Stona's big day out at Duxford

[stona]

Well folks made it today.

Arrived at about 10.00 am and drove straight in which gave time to wander around the American Hall and flight line impressing SWMBO with my knowledge of the exhibits,though she got me on a couple,before I had time to read the signs

Beautiful day and some good displays. Sadly the P-47 didn't fly. Judging by all the blokes in blue boiler suits scratching their heads and the distinct lack of the engine starting my professional assessment is that something was broken.

The WWI replicas couldn't get off either due to a bit of a cross wind but we got a Catalina instead which,frankly,was fine by me.

The excellent (as always) Red Arrows went last which was a great finish but it meant that EVERYBODY stayed until the end resulting in more than the normal chaos getting out of the car parks. After about an hour we were on our way which wasn't too bad and certainly didn't spoil a great day out.

SWMBO took a lot of snapshots and I will see if any are worth posting. I'm not hopeful as many were attempts at aircraft in flight which is quite a skill. You have to admire her confidence,she snapped away like David Bailey despite my helpful advice,something like "For God's sake their about half a mile away!". Be grateful for digital cameras,at least it costs nothing!

We can live in hope.

Cheers

Steve

[colin m]

I bet it was great Steve,

I got there at about 0730 on Saturday. I might have to adjust my departure time next time !! However, getting there early did mean I was at the front of the car park and out on my way nice and early. What ca rpark where you in, did you have to cross the foot birdge to get into the show ? I'm sure your day was the same as ours, brilliant.

[stona]

Colin,I was in the car park behind the American Hall,so just a straight walk down into the show. We used the SWMBO's "little Jodrell Bank",the Wurzburg radar dish as our land mark.

I'm sure it was busy yesterday too. I really don't mind a bit of delay leaving,it's inevitable with so many people there. Anyway it gave me time to eat the remains of our lunchtime picnic,including the strawberries we'd forgotten about.....luverly.

Steve

[stona]

Here's a few of SWMBO's photos.

There are hundreds so I've completely impartially selected a few of the aircraft I particularly like. I've resized the piccies so they shouldn't take too long to load.

KLM DC-3,which I was mentally comparing with my recent build of the old Monogram Eastern Airlines kit.

Gnat and Hawk. How small is the Gnat? Readers of a certain vintage will well remember the Red Arrows flying the little Gnat.

P-47looked great but sadly went U/S and didn't fly.

Spitfire I. What can you say about this beautiful aeroplane. The Mk I is the lightest and the best in my humble opinion.

Hurricane. This is the 12 gun version. If we hadn't had this ones ancestor in 1940 we would really have been up the proverbial without a paddle.

If you're British and don't get this one you must be dead

Finally the Red Arrows doing what they do.

Ooops,I forgot the Swordfish. I hadn't seen one flying before......sloooooow!

Cheers

Steve

[MORIARTY1177]

Having just gotten back from a week in Mallorca I enjoyed watching the show from the garden. Glad you enjoyed it, I'd definitely recommend Flying Legends.

Regards

Chris

[Guest]

Sounds like you had a decent time, shame about the aircraft that had problems eh?

some nice images there ....... anything for us that lean towards the rotory-wing???

[Guest]

Looks like it would have been a good day and some great pics. I'll be over their on holidays for a month at the end of the year. Anything on between nov-dec?

[stona]

Looks like it would have been a good day and some great pics. I'll be over their on holidays for a month at the end of the year. Anything on between nov-dec?

The air shows are finished by then. As far as the major shows go there is one more at Duxford in October and one more at Old Warden IIRC. There will be one or two others but the weather is becoming less sympathetic.

The museums are all open if you've got some spare time.

If you are in the London area the RAF museum at Hendon is easy to get too and the Imperial War Museum (IWM) London is even easier. IWM Duxford is really not far,you could combine it with a visit to Cambridge which,despite being born in Oxford,I have to confess is a beautiful little city.

Cheers

Steve

[Centurion3RTR]

Cracking photos Steve, thanks for posting mate.

Have fun, John

[Guest]

Thanks Steve. Will look them up. Spending a couple of weeks in London and Liverpool. Going to see some football which will be great. The RAF museum looks pretty good.

[stona]

The RAF museum looks pretty good.

I popped in for a visit a few weeks ago. I had a call for 4pm and was stuck in London so I hopped on the underground to Colindale,turned left out of the statio and five minutes or so walking later the museum hove into view. It's free and well worth a visit.

The only danger is that Hannants is just a bit past the museum and can leave a nasty hole in your wallet!

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

I went on the Sunday and had an amazing day. weather was absolutely amazing. Loved the Tornados actually loved everything and to cap it all off the Red Arrows. Best day out. picked up a model or two and a little bit of P/E.

Perfect day cant wait to do it again soon.

Has anyone been to the RIAT and is it incredible and worth the trip?

cheers

si

[HAWKERHUNTER]

fantastic pictures steve. Compliments to your good lady and thanks for posting. Sadly I am old enough to remember the red arrows flying the knat and watched them regularly. I probably sat in that one as a child, one of the perks of having a dad who was a chief Tech on a fighter squadron in the RAF. Oh the good old days.

Steve

[Guest]

Thanks Steve. Hannants is a hobby store i'm guessing?

[stona]

Thanks Steve. Hannants is a hobby store i'm guessing?

It is indeed. The "shop" up the road from the RAF museum is more of a warehouse really. There's a lot to tempt you!

Here's the info from their web site.

Hannants - Plastic model kits and accessories

Steve