Duxford Friday 25th October:
The IWM blog ‘Transforming IWM London’ reports that large objects have started returning to South Lambeth. There’s still no official list of which airframes are going and which are staying, only the Spitfire and Harrier appear in the last artist’s impression. A few large objects have, however, been moved around in Hangar 5:
The Strikemaster in Hangar 4 is in clearer view at the moment:
A pair of Chinooks were playing leapfrog on Runway 24:
Duxford Wednesday 23rd October:
Heavy rain this morning delayed Sally B’s move inside. As I arrived the first part of Duxford’s biannual mega-shuffle was just starting:
Some of the 16 aircraft involved in the exercise:
Around 1115, the B-17 started the short journey:
In position for the next six months:
Hangar 3 is busy, with the ARCo Spitfire Tr.9 and both Buchons joining the other residents:
Talking of Spitfires, the TFC FR.XIVe has had her Griffon 65 removed:
Pen Pusher was busy with his camera, so I’m sure we’ll see the usual high quality photo report in due course!
Pen Pusher was certainly present today. Captions please…….
The Shuttleworth Trust have confirmed their acquisition of the Mew Gull with this press release. Anyone notice an error?
Duxford Sunday 20th October:
Next weekend the clocks change and Duxford moves to Winter opening times, but the first sign of Winter came today. Sally B has been ‘clipped’ ready for her move into Hangar 2:
Duxford Friday 18th October:
This morning saw the first engine run from the TFC Hellcat since 2008. The R-2800 started promptly and sounded great during a short first run.
Many congratulations to all at TFC for their achievement.
More blue aeroplanes, with paint stripping starting on the DAS Herald:
Harvard G-BUKY lodging with OFMC:
The TFC Spitfire FR.XIVe now on maintenance:
Finally, another look at what’s left of Building 420:
Duxford Tuesday 15th October:
Another murky morning with only this visiting Auster of note:
Viewing was underway at the latest H&H Car Auction. You could be the owner of a 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II. No reserve, some work needed:
More practical is this reproduction of a 1924 Indianapolis racer. For £20-25K you could get a roadworthy 80mph Ford Model T special:
I’ll leave it to others to illustrate yesterday’s events, there are already some fine photo posts elsewhere.
However, there were two ‘news items’ to cover. In July we learned of Stephen Grey’s retirement from display flying, and during yesterday’s airshow it was announced that Martin Willing would also step down from the limelight. His flying career started with the RAF (Argosy/VC-10) and ended with Cathay Pacific (707/Tristar/747). After many years displaying a Pembroke at air displays, he has made countless appearances in the Radial Revelation T-28/Fennec. Although other pilots will hopefully continue to show off the aircraft, I am sure I won’t be alone in missing his presence (and that trademark hat). Many thanks!
We may also have seen Flapjack’s last routine in Miss Demeanour. Jonathon Whaley’s announcement of his airshow ‘retirement’ did not entirely rule out further events, but it seems likely the pair won’t be seen regularly. Both pilot and aircraft have been firm favourites since 1999 and the unique colours and display routine will be sorely missed.
Yesterday’s airshow marked 40 years of events since IWM became involved at Duxford, and naturally there was a cake!
Jonathon Whaley and Brian Smith had the honour of the first cut. Many thanks to Steve Carter for sending me these wonderful shots. In his words:
“The third pic shows him taking a bite out of the decorative Miss Demeanour saying it was about time this occurred as she’s tried to take a bite out of him on the odd occasion!”
Duxford Friday 11th October:
It should have been another busy day, but rain and strong winds spoiled the fun. A break just before 1100 allowed the arrival of the RAF Tucano pair:
Thereafter, it was umbrella weather:
Preparations for Sunday’s airshow continued despite the weather, with engine tests and taxy runs from a number of aircraft:
[QUOTE=G-ORDY;2075905]So here are the b&w shots that I took on the day …
Looks like a D.H.88 Comet fuselage ….
QUOTE]
That has to be the rebuild of Magister / Hawk Trainer G-AKPF. This airframe had been a composite since rebuild in 1955, and moved on to Bassingbourn for completion. It is, of course, now in the custody of Peter Holloway as ‘N3788’, and hopefully should feature in next Sunday’s airshow.
Seen before (Kidlington 1960) courtesy Tony Clarke Collection:
Duxford last August:
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