Well Ladies and Gentlemen, I think i’ve quite possibly found the worst WWI/Aviation movie of all time. As most of you probably know, the Vickers FB5 Gunbus replica at Sywell was used in the filming of ‘Sky Bandits’ in the 80s. Well, for all your viewing pleasure, here’s the final battle! Just as epic as ‘Flyboys’, and featuring what appears to be non other than a flying Crossley Tender!
By: The Blue Max - 16th March 2008 at 22:44
. Was the Sywell Gunbus a static film prop.
Dave
If you saw what it was made from you wouldnt need to ask:D
By: BSG-75 - 16th March 2008 at 21:20
Only £14.97 on DVD…..
Even Sky Captain can be purchased at around £5 !!!
By: DazDaMan - 16th March 2008 at 21:07
Mother of God….
It was like a big-screen version of Dastardly and Muttley’s Flying Circus! :rolleyes:
By: XN923 - 16th March 2008 at 20:32
I remember seeing this in the video shop when my Dad used to take me and my brother for a film each as a treat. Several times I considered getting Gunbus out, but each time plumped for something else. All I can say now is – I think I made the right decision.
What an awful load of old tosh. The few seconds in which the Gunbus was on screen were OK, but as for the rest… Ugh.
(And a question – has there been any WW1 film featuring a zeppelin which hasn’t involved a) heroic airman ramming said zeppelin or b) heroic crewman throwing himself overboard to help the ship save weight?!)
By: DragonRapide - 16th March 2008 at 20:25
Gunbus memories!
I had often wondered what became of the Gunbus film – I never heard of it again once we got the DH2/Gunbus back to Duxford! I was one of the lucky few who flew in the Gunbus (just before it force-landed near Thriplow due to duff gen about the size of the new fuel tank!). It still stands as probably my most impressive 10 minutes in the air, and one of the highlights of the Russavia years. The tiny windscreen seemed to achieve nothing, and the buffeting from the (fairly slow) airflow seemed overwhelming! How the observer managed to stand, use the Lewis gun, change magazines and all whilst under fire staggers me! The odd sensation of having the fan and the noise behind you and virtually nothing ahead of you is still a very clear memory!
Thanks for the reminder!
Hi Dave!
By: G-ASEA - 16th March 2008 at 15:59
I never have seen the film only clips of it. I do remeber Russavia’s DH 2 going to EMK’s for modification to a Gunbus. When we got it back in Gunbus form a few of us crew members had a ride in it. Unfortunately i only got a taxi ride in it as it had a oil pressure drop, on the to the runway. The Kinner engine it came back with was better than the Pobjoy it was built with. After a while as a Gunbus it was converted back to the DH2. Mike Russell did fly it a few times. I cant rember how long we had it, as the Dragon project took over. I think the DH 2 is now up for sale. Was the Sywell Gunbus a static film prop.
Dave
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March 16, 2008 at 3:20 pm