There is nothing anywhere that says that a museum MUST be a static collection of artefacts. There are times and places for that, but I believe that by having a working exhibit it allows people to imagine what they would have been like much more easily. The Tank Museum at Bovingdon operates on this policy, the National Railway Museum at York also appreciates this.

Although I appreciate that there already a taxiable and a flyable Lancaster already operating in this country, there is also already another static example too. Perhaps the York could be restored to taxiing condition instead. 😀

And all this without mentioning a certain privately owned collection renowned for keeping things working!…. 😉

Where’s Fergy1 when we need him!

Probably trying to find the right gear to get the Fergy to move! 😀

Anyway what mystery is there? As was said in the first post, it is painted up as D8096 with a letter D. :diablo:
But seriously – just about everybody has been right in one way or another so far.

D8096 was built in 1918, but too late to see service during WW1. It did see squadron service with 208 Squadron in the Middle East, during which time it wore an overall silver dope with code D. When it was first restored by apprentices at Bristol Aircraft it emerged in these colours, however in a subsequent repaint at Old Warden it was repainted into WW1 Western Front colours to ‘show a more representative WW1 aircraft’. To make this easier the markings that it had worn were kept but the fuselage colour was changed to the standard PC10 colour.

So in answer to the original question “Can anybody identify the unit in whose markings it is displayed? ” It doesn’t wear any unit markings as it is in generic WW1 colours.

Hopefully this helps

Regards

Fergy1

My brother called me earlier to give me the bad news and I am absolutely shocked.

I only met Steve on a few occasions including the infamous cleaning sessions at Old Warden. He was a great bloke and leaves the world and Old Warden a sadder place.

On behalf of the SVAS I would like to add our condolences to Julie, Haydn and the rest of Steve’s family and friends.

Kevin Panter
Secretary SVAS (Fergy1)

It looks like the flight has been postponed for a few days to allow for better weather conditions. See http://www.clifdenchamber.com/vimywatch.htm for more details.
I hope the weather conditions improve to allow the flight to take place and hopefully a few more people become interested in this historic occasion!!

Fergy1

Hello Andy,
I have read ‘Memories of Early Flying’ by A. E. Grimmer and have a copy at home. I have also come across the photographs from it while tidying up and thought I would post a couple here. All copyrights remain with The Shuttleworth Collection.

The first is of Mr. Grimmer flying the Deperdussin in 1913.
The second is of the crashed Bleriot after Mr. Grimmer’s eventful second flight when a local ‘character’ ran in front of the Bleriot during his take-off run.
The final picture shows Richard Shuttleworth, the founder of the Shuttleworth Collection, sitting in the Bleriot XI at an RAeS Garden Party after the restoration had been completed and talking to Grimmer.

Fergy1

Thank you all very much for your kind wishes. I didn’t touch the jeep today – but we might have another toy to play with as well soon… 😉
See you all soon

Fergy1

. The Hawker Tomtit at Old Warden was one of Alex’ as well. Arrow Active G-ABVE was another

Bruce

G-ABVE was not owned by Alex Hensahw. Alex owned the Mk.1 Arrow Active G-ABIX. He was practising aerobatics in this aircraft on 30 December 1935 when the engine burst into flames and Alex was forced to bale out. Fortunately he was wearing a parachute – for the first time! The Mk.I Active was destroyed in the crash, but Alex survived and wrote about his exploits in Flight of the Mew Gull. I will add to everybody elses recommendations and say that both of his books are well worth a read!

The Mk.II Active G-ABVE was purchased by Desmond Penrose who also owned Percival Mew Gull G-AEXF before they both moved on to new owners at Breighton.

Fergy1