Popham Aerojumble, Monday May 5th 2014

Mentioning looking at any aircraft

I am very surprised how few of you actually mentioned looking at any aircraft. I was there Saturday and Sunday (ok not the official aerojumble day) and the majority of people through the gate were ,like me, spotters. For us this event is second only to the LAA rally in terms of aircraft present and the admission for that is £20! Most of us would be happy pay £10+ for admission as Popham bends over backwards to welcome us. I do think it would be better to have the Saturday and/or Sunday aerojumble days and Monday auto jumble day so not to dilute it all over 2 days.

I did use to post up some of the planes, but I think many posters on this thread are really into preservation ‘bits’ as opposed to seeing the mainly lightweight stuff that flies in – but quite why spotters don’t post images up (most have cameras on them I see) I don’t know (probably time-poor and can’t be bothered) but I have shot a good number over the years and maybe if a thread exists on another website I can upload them there, as my image allocation as you may know, is out on this one.

I also noted a nice Tiger (G-ANON)? climbing out, a Spit cut across but too high up, a YAK took off but thy’re a bit boring to be honest, a Fokker III replica flew over plus the usual static was on the ground. The Sherwood Ranger ‘Escapade 2’ (Men in Tights) by the Light Aircraft Company Ltd (not to be confused with The Light Ale Company Ltd) had 2 over-wing monoplanes on offer re “Two fantastic British designs, One British Manufacturer” while the red ‘Magni-Gyro’ 2-seater looked very swish.

A WW2 Argus prop was on sale in the aeroboot for £650, ’86A854 Sensenich’. Wish the jet-pack glider from 2003 would come back, it was a rare chance to hear a jet over the airfield.

The slightly portly Jodel DR 105A low-wing monoplane with upturned outer wings had a very tasteful cream/dark brown scheme with sedate lines and roomy cockpit, ‘G-AXLS’. The best for me however was a repro – part repro(?) ‘G-ERIW’ which had a period styling featuring stained box wood with a shiny metal composite front, rad gills and what looked like a modern flat-four portruding engine on each side with an old-worlde feel in its design; all set on a stark period all-black undercarriage with big, bespoked wheels and overall, seemingly just a distinctive exercise to highlight ‘Hercules Propellors’.

The propellor really was fine too, and exceptional in its highly varnished finish with the aircrafts’ metal-faced nose and engine cylinder head cut-outs exuding the olden days charm of a golden era and traditional hand-crafted skills to boot.

Er, but I can’t upload any pics of it………:(

Re: Post Event Photos

GOKONE do you have the usual post event reports and photos? Would be helpful for those who didn’t attend.

Hi,

Have done quite a few further posts tonight, but as ever, my image allocation is at its maximum, a factor I never realized when I first joined – until it ran out. It took ages but in order to save memory near the end I used to comp images together and THEN use a prog that made them less in KB to still reduce the memory still further, to help against what I had posted up over some years – hope the reports help but no images these days I’m afraid – C’mon Brucie, give me another 300mb and I’ll be off again…:(

Any chance of getting the emoticons bigger? My eyes are going these daze.

I am very surprised how few of you actually mentioned looking at any aircraft. I was there Saturday and Sunday (ok not the official aerojumble day) and the majority of people through the gate were ,like me, spotters. For us this event is second only to the LAA rally in terms of aircraft present and the admission for that is £20! Most of us would be happy pay £10+ for admission as Popham bends over backwards to welcome us. I do think it would be better to have the Saturday and/or Sunday aerojumble days and Monday auto jumble day so not to dilute it all over 2 days.

AEROBILIA – C’MON BOYZ…

According to the museums website a date hasn’t yet been finalised.

I e-mailed them ages ago re 11th May coming plus anther date later in the year re dates that wouldn’t clash with other events, but no decision has been made still. 🙁

It is interesting that the view is taken that to criticise something is to bring it down and want it gone. Not so!
That said, don’t go just to buy but to chat to friends old and new that I have made in this wonderful hobby over the past 35+ years.

Yes, for the first time I didn’t buy a single instrument but a nice Mk.31 Beaufort was nabbed and I had some great tools, nuts and bolts that would be a fortune in a shop, plus 4 heavy castor wheels for a future frame project. Someone said the Bucc panels were a bit too much and wouldn’t sell but others did; 4 ‘Airlines & Airliners’ books on Comet/Varsity/400 Viscount & Britannia, plus 4 rare X-Planes publications, plus 3 Concorde books/booklets were had, all great nick and all £1 ea. One seller gave me 50 brand new recent aviation mags!

Conversely an old buyer said it was ‘appalling’ as there was nothing of note on the aviation side kit-wise aside from some repro-stuff, too much old stuff still doing the rounds and hardly any panels from what he could see. and he’d wasted a day when he could have gone to his local boot and wouldn’t be coming back again.

But this is Popham and this is aviation collecting and preservation – the great days are long-gone but people wanting to empty the loft have to be encouraged to come and feel its viable for them, besides regulars. Other contacts can be made on eBay too, even if you don’t like buying on it or some of its policies.

And Popham isn’t all about kit, its meeting real people and enjoying the atmosphere too as Tony says, while things were undoubtedly helped by the weather. Certainly the tools and other ‘bits’ that make up for lessened other purchases these days are always worthwhile, but maybe for people specifically looking for something, its not always going to please – because its a pot-pourri of chance, a potential surprise of serendipity, and more so in these lessened times.

If the costs can be affordable it will continue and people mention it and the Biker comparisons because they want some parity on pricing and to see the event continue, certainly its not to do it down.

Wow I didn’t realise it all started so early. Hope that the toilets are in a fit state by Monday!

Toilets were excellent and well maintained also from what I saw.

RE: Popham Biker Bias 2

• The non-Micro commercial side (eg tool sellers, some auto people, and general boot-type products such as gloves, handbags/money belts, hats, books, plants or general ephemera etc) are affected as cheaper biker-type fees would encourage more of the buying public at attend while they are not selling as many high-end products as the Micro businesses on the first 2 days.

• The non-Micro/non-commercial aero-auto and other sellers have similar concerns about putting off the public through higher entry fees, but notably because they are paying more for their pitches than bikers are.

Many couldn’t see the point in particular of charging the general public £6 for simply browsing or bargain hunting the reduced stalls on the first 2 days, when you can have a car boot with entry at 50p – £2. However the difficulty is you can’t differentiate between plane spotters/fans and the general public on a common site, the latter of whom are probably the main attenders and who don’t pay much attention to the planes and just wander around stalls.

The organization this year re layout of stalls was much better and many traders were asked for their opinion on prices. The main concern reported back was that any increases would kill the event as despite what the media may say about a recovery, many ordinary-earners are in permanent limbo-land financially and fuel and entry prices are paramount.

Keith Pickton helped with the layout this year and agreed that the ambiguity and confusion of the various prices on separate pdf files could have been obviated by a simple panel on the main Popham web page giving prices for public entry, dealers, campers etc and will be looked at.

‘Popham is a glorified boot sale which is part of its charm’ someone said, and pricing in future will be crucial.

RE: Popham Biker Bias

I understand that most of the complaints above relate to stall holder’s cost.
BUT
I would just like to say entry on the gate for public is identical for Bike event & aerojumble £6 each.

I can’t see how from viewing the website last week, mega-meet bikers event is still N/A re entry price but the earlier April event is below and the stall prices clearly show why traders both commercial and non-commercial are feeling discriminated against re bikers.

1. Motorcycle Jumble – 6th April 2014 **
N.B. This is not an official Popham airfield event. *Gates open 8am – 2pm All welcome and NO need to book just turn up on the day,
motorcycle related jumble ONLY £2 entry and £5 for a pitch (as much room as you need).

Comment:
• Sensibly priced, though in a biased nod, to bikers as above. Even if not an ‘official’ event its still on airfield land.

2. POPHAM MEGA MEET & BIKE JUMBLE – Popham Airfield – 16th & 17th August 2014
ENTRY T.B.A.
Excerpt from the booking form as to be sent back to Popham:
Dear Exhibitor/Trader
I hope you can support our Bike Meet again this year. It is a two day event with entertainment and Bar for the evening. The feedback from last year’s Show was very good and in consequence I would expect even larger numbers of motorcyclists through the gate this year.
The pitch fee remains at £20 for the two days. There’s no limit on size and this includes overnight camping!

Comment:
• This one is an ‘official Popham event’ and once again, sensibly priced in a biased nod to bikers. *
• And the pitch fee includes overnight camping.
• And there’s no mention of anyone paying a daily ‘BIKER CAMPERS’ admission fee over the 2 day period, as ‘Aviation Campers’ seemed to be required to do from what was gleaned last week.
• And it has entertainment and a bar in the evening for the lesser £10 pitch fee.
• And it dosen’t seem to have been increased in price in recent years – unlike non-commercial aero/auto and other seller pitches for the Microlight Fair & Aero/Auto Jumble event.

Non-commercial & commercial sellers (ie non-Micro people) are paying £45 for 1 bank holiday day selling (or 3 days if they wish to include the weekend – many don’t) with no marquee. Micro business people are paying £90 per table for a two day hire with marquee. The Microlight traders can pay that and treat it as a marketing cost even if they don’t sell anything. And they can set it against tax of course whereas many aero and auto sellers are not businesses but non-commercials selling off some wares and adding to the attraction of the day.

GOKONE do you have the usual post event reports and photos? Would be helpful for those who didn’t attend.

GOKONE will almost certainly be posting his usual report but after three days there living on bad food and probably some bad beer with little sleep he was absolutely buttered or something like that, and needed some rest. Last I saw of him was talking on the aviation book shop stall. Tried to see him to say bye but couldn’t find him.

Re the 8 or 9 stalls mentioned above I’d say it was nearer twenty or thirty aviation stalls maybe more and many of the others had some aviation content.

My star buy was a Tornado lifejacket complete with initiator pull handle thing and other bits for much less than an initiator pull handle thing goes for on evilbay.

TSR2 bits were a mirror unit and altimeter for the Terrain Following Radar.

First time that i have visited the Popham aero jumble,certainly not a Shoreham, but had a great morning none the less.,

After driving for just under 2 hours i arrived at the Airfield at around 8.10 via the usual motorway stop over (fry up)
when i first looked around i was a little disappointed of the lack of Aero stalls,but once i got into the swing of things there was plenty to interest me personally.i would hazard a guess of around around 8 to 9 stalls aviation related.
I managed to purchase an A.M. marked Fire Scramble bell, that was wall mounted an early version as i understand as the Air ministry marking was embossed rather than stamped into the casting.
I Spent around 2 hrs via the burger wagon had a quick look round at the vintage cars on show.then made my way home. still arrived back at 12.30 so still enjoyed the rest of the Bank holiday Monday.as i say i enjoyed i will return next year.

Incidentally my wife wasn’t to amused with my fire/scramble type bell.as at this moment in time it sits proudly in my WW2 room. the problem being when i fancy a coffee whilst on the keyboard i give the bell 3 loud and i mean loud rings, My wife isn’t quite seeing the funny side of it.(Mind you its giving me a Blxxdy headache) :;

I arrived on Sunday just after 8am, stalls just setting up, classic cars arriving, the smell of Bacon in the air….
Browsed around all the stalls both Aviation and Non-Av. After about two hours walking and browsing I returned to my car to see a car park half full. Read a few pages of a book that I cursed I never bought last year and was lucky enough to obtain this time. Quick phone call home and another browse, saw plenty of things I missed first time around and always had an aircraft landing or overhead. Another lucky purchase and bumped into some old faces. Visit to the food van and a slow walk back to the car. I was more than happy to spend the morning at Popham and felt my entrance fee, purchases and food bill were all good value for money and will be attending next year. Weather fantastic to boot after a glorious Abingdon the day before…;)

GOKONE do you have the usual post event reports and photos? Would be helpful for those who didn’t attend.

Gutted not to make it down but also relieved that a) I didn’t miss too much and b) It will still be there next year. I always enjoy the weekend, a potter around the New Forest, a bit of camping, which seems warmer everywhere else than Popham, and a bit of B and B action the night before. Much enjoyed the various reports, Thanks. That said, roll on Newark. Much preparation to do…

……..Now, time to start planning for what is undoubtedly the best ‘jumble of the year…over to you, Herr Plugmeister!

😀 I hate to disappoint so the current situation re the June Aeroboot event at NAM is detailed here.

I have personally emailed out more booking forms since the last update was added but as I type this reply I’m not aware if further bookings have come through – more updates will follow as I get them!

Was it Beaufighter or Beaufort??

It’s a Beaufort, of the Australian variety, from the same vendor who was selling Spitfire columns and spade grips (n.b. these are replicas). I think Ian_ bought one off him at Old Sarum, too. (Ian_, I may p.m. you about these items later…)

As for the ‘jumble, I arrived on sunday morning and was pleased not to be charged for overnight camping. I understand that at least one trader, who had paid up front for camping when pre-booking for the whole weekend, got a refund. Thanks Popham!

Was it a good event? Well, as a Bank Holiday day out for families, it was probably as good as ever. Lots of cars and motorbikes, a decent fly-in and loads of stalls to browse. Professor Crump did his thing as usual. The purveyors of burgers, ices and drinks will have done better than all the rest of the vendors put together, as always.

Was it a good aerojumble? Well it was just about on a par with one of Newark’s two indoor events (cough…£15 per stall…cough), in respect of stalls and wares on offer. You had to find them, of course, in amongst all the “tat” that goes with what is, in effect, a sunday market.

The fairly large marquee, there for the whole weekend but strangely empty until monday (surely there’s scope for better utilisation of this?), was more to do with cars and cats than aviation in my opinion. I understand that vendors in there spread out onto untaken tables. Mick Shaw apparently arrived late-ish and left early-ish – I never even saw him to say “hello” to.

The day played out much like previous years in my experience. There was no rush of ‘jumblers, but a steady stream of familiar faces working their way around (nice to see you all again!). As a sales event, it was mostly all over by about 11 a.m., then it was just a trickle of last minute sales until about 1 p.m., after which we were left with families, dogs and ice creams; occasional mild curiosity about stuff on the stall, but no sales. I think most aerojumblers were packing or packed up by 3 p.m.

On the positive side, I detected clear signs of willingness on the part of the airfield’s owners and management to listen to positive criticism and suggestions.

I certainly don’t blame the new management – as an aerojumble, Popham has suffered from neglect for years. The same tired old formula, year in, year out. (Try searching the forum – we end up having the same discussion every year.)

Will I be there next year? I really hope so, but it will depend on a number of factors – all of which I am confident will have had an airing before then. So, I hope that leaves Popham on a positive note.

Now, time to start planning for what is undoubtedly the best ‘jumble of the year…over to you, Herr Plugmeister!

What were the TSR2 parts? my father in law worked on these, I know he has been looking for a few parts.

Not my impression, of the Monday at least.

Spitfire, really, parts including stick top, Beaufighter stick, TSR2 parts, RFC Towed target, Nimrod items, Hunter parts, Vampire parts, masses of nuts, screws and bolts, flying clothing including helmets boots and lifejackets, badges, manuals, photos, books, magazines, plus masses of other panels, instruments and other parts that I didn’t recognise.

Then there were the aircraft, including two really nice Tiger Moths and two really nice Chipmunks. The music, reasonable toilets, reasonable food prices and that bloody clown, although I actually quite enjoy him.

We had the weather that used to be guaranteed for Popham, sunshine, which resulted in a lot of mild sunburn, including me.

Yes there could have been more aviation related sellers, the main issue seemed to be stall prices and the confusion over camping charges which, in the end, weren’t levied against stall holders but there was still a lot to buy. Maybe not for any one particular project but that’s just bad luck and not Popham’s fault.

It might be better if the sellers were grouped by subject, so you could have aviation, motoring and general but even then there were a lot of stalls that had a mix of items for sale that wouldn’t suit that sort of grouping. Maybe bring stall prices down for next time to attract more people having a clear out as used to happen.

Over all I had a good day and went home tired burnt and happy

Was it Beaufighter or Beaufort?? Gun button on left or right?

dont worry Ian…Alan bought abeau grip (like the one you got from the same guy) – thats it

According to the museums website a date hasn’t yet been finalised.

Yes I agree with the above comment in that aerojumble stalls grouped together would have been a good shout by the organisers. The instrument panels I saw were early Meteor either Mk3 or Mk4 also a T7, Seahawk side panel and about 3 complete Bucc side panels, at least one complete WW2 blind panel.
On a different topic of conversation anyone know when Old Sarum will be hosting their aerojumble this year?

It is interesting that the view is taken that to criticise something is to bring it down and want it gone. Not so!
There are small tweaks that would restore the Monday to its previous position. When Dick ran the show, the monday was a fun event – Sat/Sun were the big money makers for the event. This made the monday a more family fun/relaxed event. The stall cost is much higher now, sure there is inflation but seems more. I did not see Mr Tickles and missed the sight of Dick on his CB400 combo

That said, don’t go just to buy but to chat to friends old and new that I have made in this wonderful hobby over the past 35+ years.