I know the seats are a different version Mk.7 from the USN/USAF aircraft, assumed most of the instrumentation etc to be different aswel? – but I could be wrong, need to consult Salad Fingers’ book!

JARTS did at one time have the seats, canopies, u/c, engine cans (bits you can see) etc left from XV500 at one time, unsure if they still possess them, might be worth following up.

Would there be any British Phantom bits over there?

Great to hear that this project is coming on so quickly and so well, need to pop up to Wattisham some time.

Sorry to hear this, hopefuly it is a repairable outcome for the show season, and most importantly that the crew are unhurt.

I must admit I didn’t believe the ‘story’, but I’m in as much disbelief about Ronnies’ creation, it is absolutely incredible and I can’t quite get my head around the fact that it is artwork/computor generated creation.

Someone is currently building a very relistic remote control Ki-44, some of the detail workings are on youtube.

some of the pics seem to indicate that you were the “wrong” side of the barriers.how did you manage that? still you got up nice and close.

Not unusual to find me the wrong side of a barrier, but not the case at any of the Yeoviltons – unfortunately!
I think their barrier distancing (a big gripe of mine at some shows!) is just right and allows for good shots of aircraft with little in the way.
Cosford is good for capturing the few aircraft on the grass flight line, as they’re parked well clear of the barrier and with little clutter in the background.

Spitfire LF.XVIe TE184 / G-MXVI Cosford 13 July 10 by jamtey71, on Flickr

Yeovilton 2007 show on flickr, here http://www.flickr.com/photos/56270329@N08/sets/72157629395814410/

I thought it was a real pic:D

I’m all for this lot, but even I’m running out of ways to defend the endless odd decisions. I do think this is a major government **** up that will backfire on it, there’s no greater way to loose public support than cause problems with fuel supply rumours.

Are there stats that show that the major shows are in decline?

Yes many shows have gone, but so have the airfields (I miss the IAD Mawgan shows) or infrastructures/manning to support them (as TT touches on).
As for attendee numbers at the existing shows, I’m always staggered at how many people do attend a show, Cosford, Culdrose, Yeovilton, Waddington etc are always very well attended.
Isn’t there also talk of the American forces Mildenhall Air Fetes returning?

The sea side shows are useful in their own way, almost like bringing a small show to the people, rather than the other way around, they are far more relaxed and offer great observation and photo oportunities, and again are very well attended.

I will help you put it on, do keep up DS:D
http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?t=115800