Has anyone thought about bypassing this forum (and its hard-pressed MODs) by writing an open letter to those who own Key Publishing – sent in the post and signed by all those concerned at what is happening?
I have two opinions: firstly we are all innocent until proven guilty, and secondly how can anyone support anyone else unless we know what that person is accused of doing. Yes, Key Publishing is a money making entity, but they also have a duty of care towards its readership and members of the public. They can ban anyone from THEIR forum, but their silence can only create suspicion to what Andy Saunders has done. We have “guilt by association” and “no smoke without fire”, but the actions/silence of Key Publishing will have a detrimental effect on the welfare of Andy Saunders, which needs to checked. That is their duty of care towards both Andy and the rest of us.
On the subject of Andy Saunders, has anyone spoken to him? Is he okay? From personal experience – being badly treated – can be damaging.
What is his opinion to what has happened. What does he want out of all this?
Has anyone thought about bypassing this forum (and its hard-pressed MODs) by writing an open letter to those who own Key Publishing – sent in the post and signed by all those concerned at what is happening?
I have two opinions: firstly we are all innocent until proven guilty, and secondly how can anyone support anyone else unless we know what that person is accused of doing. Yes, Key Publishing is a money making entity, but they also have a duty of care towards its readership and members of the public. They can ban anyone from THEIR forum, but their silence can only create suspicion to what Andy Saunders has done. We have “guilt by association” and “no smoke without fire”, but the actions/silence of Key Publishing will have a detrimental effect on the welfare of Andy Saunders, which needs to checked. That is their duty of care towards both Andy and the rest of us.
On the subject of Andy Saunders, has anyone spoken to him? Is he okay? From personal experience – being badly treated – can be damaging.
What is his opinion to what has happened. What does he want out of all this?
The only way you’ll see an EE Lightning fly in the UK is with the MoD at the helm. The only way I can see this happening is as an evaluation aircraft with the ETPS, but the cost would be astronomical. BAe Defence Systems would need millions to even get a single example back in the air and HM Government isn’t going to pay the bill. The only way forward is a three way deal between the MoD/ETPS (end customer), BAe Defence Systems (supplier) and a wealthy benefactor (Funder). The funder must be one of those who wouldn’t mind if (a) he didn’t actually own the aircraft he was prepared to spend a small fortune on, nor (b) probably wouldn’t be allowed to fly. It ain’t going to happen…
You know, it wouldn’t cost much to CGI some of the now-outdated shots in the original film. There maybe around twenty shots in the original, which if replaced would make for an even better film. Why bother remaking the entire film? The original had excellent acting and a brilliant score. The only thing that let the side down were the special effects and the Official Secrets Act (the bouncing bomb was still classified in the 1950s). Add a few wide angle shots of Scampton and job done and for a fraction of the cost of remaking the entire film.
Regarding Nigger. If you keep the word in you offend a few from the PC brigade and that’s all, but if you leave it out then the BNP and other groups will get involved and a lot of regular chaps (none-racists and aviation enthusiasts and the general public) are going to get rather vocal, but maybe that’s what the producers want – free publicity to put bums on seats. Poor Nigger :o(
Prepare to clear the kitchen table this winter when Airfix release their long-awaited 1/24th scale Mosquito. A Bit expensive at around £70 to £80 but it will have over 600 parts. I still remember the 1/24th Spitfire my dad made over a period of weeks and which I wrecked in hours. In my defence I was only six at the time and aeroplane mad, as was my dad when I wrecked his pride and joy.
A few years ago I managed to get my local art house cinema (Hull Screen) to show Way to the Stars and Journey Together, both of which were available (35mm prints) from the BFI.
First thing to do is find your nearest art house cinema and have a word with the manager. You can also find out if the BFI have a copy of Battle of Britain (35mm or digital print). Problem though, they will probably have already scheduled September. Word of warning: old war films are not everyone’s cup of tea, so get the word out: ATC, RAFA, local newpaper/s and radio. I think we had maybe 10 people turn up for each showing.
regarding the poster, they are going for around £400 for an original QUAD, so I’m reworking my own in Photoshop, albiet as a 12in x 16in print. If you manage to secure a print and a venue I’ll email you a copy.
[SNIP]I seem to remember Steve from (Hanningfield Metals) telling me he fell off the wing of the Beverley at Hendon and broke his arm!!
I’ve never met Steve and I bet he’s a really nice chap, but I can’t help feel there was some divine justice metered out by the spirit of XH124 – in her last moment of existence. Pity it had to be the executioner and not those who signed the death warrant.
I’m not going to enter into any bun fight over NAM is it is one of my favourite Museums but just what and more to the point why are there HSE implications regarding ANYBODY picking up a paint brush, regardless of what’s being painted? 😮 :confused:
At Hull’s Central Fire Station they have warning notices attached to each bay door stating that the door may open, albeit in an upwards motion, and without warning.
When I have seen step ladders in the same building, they are usually attired with plastic A4 sleeves that contain an Health and Safety audit detailing the dangers envisaged in using said step ladders when changing a light-bulb, etc. For each action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this age of litigation, where there is a blame there is also a claim. We do live in a nanny state – which results in some (museum staff) worrying that they might be sued because a cadet (for example) might be injured when tripping over a tin of paint. And when a cadet gets injured the parents might sue.
Yes, the aircraft at Newark might need a lick of paint, but the money needed to pay for the paint is probably tied up in inflated insurance costs. Wonder why?
The only problem with the Newark Air Museum isn’t a problem of the Newark Air Museum – namely accessibility using public transport. That said, the staff at Newark have always been brilliant – on one occasion posting back to me my keys that I accidentally left in the café (?) and in giving me a lift back to Newark railway station after I had missed the bus. Brilliant museum and brilliant staff.
Regarding the collection, the staff are limited as are the funds available. But they are keeping on top of things – more so than most museums and the entrance fee will be money well invested in the museum and its airframes.
PP, if you want to find the best of the best, may I suggest a trip to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge, not forgetting to take your camera and notebook (and a copy of the yellow pages). Then come back to us. Then and only then will you have something to moan about.
Carpets are so 1970s. Me thinks they should follow other museums or indeed their Milestones of Flight and have tiled flooring, so if the rains do come again…
On Sunday I was in the tower at East Kirkby.
There I met a lovely old gent name of ‘Harry’ Marchant.
Reckoned he was the holder of the longest duration flight for a Whitley of 11 hours something or other, St Eval > anti-sub ops off Spain > Stooging round Cornwall waiting for the fog to lift > Brolly-hopped when the fuel finally gave out.
Then a full tour on Lancasters from East Kirkby.
He was at Scampton when 617 formed.
Knew S/L Gibson, and was very fond of his dog that he often patted or played with.
Never once heard him called ‘Nigsy’
Odd that.
Then I expect your sources are far more reliable than somebody who was actually there. But maybe you should speak to Harry?
Moggy
Hello Moggy. How about visiting http://www.stephenfry.com and placing the above on his own forum! Just a suggestion…
Maybe the makers of the 1950 film over emphasised the use of the dog’s name?
Would this be of any use? If not you could explain to us non-photoshoppers why not so we don’t waste your time!:)
Hello Newforest
I’ve tried the IMDB, but many thanks for replying. The image in question (Angels One Five) is probably a video or DVD cover. There are original posters out there, but they are very rare and command a high price (over £1000 for an original Reach for the Sky poster). I’ve also enquired with the copyright owners of the actual films to see if they would be willing to publish a few repro posters, but they can’t be asked (limited demand). Because I can’t sell the small size repros (copyright issues), I might instead just publish them online for everyone to download and print. I’ve just done 633 squadron.
Does anyone know who owns the various buildings being demolished? It’s to late to the save the site, but there is nothing wrong with Naming ‘n’ Shaming the owners!
Making money from any form of photography is becoming more difficult – unless you have a real scoop that newspapers and magazines will want to buy top dollar for. Taking a good photograph should be reward in itself. Check out: http://driffieldaerodrome.co.uk/earplugs-optional/earplugs-optional.htm
Making money from photography has become extremely difficult. Digital photography has made me into a better photographer, but the same can be said for every other nut with a DSLR. And that’s the problem. The market is flooded with good imagery, so having a brilliant image isn’t always the key to success. Getting that image out on the market (either as a framed print or on the desk of a picture editor) is the key to success. My advice is keep taking photographs and photographs and photographs and build up a library of thousands of images – all picture perfect, then try and create a brand and get your brand out in the market.
If an aircraft crashes at Duxford or Heathrow, they you’re the first person a picture editor should think of when trying to find a picture of the aircraft when intact. Aviation photographs are used in a wide variety of print media – not just that related to aviation titles. Get your name across and you might win.
The knack is trying to keep at it year-after-year. My belief is that the best aviation photographers are those who do this as a hobby (they have a proper, paid job and they build up their back-catalogue and experience), then they start to get noticed and the orders [SLOWLY] start to come in. Yep, I had the same idea, but the amount of time and money needed invest in visits to airshow and airports and top-end lenses was beyond my pocket.
Regarding selling framed prints: One option is an online service, where the public can choose an image and order a print – all done automatically. You would receive a few quid per print (if you’re lucky). We have a local landscape photographer, who produces some really impressive framed prints, but none are more than £40 for a 12in x 16in. Delusional are those who think they can charge more, especially when you can buy a limited edition print by a well known aviation artist for £150 to £300.