When I saw those superb pics of the BBMF, I got into reminising mode again and found these old pics from when we used to service the flight on the MU at Kemble. Winter was always quite busy then at Kemble with all the Red Arrow practices, the BBMF servicing along with the usual day to day routine work of keeping all the Hunters and others flying for the services.

Apologies if these are slightly off the thread but I could not resist sharing a few with you.

Other half’s Grandfather was an engine fitter with 67sqn in Burma with Buffaloes. His recollections come close to what Dave H has said. Anyhow have attached a couple of pics from his collection that survived the Japanese invasion. There is a cracking book by J.Helsdon Thomas called “Wings over Burma” that tells the story of 67sqn’s adventures in the far east from the view of the engineers.

There was a list I helped compile with Flypast more than a few months ago of Classic Jets that either were airworthy or potentially airworthy. Although I cannot remember which issue it was in????

It is lighter than “roundel blue” don’t ask me by what name it is known but we did manage to get the original paint spec number for it. Harry Anwar “Blue 12” was with us yesterday to give us the “Blue Diamond” seal of approval, wonderful chap, he told us a great tale of the day he shot down 2 Israeli Mirage with the 30mm cannons of a Jordanian Hunter!

Albert, bring them over if you wish, I am sure the chaps would be very pleased to see them. E-Mail me direct to arrange.

Thought you might like like to see the attached pics of Mondays first flight.

Nige,

The Jet flew twice today with AC at the helm. First for a few circuits and then a full 45 minute test flight that all went well without any major snags. There will be a program of a few more test flights before any paint is applied. Anyone got an idea for a paint scheme…….Blue Diamonds or 4FTS are possible, but are there anymore schemes out there that are interesting?

Stieglitz, the FW190 replica flies a lot and was airborne again this afternoon at Kemble. The chap who owns it is Barry ******* Can’t remember his surname but if you look at the PFA web site I am sure he gets a mention as it won 2 trophys at the rally in July.

Have had another busy couple of days at Kemble with a Merlin and Alpha Jet bashing the circuit and 2 practice displays each by the Extreme Team and the RR Spitfire. No Delta Jets activity but Hunter XL577’s first flight is any day now as the permit to test has arrived.