More photos from Old Warden last Sunday. Not a cloud in the sky but a stiff breeze made flying these vintage aircraft a tad tricky.

First up was the Sopwith Pup. Originally built in 1919 as the two-seat Dove variant it was acquired by Richard Shuttleworth in 1938 & converted to a single-seat Pup.


It was joined by the Sopwith Triplane. This was built for the Shuttleworth Collection by the Northern Aeroplane Workshops & first flew in April 1992.
It's considered a "late production" example rather than a replica. http://www.shuttleworth.org/shuttleworth-collection/aircraft-details.asp?ID=7


The lovely little Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a. I think this is the only original example still flying.


The Bristol F.2b Fighter, nicknamed the "Brisfit". One of my favourites.
For some years it was the sole airworthy example but I believe two more are now flying in various parts of the world.


The next two were visitors & didn't take part in the display.
It was a treat to see this recently restored B.E.2c replica in the air. It was built in 1969 from Tiger Moth components for a Biggles film which was never completed. It was then used for other film work including the BBC series “Wings”. It was crashed in Wisconsin in 1977 & stored for 25 years before being brought back home for restoration. At the recent LAA Rally at Sywell it was awarded the Pooley Sword for best replica aircraft and the Roy Mills Trophy for the best Classic Aircraft restoration.


Finally, there's no need to say what this is. It's a full-scale replica powered by a modern engine.

Oh WOW...what a Thanksgiving Treat....

It is great to see real aeroplanes back into the air again.

What no Sopwith Camel?

I can still hear the conversations between my grandfathers and great uncles on what was the best fighter during the Great World War.
The argument always centered around the Camel or the SE5A and of course, the many Canucks who flew them...

A great uncle who flew the Sopwith Triplane while serving with the RNAS could never get his two cents in, he was always shot down by the rest of the family...

Great times were had as children when growing up around the kitchen table in the summer kitchen...

Hope you don't mind me adding this information on the RNAS Doug...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Naval_Air_Service

http://www.naval-military-press.com/history-of-no-10-squadron-royal-naval-air-se...

Thanks again Doug for making my day...

! finally get around to saying "great shots Doug" and there aren't any to comment on, between now and yesterday they have flown off .....SimV gremlins at it again no doubt.

I must somehow get back to Old Warden, it is easily 35 years since my last visit. Is the Doodlebug still lazying away in the car park

Matt

Brilliant shots
I hope to get back there soon

Craig. wrote on Oct 10^th, 2011 at 3:28pm:

Thanks Craig. You'll have to wait until next year now.

Steve M wrote on Oct 10^th, 2011 at 4:09pm:

Thanks Steve. Yes, you heard it about right. The rotary engines in aeroplanes like the Sopwith Pup & Triplane in my photos all run on petrol but they're lubricated with castor oil. The reason for using vegetable oil is that it doesn't mix with the fuel. There is no sump & it's a total loss system. The unburnt oil is spewed out of the exhaust ports.

Steve M wrote on Oct 10^th, 2011 at 4:38pm:

I remember the taste well. It's also used in the fuel for model glow-plug engines.

I'm told that wiping the stuff from their goggles is the real reason for those long silk scarves the WWI pilots wore.

C wrote on Oct 11^th, 2011 at 4:24pm:



Well, my last visit was mid to end 70's so I am not surprised that no one recalls:-[

Matt

when i saw the first pic, i though it was rise of flight.

You always make me smile Doug !   

Love how the 'Grandparents' are still flying, thats one part of Aviation heritage we don't want to lose.