high sided vans. I stongly suggest they sack the PA firm, for such an incompetent performance, and claim back the fees.

In theory Cosford should be one of my favourite airshows, being the first one I’ve attended this year, but sadly I only ever seem able to find something negative to say. It’s sad really – perhaps I expect too much from them, as I am a native of Wednesfield, Wolverhampton (which is just down the road), and I did some trade training there too.

Off to Kemble next – look out for me near the disabled car park, but on the crowd line.

Ellie and I went after all, my first airshow in several years. Got there about 8am and drove straight in, no problems. Had a nice morning walking around all the hanger displays and stalls etc, and enjoyed Cossie’s new Cold War building- very nice indeed. Spent a fortune on a lovely leather jacket from the RAF Museum shop. Back to the car for nibbles, and I was amazed at the amount of garden furniture some people were setting up by their cars, and of course by the extent of the windbreaks and tents on the flight line- selfish ******s!

We set ourselves up a little ways back from the flight line, at the right hand end of the runway adjacent to Spit AR213 and Hurricane R4118, so I could watch them start up and taxi out, which I enjoyed immensely. Loved seeing the BBMF, especially of course my beloved Lanc. The cloud base was very low- the Falcons went around a couple of times in the Chinook, and only jumped on the third go, and even then it felt like they were chancing it! The Reds did their ‘flat’ display, but it was still a nice sight, as was everything really- have been reading many comments elsewhere from the ‘pros’ who were bemoaning the gloom etc, but as a family day out, it was still great.

Had no illusions that the Vulcan would be there, but it was nice to hear such a buzz about it over the base, and I bunged a few quid it’s way by buying one of their nice polo shirts.

Getting out wasn’t so good though- we sat in the car for an hour and barely moved! Traffic was okay once we eventually cleared the base, though.

I can remember RAF Cosford Battle of Britain at home Day 1957. Role Demo , Bombing a card board Fort with 2 Mosquitos, Demo by Spitfire, Vampire, Meteor,Fly Past by the new Canberra Bomber & First Hunter I ever saw.Flower bag Bombing & balloon shooting By Tiger Moth.I went many years between 53-59 I saw all sorts as I lived nearby with dad stationed there, Oh yes Ansons , Chipmunks, Varsitys, Proctors , Provosts & Balliolls….If only I could Remember But I was 8 to 13 yrs old…..

I went……bloody good show despite a Lynx going u/s, an Apache having a apu fire and landing in a farmers field and no Vulcan!
Dont know why it seemed quiet the place was heaving!
Phill
www.outflankeduk.com – Cosford pics should be on by the end of the week!!

Anyone go yesterday, I passed there ish, came off the M54 at j3 and headed up the A41.
Looked a bit quite, between 2.00 and 3.00 ?

Paul

For the all round keen types don’t forget they’re running a steam special to Cosford from Tyseley and return, picking up in Birmingham and pulled by 0-6-0PT 9466, a small engine for a big job. So don’t get worried if you see a cloud of smoke at the end of the runway.
Unlike last weekend and the following week, the weather is fantastic down here today, if a little humid, all the best to those going, it does sound pretty good, presumably you have access to the museum as well.

Oh, I just looked on the 9466 website and the trip has been cancelled, can’t find out why, nothing to do with the status of the loco, perhaps steam buffs don’t like aircraft, or more likely the railway operators have come up with some stupid Health and Safety issues, ‘We can’t have steam engines near the end of an active runway’!!!!!

‘Cloud’ I can live with, it’s ‘dry’ I want!

BBC forecasting another NE flow but warmish in a slackish pressure system, so I guess weather will be depressed featuring a lot of cloud possibly breaking briefly for the afternoon. Much as the same for the past few days.

We’ll be there 🙂

*quietly removes Metcheck from ‘favourites’ and hopes no one will notice*

Where do you get your info then Mark?

BBC weather – unless I dont like what they are saying. 😉
Just looked at Metcheck – they predict 12 deg C and BBC predict 22 deg C – only a 10 degree disparity then!

Yeah? Ooh! Where do you get your info then Mark? I was looking at the ‘Metcheck’ website, which is currently showing rain for a lot of the day. (Though it’s varied between rainy and cloudy with practically every update they do, it’s driving me nuts!)

I’m hoping to attend, but the weather isn’t looking too good right now…

But its looking quite good for the weekend: sunny intervals Saturday and Sunday, 22 degrees, 9mph wind (Telford area). Doesnt really get that much better in the UK :confused:

i cant make it this year..but my friend has just joined the RAF and she’s currently based at cosford..i think shes looking forward to working it :p

hopefully she will get me some pics

I’m hoping to attend, but the weather isn’t looking too good right now…

Yes, I’ll be there with the BBMF sales trailer, come and visit us if you like. We are in with the RAF Careers people.