It is strange how different people view these things. For me, if it has the dataplate, original fuselage(the heart of the aircraft) and an original engine, this is enough to convince me of its originality, whatever other parts have been changed, including the wings. There is nothing worse, in my mind, than a replica that not only looks wrong, but sounds wrong with the wrong engine. Almost as bad is an original aircraft with the wrong engine. I am thinking of the Gloster Gauntlet in Finland fitted with a Pembroke’s Alvis Leonides engine, just so it can fly? Should such a rare aircraft be fitted with the correct engine and put in a museum, or should it fly as it is? I’m not sure how much of that is original, anyway?
A replica is built from scratch using modern materials and methods, but a ‘reproduction’ is built using as many original parts as possible plus materials and methods from the period. A ‘restoration’ is an original machine repaired using original parts and materials wherever possible. A fine line indeed – horses for courses :rolleyes:

When I visited on July 5th the only commercial aircraft on display were two Concordes and the Air France B747. There used to be much more on my last visit about 15 years ago including Air France B707 and Caravelle. Most of these are now stored over the far side of the airfield.

It may have been too close to the end of the air show but I think there is normally an Air Inter Mercure outside with the B747. This was also parked over the far side.

I will make another visit perhaps next year when there is not an air show.

Ian,

I was there last year and the Mercure was outside next to the 747, as well as the Mystere 20 prototype. Unfortunately the WW2 hangar with the B-26, Fw190, P-47 & Spitfire etc was closed to the public as being deemed ‘unsafe’, but looks like they have resolved that. Some you win, some you lose!

….and as for building TSR-2 models, how about this? :diablo:

My friend is kind of Russian so yes i know how cute russian ladies can be

Tell me about it – ended up bringing one back with me and marrying her :rolleyes:

Nice to see the BEA Viking now restored to its correct natural metal scheme, after being painted ‘grey’ at Cosford. Looks like they are currently working on this, so this may have only recently been done. Next time you go there, ask them to repaint the Vanguard in BEA red square livery? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

More FEAF from the ’60s

…and another selection of FEAF in colour from me:

Hastings C.1A & C.2 of 48 Sqn. at Changi in April 1966.
Argosy C.1, XP449, of 215 Sqn. visiting Sydney on 9 Sept.1966
Javelin FAW.9 of 64 Sqn over Singapore in June 1966 – note C.O.’s initials (PDW) on fin – Wg.Cdr.P.D.Wright.

Enjoy!

How about more Sunderlands in colour. These are RNZAF machines in Fiji in 1962

LOVELY! …and here’s me thinking you didn’t know how to upload photos??