Red Dragon / Dragonfly with Chipmunk alongside SE of Kidderminster, heading north, probably for Halfpenny Green, approx 13:00 today (Wed)
Regards, Rich.

Probably the best vintage jet formation team in the world? :eagerness: A friend scanned this from an old & well worn negative, so apologies for the poor quality, nevertheless, I think it captures the atmosphere of the times.[ATTACH=CONFIG]244685[/ATTACH]
Regards, Rich.

Received mine from Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association today, about a week after ordering, not bad for such a high demand item. Had a brief look at it & I think I’m going to be well pleased!

Regards, Rich.

:applause: Well done,brilliant.Quite an achievement seeing your own painting on an item of daily use.

Thanks for your kind words, trumper. This is a great thread, with so much excellent work, well done to all.
Here’s my painting of a Spitfire PR MkXIX PM655 of the Photo Reconnaissance Development Unit. I probably got more enjoyment from painting this, than any of my other works, I have always liked the Griffon Spitfires, probably because in my younger days it was the first mark of Spitfire I ever saw in the air. (PS853)
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Regards, Rich.

My thanks to all concerned for the pleasure & excitement VTS have given to so many during the last 8 years. Most importantly, the safety record over those 8 years has been exemplary, all in an aircraft that was regarded by many as ‘too complex’ to be operated privately. An achievement that must rank as one of the highest in the operation of ex-military aircraft. I first saw XH558 at RAF Finningley in 1986 & the last time was a few weeks ago, 29 years later on route to Gaydon. This is truly the end of an era for me, I was 1 year old when the prototype Vulcan first flew, so the ‘tin triangle’ has been around for most of my life, but sadly, never again. I hope that in her new role, XH558 continues to inspire people, particularly the youngsters.
Regards, Rich.

Just been watching the Channel 4 show again & I’m surprised at James Holland’s statement that LACW Margaret Horton took a ride on the tail of a Spitfire at RAF Westhampnett, when if fact, this took place at Hibaldstow & he also failed to mention that the actual Spitfire involved, AB910 was taking part in the event. Not knocking the program, (a welcome relief from the Jeremy Corbyn media hype) just seems strange that he was so ill informed. (Or am I having a ‘senior moment? :rolleyes: )

Regards, Rich.

It’s great to see children getting interested in these models & there seems to be a trend developing that it is the girls who seem to be the most enthusiastic, not only with models, back in June when the BBMF formation of 2 Spitfires & 2 Hurricanes flew over here, it was my neighbour’s 6 year old daughter who was absolutely enthralled by the sight & sound & ran to my fence to ask me what they were, I gave a brief explanation of the BBMF & the reasons for which they exist, I thought that maybe she would find it a bit boring, not at all, (at this point I realised I had totally failed to get a photo of the formation!) so I brought out one of my models of a BBMF Spitfire, built many years ago, I could see that she was just waiting for me to say she could have the model, so I said if your parents agree, you can have the model, but you must promise me you will take care of it & try to build one like it. I also lent her parents my BBMF DVD to play for her. My neighbour returned the DVD saying it’s the first time his daughter had sat still & quiet for a whole hour, but you have now lumbered me with a long journey to RAF Coningsby during the holidays! They all enjoyed the visit to BBMF & the young girl is making a good job of building an Airfix Hurricane. Good result, I think.
Here’s a photo of two of my old models, the MkV was built over 45 years ago & has survived several house moves & a few ‘child attacks’
Regards, Rich.[ATTACH=CONFIG]240485[/ATTACH]