Duxford Friday 24th May:
Well, it only rained twice today. Once up to 1.30, and again from 1.35.
The Catalina departed after some circuit work:
The debut of the 2013 Tucano scheme will sadly only be on static display on Sunday:
Some last minute re-positioning, tweaking and fettling included the Sabre in Hangar 2:
Finally, an anniversary for Spitfire P9374, shot down this day in 1940:
I’ve been told that some pictures are appearing mis-shapen. Hopefully this is only a Flickr problem.
Duxford Thursday 23rd May (Part 2):
For a while this morning, I thought the weather would prevent any flying, although there was some interesting light:
Spitfire IA ‘P7308’ has moved to Hangar 2:
Only visitor today was Gazelle G-BZYD / XZ329:
T-6G Texan G-TEXN has been with ARCo for a while, and moved up to Hangar 2 this afternoon:
The TFC Hawk 75 was outside briefly while the P-51C was towed out:
A sortie from the P-40F just after the rain, this shot is heavily cropped but shows some nice vortices:
Spitfire I G-CGUK / X4650 arrived from Biggin Hill for static display at Sunday’s Airshow:
Duxford Thursday 23rd May (Part 1):
Starting with the big news, P-51C ‘Princess Elizabeth’ made her first UK flight ( for the third time ) this afternoon. Rolled out in the gloom just before some heavy rain, we had to wait a while for the sunshine she deserved. Pilot was Steven Hinton, whose father Steve had made the ‘First’ first UK flight in 1997.
I didn’t think my 1,000th post would feature Roobarb’s Brown Beaver, but here we go:
I believe it’s for a multi million dollar Hollywood remake of ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’ starring Tom Cruise.
Duxford Wednesday 22nd May (Part 2):
TFC had a busy afternoon as the weather improved. The P-47 and Hawk 75 returned from France, and the T-6 and P-40F were airborne.
Finally, Princess Elizabeth waits her turn. Notice the container has departed. This could be a mistake, everyone knows toys lose a lot of value if you don’t keep the box.
Duxford Wednesday 22nd May (Part 1):
Warbird heaven today. In the morning murk, Spitfires MV268 and MH434 returned from overseas, and ‘P7308’ was on the move with both Buchons:
Duxford Tuesday 21st May:
On a quick visit this morning, it seemed nothing much was happening. However, a closer look always reveals a few details of interest.
This complex structure is keeping the Shackleton airborne:
The Shack’s wheels and other bits are receiving attention in Hangar 5:
Some more Harrier details on view as the preparations for the move continue:
Hangar 2 is Chipmunk heaven at the moment, here are four of the six airframes present:
In Hangar 3, the absence of Spitfire MH434 on airshow duty means there’s room for the pilot’s runabout:
No doubt of the sponsor’s name:
Alongside, Frankie’s prop is being installed:
In other Mustang news, Miss Velma is being worked on:
Princess Elizabeth remains ready for airtest:
Here are a few extra pics from the ‘Eagle Squadron’ presentation last Thursday:
Sunday May 19th: May Flying Day & LAA Party In The Park.
Bright weather, but only patchy sunshine, and a display enlivened by the LAA contingent. Some different shapes among the visitors and participants and a lot of pilots clearly having fun:
The opening act was Buchon ‘Yellow 10’, and later we were treated to a couple of flypasts from the BBMF Dakota:
The Sea Hurricane practised during the morning but wasn’t able to join the afternoon display. The Avro 504K is only waiting for the paperwork, and the Bristol M1C is probably next in line for a return to flight:
More of the regulars:
Only a few seconds of sunshine at Cambridge today, but that’s all that was needed:
Can I add my thanks and congratulations to the Cambridge Flying Group (with who I share a 60th anniversary year) especially the catering team!!
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