Hello MindOverMatter, welcome to the forums 🙂

I have a particular interest in the Grapple series of tests having spent six years cataloguing the AWRE film collection documenting the British atomic weapons testing programme. I believe the Grapple test you are referring to here is actually Grapple X, conducted on 8 November which certainly tallies with the details in your father’s fascinating letter. Operation Grapple, also known as Grapple 1, was conducted earlier in the year between 15 May and 19 June 1957. Was your father involved in more than one of the Grapple series of tests? Grapple X was followed by Grapple Y in April 1958, which was followed in turn by Grapple Z, a series of four tests conducted between 22 August and 23 September 1958.

Some of you have probably seen this before as it was released to the public many years ago, but this is the version of the ‘Operation Grapple’ documentary which was produced for the Air Ministry. It is one of only a handful of AWRE related films digitised so far but more will follow:

http://film.iwmcollections.org.uk/record/index/18364

😀 at ozplane…you beat me to it! 🙂

*Makes mental note to be sure to provide Bob with some sick films for him to catalogue next time he is in* Be sure to make the end result dope please Bob 😉

There is a hint of spring in the air at Duxford today, and some of the residents of Hangar 3 decided to do a spot of sunbathing outside the hangar. No photos from me as I had only sneaked out of my bunker to collect the post and did not have my camera with me, but I believe one of the regular contributers to this thread was on hand to capture the moment 😉

Hi Bob

I’ve only briefly read over your thread (my bad habit) and so I may have missed some things that you have already decided on – if so just ignore me!

I’m an electronics engineer, and I too have a (NOS) G45 Camera and so I am glad the poster has put up the AP for it. But it is a project on the back burner for me at the moment.

However I can advise you where to buy a mains powered supply that will run your camera forever without breaking into a sweat, there is no need for a battery really. I can also interpret the electrical stuff for you too if you like.

I also work with CCTV so if there are clarity, frame rate or optical issues I may be able to help. And also I was a wet film photographer for several years – you can probably see why I bought the camera!

I have three cartridges of probably unexposed film which I am worrying may be unstable – some of the early film was nitro-cellulose and prone to self-combustion not surprisingly! I’m torn between safety and chucking some unseen footage, though I can’t imagine that any film wouldn’t have been developed within an hour after landing!

Incidentally there was device that originally put the ‘titles’ on the film from these cartridges on ebay a while ago. I just need more cash and space!!

But happy to help if I can!

James

Hi James 🙂

It is highly unlikely that the three reels of film you have are nitrate if they were intended for use with the gun camera. Nitrate film was only produced in 35mm format, and as gun cameras were operated using 16mm film, I think you are quite safe. You are right to be aware of the risks of nitrate film though, although stored correctly nitrate film will last for many years quite happily. Nitrate does not just “self-combust” willy nilly, it will only self-combust if it is exposed to heat for a prolonged period (this is more of a risk if the film has already starting decomposing). Kept at cool temperatures and looked after properly, some nitrate film is outperforming and outlasting it acetate replacement (Although non-flammable, acetate film can develop what is known as vinegar syndrome, where the film begins to decompose, emitting a strong smell of vinegar).

You mention that you have three cartridges of film – are these in their original boxes? If so it should state on the box the gauge of the film e.g. 16mm. Alternatively you could dig out a ruler and check the width of the gauge 😉

*Foams at the mouth at the thought of these original negatives being disposed of* 😡

First rule of duplication/active preservation by producing new copies from an original or master: RETAIN THE ORIGINAL/MASTER EVEN AFTER DUPLICATION/PRESERVATION!

AAAAAAAARGH!

(You can tell what line of work I am in, can’t you? ;))

A well known bit of early test footage.

Spot on. Footage can be found in the archive of a well known museum.

It is also in B&W and so nobody under forty will watch it! (If you’ve seen the original more than twice or got it on DVD (or VHS!) then the remake isn’t for you anyway!)

Generalisation? Much? 😉 How come then I’m 32 and have seen it numerous times? 😀 Anyway, B&W films are my bread and butter…*EDITED TO ADD* Dambusters was the first war film I ever watched – my Dad sat me down in front of it when I was about 9…I loved it and still do…

Sir Peter Jackson is a filmmaker with a worldwide reputation and his films attract a predominately young audience; if the remake stirs the interest of just a small percentage of the audiences of his previous films it will have done a good job. Historic aviation, the aircraft preservation movement and museums desperately need young blood; history itself needs people who are interested in it and possibly most importantly the aircrew that gave everything need to be remembered long after we’re all dead…

Even though because I have the DVD and have watched the original many times the remake is apparently not for me 😉 I actually agree with all this. I have no problem with the idea of a remake, particularly if as you say it prompts an interest or a desire in young people viewing it to learn more. I will always love the original (my two favourite scenes are Wallis trying to secure the use of a Wellington in the trials and the final scene with Wallis and Gibson, the latter with his letters to write…) but I will most certainly give the remake a go…

If the film in question is camera gun film then it will be 16mm, and therefore printed on acetate stock. This means there is no danger of it catching fire.

For the record, nitrate film will normally only combust if stored/exposed to excessively warm temperatures. The majority of nitrate fires have been the result of the material being exposed to heat e.g. a film projector, hot weather, an electrical fault in nearby equipment prompting a fire etc. If stored properly nitrate will last for a very long time, and often outlasts acetate, which was once considered the “saviour” of the film world…

So then…

Leave aircraft outside – get moaned at
Put aircraft indoors – get moaned at

Oh dear!

And as for XF708, JT442 and TwinOtter are bang on the money.