Tempremental things engines… We had an AN-2 at a VAC Fly-in at Turweston a wee while ago and they couldn’t get her started… Up rolls a bloke with a Range Rover and an appropriate lead, plugs in and jump starts it as if he’s starting a Vauxhall Viva…

The snatch method was tried (can be found on a DD Video – I have a copy at home but the title escapes me at the moment.) IIRC the film is of a WACO glider and it looks like an interesting ride… Don’t know it they actually trialled the Horsa on a pick up… On the video is also some film of tug trials including a P-38.

Plus isn’t she still an MoD airframe? If so that will also be a major problem…

Fantastic pictures as always guys… I agree there is always something new to be seen… For me it was the wingtips on the PA.28 in the photo of the Grumman landing…
OAW

What gets me is that (last week) in Brackley it is 84.9ppl (£3.82 an imp gallon) for unleaded at T’co and in Banbury (about 10 miles away) the same company offer fuel at 80.9ppl… 12 months ago it was 70.9 around here (£3.19 an imp gallon)… Luckily we have a works car that has works fuel in it to use on business trips. I think that at least 75% of the cost is tax for the government…

Just got this in re-Bicester…

“WINDRUSHERS GLIDING CLUB

PRESS RELEASE

2nd Jun 2004

Dear Sir or Madam,

Windrushers Gliding Club is pleased to announce that terms have been agreed with ATIS REAL Weatheralls, agents acting for Defence Estates, for a 3 year lease of Bicester Airfield, which remains Ministry of Defence property.

Windrushers Gliding Club was originally formed in 1958 at RAF Little Rissington and then moved to RAF Bicester before co-locating with the Royal Air Force Gliding and Soaring Association Centre that was created at Bicester in 1963.

After 41 years at Bicester the RAF Gliding and Soaring Association is moving its operation to RAF Halton near Aylesbury in June 2004.

RAF Bicester is deemed to be of historical importance by English Heritage as it comprises the best-preserved and most strongly representative of the bomber stations built as part of Sir Hugh Trenchard`s 1920s Home Defence Expansion Scheme. The late Lord Trenchard was one of the founders of the Royal Air Force.

Windrushers Gliding Club has been re-formed as a civilian club and will be open at Bicester Airfield from 1 July 2004.

Our aim is to continue a gliding operation at Bicester and to promote the sport of gliding within the Cherwell District community.

Further information via [email]enquiries@windrushers.org.uk[/email] or call in at Bicester airfield just off the Buckingham Road at any time after 1 July and follow the written instructions that will be displayed at the gate off Skimmingdish Lane.

Ron Smith
Communications Officer
Windrushers Gliding Club”

Nice to see our history saved for a bit longer…
OAW

Sorry I left them at home… Just partaking of a brew… first of night at work…

JDK you can just make out the line of the railway on the new map.
The road along the southern edge has been altered again since the photo was taken cutting into the edge of the airfield boundary a bit more…
The airfield I think is initially to be leased out and some VERY concertive efforts are being made to keep some sort of flying there.
I used to work in the H shaped building in the middle of the left hand side (not airfield).
OAW