Duxford Sunday 2nd November:
In trying to illustrate the grey skies this morning, I seem to have fitted the Herald with a new tail:
A quick check of the TFC fleet:
The IWM P-51D certainly had the engine fitted while suspended in London, and it’s still there, though many of the systems are not installed.
Duxford Friday 31st October:
T-28/Fennec N14113 was active today despite some very strong crosswinds:
Otherwise, Etta Jeanne II remains featured in Hangar 5:
Duxford Thursday 30th October:
Ex RCAF P-51D ‘9246’ (ex 44-73979) returned to Duxford from IWM Lambeth just before Christmas 2012 as ‘Big Beautiful Doll’, markings she had carried since her first restoration in 1973. For the last few months, conservation work in Hangar 5 has transformed the airframe to represent P-51K 44-11631 as flown from Duxford by the 82nd FG, 78th FG in 1944-45. This morning, ‘631 was rolled out for the press in some very welcome sunshine:
She now carries the name ‘Etta Jeanne II’, which was the mount of Lt Col Huie Lamb of the 82nd FS. The first ‘Etta Jeanne’ (named after his younger sister)was lost when he ditched in the North Sea on his first mission (29 Dec 1944). An Ace, with 61 missions, Lt Col Lamb was an honoured guest this morning:
The markings on the newly restored Mustang were re-created from original photos, and reproduced in detail including the many imperfections.
After lunch, Lt Col Lamb officially unveiled the Mustang in front of invited guests and many of the half-term visitors:
The Mustang was then returned to Hangar 5. She should remain on view over the weekend, although more work is required to prepare her for suspension in the AAM next year:
That wasn’t the end of festivities however. TFC’s Miss Velma then performed a spirited and high-G tribute to Lt Col Lamb.
(dreadful light and awful photos, but better than nothing!)
Many thanks to IWM staff for their assistance today.
Duxford Thursday 30th October:
IWM rolled out their P-51D (ex Lambeth ‘Big Beautiful Doll’) this morning. A superb result, and a very special occasion due to the presence of the 78th FG veteran whose markings it now wears. More info and lots more pics coming shortly:
Old Warden Tuesday 28th October:
With Halloween approaching, there are a few extra characters hanging around at Old Warden, including this strange back-seater in the Bristol Frighter:
The Camel’s wings and centre section are now covered:
There’s also progress with the Triplane rebuild. The fuselage is now upright, and repairs are continuing:
Also on rebuild is this chaff cutter, a piece of farm machinery built by Clayton & Shuttleworth c 1901:
This Dornier Do 28A-1 is an Old Warden resident, and entered the workshop hangar this morning:
A few more pics from this morning:
Many thanks again to all at Old Warden for their help.
Duxford Tuesday 28th October:
It was indeed very encouraging to see a large crowd enjoying Spitfire action in the Autumn sunshine.
The fuselage outside was the BBMF PR.XIX, PS915, recently paint-stripped:
ARCo’s TR.9 PV202 was busy after lunch:
This Twin Comanche was visiting from North Weald:
Finally, thanks to Duxman for pointing out this overflight. I’m not quite sure of the type:
My friend was around the Duxford area today and said that he saw a Hercules flying about. Maybe DCW may no more???
ZH882 flew by at 1520:
Duxford Monday 27th October:
This very colourful Harvard spent a few hours with ARCo today. G-TXAN has spent some time based in Finland.
Duxford Sunday 26th October:
There was a mini-shuffle at Hangar 2 this morning, in preparation for the Catalina’s forthcoming hibernation.
The Nieuport replica was among the aircraft briefly outside:
Some more Gladiator detail:
The DH9 model assembled (1/3 scale):
Duxford Friday 24th October:
Some fancy lighting was evident in Airspace this morning, as the DAS Concorde took centre stage for a very significant event. The completion of ‘Project Salute’ sees G-AXDN as the first Concorde able to power her droop nose and visor since 2003. The work was carried out by Heritage Concorde and DAS, there’s some in-depth coverage on the website at:
I’m told the timing of droop demonstrations is still being worked out, details on the DAS website when known at:
EDIT: Today was the 11th anniversary of Concorde leaving BA service.
Managed a quick iPhone snap of Frankie before being towed down t’bottom of site…
I didn’t know you could get Black And White mobile phones!
Here’s another view of Frankie, this is a simple in-camera option:
Duxford Wednesday 22nd October:
The focus today was on two fighters which came from the same factory only four years apart. Ferocious Frankie was out in the sunshine en route to maintenance at ARCo.
The Sabre is now being dismantled and prepared for shipping.
The ARCo ramp was rather busy today, and featured a Spitfire variant that looks rather interesting:
Old Warden Monday 20th October:
Today is the 80th anniversary of the start of the MacRobertson Air Race from Mildenhall to Melbourne.
Those wonderful people at Old Warden have produced some very special moments this year, and this morning saw another magical sight, with Comet ‘Grosvenor House’ posing in the Autumn sunshine. Sadly there was no chance of a flight today, but there was plenty of access for photographers and the Comet’s many admirers.
When G-ACSS took off from Mildenhall, Scott and Black had just over 2 hours on the aircraft, from a grand total of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The winning time en route was 70 hours and 59 minutes.
Many thanks (as usual) to all at Old Warden for their help.
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