It was in Singapore that I attended my first ever air show – a [service] family affair – as I doubt the local population were invited. Ground displays included vehicles of the RAF Fire Service (I kept my distance – long story) and anti-aircraft guns manned by the RAF Regiment. Overhead we were entertained by a yellow painted Whirlwind search and rescue helicopter, while another [static] example was painted in grey/green camouflage. Other aircraft included a couple of Gloster Meteor TT20 jets and a Shackleton maritime recognisance aircraft. The children were entertained by a ride on a steam train – a disguised aircraft tractor that towed a series of converted bomb trolleys.

I was only five years old!

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Ford&sll=50.788788,-0.665016&sspn=0.002503,0.004989&ie=UTF8&ll=50.821264,-0.580934&spn=0.001251,0.002494&t=k&z=19&om=1

The above is a link to Google Maps’ aerial view of said aircraft.

About time too, too (Shackleton and Victor). My only concern are rumours that the Shackleton will loose its wings.

Poor old Nigger.

I’ve been trying to figure out how to create a poll to measure the level of concern there is (or not) at Channel Four’s decision to delete all references to Guy Gibson’s Nigger. I would hate to see the producers of the forthcoming remake also delete or change the name.

Can someone create a poll on my behalf? We can’t change history nor should we censor our heritage / culture. I would be offended if anyone today would name their dog Nigger, but we must not allow petty PC to influence either Channel Four or the producers of the forthcoming remake.

A deeper concern is the possible highjacking of this issue by the far right (BNP). Truth be known, if C4 hadn’t deleted the dog’s name, there would be little protest compared to that generated by us highlighting this stupid censorship.

Airfix Humbrol 1/1 Scale Hunter

It appears that the former Airfix Humbrol factory on Hedon Road in Hull has been burnt down (again). Does anyone know if the Hunter has been removed or is safe? Does anyone know the latest? I hate to think the aircraft was still prone to attack.

Try Tony Agar at the Yorkshire Air Museum – they are working on an Anson!