Duxford Monday 7th October:
Last week at Duxford was quieter than a flag day in Aberdeen, so it was great to see some activity this afternoon. With Snafu boxed up and the HAC Fury in limbo, the jewel in Duxford’s crown is presently the TFC Gladiator. We were treated to a practice display that was graceful, seemingly effortless and even musical. If only we didn’t have to shoot into the sun….
Old Warden Sunday 6th October (Part 3):
Early birds would have caught the Camel and Comet on the move:
Both were then hangared, leaving the based Dornier Do28A-1 on show:
The Spitfire crew have been busy:
Waiting for the show:
The Mew Gull’s arrival was, of course, the talking point. Will we see Mew Gull, Comet (and Camel) flying next year?
Some visitors:
Final display item of 2013 was the Avro Triplane. Standing in for the Boxkite was an item of similar vintage (the motorcycle, not the rider):
Mission accomplished, every 2013 Old Warden Flying Day covered!
Looking forward to 2014 and my 176th Shuttleworth Air Display.
Old Warden: Sunday 6th October (October Flying Day) Part 1 :
The twelfth and final airshow of 2013, and the best weather was saved until last. The visiting displays:
Duxford Friday 4th October:
It has been a very quiet week at Duxford, with warbird activity limited to a sortie from the HAC Spitfire V on Tuesday. The same day, the remains of Pilatus P2 G-BLKZ/A-125 were on the move (W/O 31-5-08 and moved to Duxford after further damage). Not certain if it has departed yet, but many thanks to Fred for the photo:
The IWM He162 was noted in Hangar 5 today with engine installed. By a lucky chance, a briefly opened door allowed a better angle:
Otherwise, nothing to report, but here are a few images from Hangar 2 and 3. You know what they are!
DUXFORD 25 YEARS AGO (PART 8):
Here are a few shots from 1988, all scanned from slides lent by Andy Robinson (many thanks).
Spitfire MH434 seen on 10-9-88 in the ‘Poirot’ scheme (before addition of roundels/serial but probably flown, looking at exhaust stains)
The Airshow on September 18th, featuring C-47B G-AMRA of Air Atlantique:
Spitfire FR.XIVc G-FIRE:
Air UK Friendship G-BAUR:
Hughes 369 G-BFYJ seen 24-9-88:
P-51D G-BIXL / 472216, also 24-9-88:
Beagle E.3 G-AVHT / WZ711:
MS.505 F-BJQC seen in the murk 15-10-88, shortly after arrival. Later G-BPHZ with BAM and currently stored:
Convair VT-29B 17899 seen 22-10-88:
Spitfire G-FIRE again, also 22-10-88:
Spitfire LF.IXC G-BJSG / ML417 on 22-10-88:
Battle R3950 22-10-88:
Fokker D.VII replica G-BFPL with OFMC 22-10-88:
I note that October 14th not only marks 40 years of Duxford airshows, but the untimely loss of Nick Grace in 1988. Very sad to lose such a nice guy, and coming so soon after the loss of John Watts two months earlier.
Duxford Monday 30th September:
Dragon Rapide G-AIYR has been a little unwell recently, but is receiving transplant surgery:
Sistership G-AKIF is in great health, but was resting today after a very busy weekend:
Based Stampe G-AYGE is in great shape for her age, and was getting a check-up this morning:
Retired for many years, and now in care, the IWM He162:
Duxford Wednesday 25th September:
Firstly,
Last week’s mystery wreckage is no longer on view. From enquiries, we are unlikely to discover what it was, where it came from, where it has gone, or even who owns it.
Secondly,
Be aware next Sunday (29th) is a ‘Special Event’ at Duxford.
‘Back To The Forties’ has not been featured in the Aviation Press, since there’s no aviation theme, but admission has been increased and there are no concessions to Friends of IWM, Friends of Sally B, or Duxford Neighbours. Very odd, since tours of Sally B are featured!
Thirdly,
The October Airshow list has been updated. The F-16 has gone, but Canberra PR.9 XH134 and much more is added.
Full list at:
http://www.iwm.org.uk/sites/default/files/public-document/2013_Autumn_Air_Show_Participation_List_20September.pdf
Back to today, and the Buchon ‘Yellow 10’ was out and about in the murk:
I would hazard a guess that both aeroplane and pilot enjoyed themselves:
Old Warden Sunday 22nd September (Shuttleworth Uncovered Air Display) Part 3:
Some other display highlights, starting with a vigorous display from the patched and painted Sea Hurricane:
The Gladiator got the best light of the afternoon:
The Parnall Elf and Comper Swift:
Only visiting display item was the BBMF Dakota:
A few of the visiting light aircraft on departure, starting with a beautiful (and recently rebuilt) Cub (G-CGIY):
Old Warden Sunday 22nd September (Shuttleworth Uncovered Air Display) Part 2:
The light winds permitted flying from the other 1914-1918 types (except Pup):
Boxkite and Triplane made a great finale in the Autumn evening light:
Old Warden Sunday 22nd September (Shuttleworth Uncovered Air Display) Part 1:
Good weather, and the yearly opportunity to get close to the Shuttleworth Collection.
For a change, I’d like to start with the credits. With aircraft being moved around all day, and guides and helpers on guard duty in the paddock, the workload on staff and volunteers was huge. The results speak for themselves, a unique event with a great atmosphere. Many thanks to all involved.
Centre of attention in the paddock (of course) was the newly assembled Sopwith Camel replica G-BZSC (third and last Great War scout built by the Northern Aeroplane Workshops). The airframe was positioned next to her stablemates, the Bristol M1c and Sopwith Triplane.
Some of the NAW team were present for the ‘handover’ to the resident Shuttleworth engineers:
It will be a while before the Camel reaches the flightline, but her sisterships were active in the sunshine. The Bristol M.1c was very welcome, not having been seen for a long time.
More engineering excellence came from the Dawn Patrol group of scale model builders. A collection of large scale flying models, all of 1914-18 types, were on static display, with some flying demonstrations at midday. Details of the group at:
http://www.dawnpatroluk.co.uk/
One of the highlights was this Avro 504K, complete with scratchbuilt Bentley BR2 rotary:
Ansaldo SVA:
Another uncovered Paddock star was the Tomtit:
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