I like wandering round during & after the show to get a few interesting static shots. Ever wondered how they start some of these big engines? Well, here's one method, the Huck's Starter.

This is a genuine vintage example (circa 1918 ) built on a Ford Model T chassis. Nice to see it in regular use like so many of the vintage vehicles at Old Warden. A little bird told me that it recently came a cropper with the Health & Safety regulations & they were forced to fit safety guards on the chain. Definitely non-vintage although they made a super job of it. It looks a tad dangerous but I never heard of anyone being caught up in the machinery of a Huck's Starter since it was first invented. The alternative is swinging that big prop by hand which is decidedly more risky.

All ready & waiting in the sunshine.


Right, we're connected & all ready for startup. Typically the sun decided to go behind a big cloud at this precise moment.


Righto, she's running so back off smartly. Piece of cake. They've obviously done that many times before. Finished with starter for now. Actually they had a slight problem with the Hind undercarriage & it was required again 15 minutes later.



Rear cockpit of the Miles Magister taken after the show. I wouldn't mind a go in this.

I'm sure you know what this is.

Nice selection there Doug. Interesting that they use those old cars as tugs, or as it appears.

Wonderfully Victorian way to start an airplane... !! That's a great sequence and yes, curse them clouds...
Thanks for sharing. I think I need a lot more cockpit shots in my portfolio...

So that is what it looks like, I remember you enlightening me at Hendon on those things Doug