An interesting discussion, but inevitably melancholy in tone as it laments times past, and what we have lost.
Maybe the peak was between 1995-2005, when the warbird scene was really flourishing and growing, with a raised profile spinning off big screen productions like Memphis Belle ( a few years earlier ) , Piece of Cake, Empire of the Sun, and others.
The UK warbird restoration scene was really going up a gear, with significant numbers of Hurricanes and Spitfires joining the airshow circuit, such that one of the Duxford balbos had nearly thirty aircraft. Now probably fewer than 20.
The other factor has been the growing difficulties of elderly aircraft, often ex service, nursed along by enthusiastic groups who could keep them going up to certain level of upkeep. We saw groups operating and displaying types such as the Varsity, maybe 10 years after the RAF released them. Once an elderly aircraft becomes a really old aircraft, the level and magnitude of upkeep probably grounds it for good, with the need for engine rebuild, maybe new spars, or re-skinning. The fatal Provost crash highlighted the risk of old engines, not getting the attention to keep them properly servicable.
Something like a Varsity, Pembroke, Twin Pioneer, Heron could easily mop up thousands of ££ in engineering, and yet will still be worth not much on the market, as it is a type not much in demand. The same money spent on a WW2 fighter WILL give you a return, and is a valuable asset. With DC-6s and Dakotas grounded and dispersed, there can never be another Classic Airliner show like the one at Coventry.
The vintage jet scene has suffered for the same reason. For instance, the ex Swiss Venoms could fly for a few years after demob, but when significant money was needed to keep them going, there was no real interest. Even our last flying Vampire is struggling to find a new home. Blameless Hunters have had a curse put upon them, and they seem to have a meagre future in the UK, and the Jet scene is now a handful of Provosts and Gnats.
The future seems to be the glamourous, high profile. heroic types, Spitfires and more Spitfires, and the other major fighters, especially the Mustang. Hopefully the Lancaster, B-17, Catalina and some Dakotas can keep going, but multi-engined types are uncommon now. I think we will see a Mosquito in the next few years.
I guess we just have to enjoy whatever the airshow season brings us. As the old song goes-
”You don’t know what you’ve got ’till it’s gone…”
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