As can and does happen in historic aviation, the weather can often put an end to best laid plans. Travelling great distances to watch old aeroplanes, particularly pre-WWII types, fly is always a challenge. Frustratingly, though most days I was in the states, even on the East coast, the weather was quite pleasant. That was … Continue reading Museum Profile – Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
The central theme for this years airshow at La Ferté-Alais in France was the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1. As part of the comprehensive account of aviation history held each year and the picturesque airfield, there is always a significant WW1 set piece, often making use of a handful of original and replica … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2018 2 – Great War 100 at La Ferté-Alais
In aviation circles, there are a number of airfields and collections around the world that capture the imagination and become almost mythical as part of aviation folklore. Old Rhinebeck is most certainly amongst those legends, especially for those with an interest in those early years of aviation right through until the 1930s. Delicately nestled between … Continue reading Warbird People – Alex Jameison: Learning to Fly the Old Rhinebeck Collection
By late 1917 the German forces were starting to use air superiority, the British and French fighters had moved on considerably and with aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel and SE5a proving challenging opponents. Early 1918 saw the German government launch a new competition for a new fighter. The aircraft that would ultimately go on … Continue reading A New Age of Fighters – Part 2 – Fokker DVII
An early season treat that I haven't yet got round to posting was my first trip out to a Timeline Events photoshoot. I've always wanted to attend a nightshoot but none had quite taken my fancy until the events at Stow Maries appeared early last year. I was unable to attend either of the events … Continue reading Stow Maries Evening Photo Shoot 22nd April 2017
Europe is home to some incredible aviation museum's with the entire continent having a rich history of unique types and milestones within the industry. Once country I had never previously visited was the Netherlands, which is home to a number of aviation museums. As part of a short trip across the channel last week I … Continue reading Museum Profile: Nationaal Militair Museum -Soesterberg
Following the early success brought about by the Tabloid, Schneider and Baby designs utilised in 1914 and 15, it was time for Sopwith's attentions to turn to a new design to meet the Royal Flying Corps needs. While those early designs had performed well they were still essentially a pre-war sports aircraft adapted to suit. … Continue reading Sopwith’s First World War Part 2: The Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter
“Why would someone want to do anything else?” It’s a good question. This was Tom “TK” Kurtz's response to me asking if given the chance to do it all again, he’d end up in the same job he has now, and who could blame him? For those that don’t know Tom is the General Manger … Continue reading Warbird People: Tom “TK” Kurtz III – General Manager: The Fighter Factory
Last week I posted my thoughts on the new First World War exhibition at the RAF Museum's Hendon site, this post looks at the history of the aircraft included in the display. Bleriot XXVII - "433": This aircrafts history until around 1965 is not known, though it is highly likley that the aircraft was built … Continue reading First World War In the Air – RAF Museum – Exhibit Histories
I can’t have been the only one to have visited Hendon a number of times over the last few years and only manage to get into the elusive Grahame-White factory once. Up until recently this wonderful 1915 building only opened once or twice a week and only for short periods of time. I always felt … Continue reading First World War In The Air – RAF Museum London
Warbird Tails 