Jonny

Thanks, Lasermonkey! Jonny

Super photos! Thanks for sharing them! I must say that, apart from the subject, I'm impressed by the solar panels visible on the roofs in the background! At least, I *think* that's what they are! Jonny

Thanks, Wellsprop ... I'm afraid I don't have a facebook account and cannot, therefore, read the material you have provided a link to! However, I'm guessing it states that the Sea Vixen will not be repaired to airworthy standard, but will be restored to viewable static standard. With regard to the Seahawk ISTR it being announced some time ago that it will be restored to airworthy status - does your facebook article say when? Thganks & regards, Jonny

My subscription copy of 'Aeroplane' arrived yesterday. On the front inside there is the announcement that the Fighter Meet is back and will be held on August 27 and 28. General admission is .... wait for it ... £25. You can go up-market and pay £125 for the 'enclosure' or buy 2 day's tickets. URL is www.fightermeet.co.uk I've just booked myself in for the Saturday. Fingers crossed for the weather! Thought some might be interested, Jonny

The Fighter Collection's website entry for the Beaufighter states "The structure of the aircraft is now largely complete and awaits fittings and suitable engines before progressing further". As I said earlier, I'm sure I saw two Hercules engines on stands next to the airframe (it was back in the day when one could get closer to the aeroplane than currently possible) so it may be they are away for rebuild. Then again, as Ngantek says, it may be they were the wrong (or differing) marks and the cost of modifications & certification is expensive. A great shame indeed.

I too was at Duxford last Sunday. Actually, and I hope I'm not being over pedantic, but there were TWO aircraft movements during the day! Just after I arrived the 'NHS Spitfire' was towed away from ARC's hangar to a ground side display area where it sat immobile till quite late in the day when it was towed back. Not sure whether that counts as a 'movement'! I also watched the Staggerwing rumble down to the hold point, pause, then rumble back to where it started and switch off. It was a very misty day, wasn't it, AD210? One bit of high amusement for me ... I was in the Air & Sea hangar having a restful sit when a little boy clutching a toy plane came in with (I think) his grandparents. About then the sound of a jet engine could be heard. A number of people made a move to leave the hangar doubtless hoping to see something interesting move when the jet noise stopped. That happened a couple more times, and I realised it was the little boy's toy. Great photos as always, AD210. Thank you for sharing them. Oh - a long time ago I heard that The Fighter Collection was actively seeking two Herculese engines for the Beaufighter. I'm sure I saw two on stands near the aeroplane and wonder if it's since been decided they were different models of the engines, or for some reason unsuitable. Time will tell! Cheers, Jonny

I think this is the 1/48 scale kit! Please see first photo!!!!! It *IS* impressive, though! Sorry, can't resist - no offence intended! Jonny

Thanks, AD210 ... I had a closer look at a photo I took and spotted the LN-DHY registration in small characters on the port boom. I missed it before.. I was rather hoping that a 'new' Vampire had been restored to fly. No such luck. It's goods to know that 'The Good Shepherd' is being filmed (thinks - OK we've a Vampire in the cast but where's the Mosquito?).

I suppose I should really have said 'Weapons Bay doors'? I'm still laughing, Nigel!

I thought I'd have a day wandering round IWM Duxford today. I ambled into the Restoration / Conservation Hangar (No. 5) expecting to see the Victor there but - hardly anything to be seen - the fin and outer wings were there but no fuselage. I asked one volunteer who said he'd no idea and another who said he wasn't sure but it might have been carted across the road to the Astra cinema. I thought that unlikely but thinking about it 'AirSpace' came to mind. So I marched there to be greeted by a strong smell of fresh paint. And there she was, standing on her wheels looking very smart in Grey/Green over White camouflage! Devoid of outer wings, tail assembly and bombay doors but looking just right. I've lost track of just how long she's been under restoration. I remember being on a Hangar tour ages ago when we were shown some metal taken from the airframe which looked like lace and was to be replaced. So - this unique aeroplane is nearly complete. One can only hope she'll be kept under cover and not out in the elements as she was before this mammoth restoration started. It looks as though Hangar 5's roof is being given 'the treatment - scaffolding everywhere and entrance only by a side door. I notice that the space previously used for the Victor has been taken up by the Shackleton's fuselage but I got the impression work will wait till the roof work is completed.# All in all a good day out! Jonny PS on the apron used to park visiting aeroplanes I spotted a single seat Vampire. A cover was over the canopy and the tail was towards me and I couldn't work out what Mark it is, but the serial is WA123 and the squadron / aircraft ID R (RAF roundel) A. Does anyone know anything about this? I have found a photo on the Interweb which seems to indicate the aeroplane might be the Norwegian one in new colours!

A nice photo, nonetheless, Mr T! Thanks for sharing. Jonny

Great shots, Rob - thanks for sharing them! I've been lucky enough to attend two or three of Darren's workshops, all at Duxford. He really is a briliant tutor, AND a brilliant photographer too! I don't recall him suggesting B&W shots, although I have tried it in 'post processing' and it works for many shots, especially those with re-enactors in the frame. Thoroughly recommended, if you get the chance. I've no connection with Darren except for having gratefully attended his workshops, by the way. What really sticks in my mind was something he drilled into us inside a hangar at Duxford ... try to avould taking a shot when someone is standing behind your subject aircraft ... it's awful to get home and find it's grown legs! Jonny

(Yet) another super set of pin-sharp photos by AD210! So again I have to thank him for sharing ... I really should look-in at the IWM website more often - I wasn't aware the Vulcan was open for viewing! My great loss. Jonny

Brilliant photos, AD210! Not unexpected, of course. But pinsharp despite the weather when you took them. I daren't think how long it is since I visited Clacton ... but the seascape is sooo different with all those turbines! Thanks for sharing ... do ytou use a tripos or monopod when using your DSLR and 80-400mm zoom lens? I've similar kit and fail to achieve the sharp focus you manage! Jonny

HI, Smudge, AD210 (and Paul) have got it right - decide how you want to organise your photos, and create sub-folder(s) with names meaningful to you in the Windows10 'Pictures' folder. The next bit IS important but you need to decide whether, if you want to modify the photos with software, whether and where you want to 'save' the new version. If you simply 'save' them the new image overwrites your original and you've lost it. Not always a good idea so again, as AD210 sugguests, as well as creating a sub-folder - e.g. Airshow2021 - for the photos you download from your camera on return from an airshow, create a 'mirror' one - e.g. Airshow2021Mod - in which to 'SaveAs' your updated photos. As regards 'software' there a lots of packages - PhotoShop, PhotoShop Elements, Lightroom, Affinity Photo, etc. Many of them require you to pay for them. Free Software can be found, and I'm experimenting with one such. GIMP. Actually, don't dismiss the free 'Photos' software - it allows you to crop photos, to correct exposure, to 'sharpen' them, to remove 'redeye' from photos of people, and to improve colour, even to the point of creating a Black-and-White image from an original colour one. I hope that's helpful, I've just really reworded AD210's and Pau821's good avice. Good luck, Jonny

I was there too. Missed the Lancaster's engine runs but was rewarded later watching hoards of good people swarming over no. 3 / starboard inner Merlin! Very disappointing how short the 'flying' was. I gave up I'm afraid and left halfway through. Encouraging how many were there though! Thanks as always to AD210 for once again sharing his excellent photos! Jonny PS I assume the green clad people werre RAF / BBMF and the grey ones ARC? I spotted quite a few with black T-shirts emblazoned on the back with 'RR Merlin' or similar!

Magnificent photos, as usual, AD210!!! Sorry I wasn't able to attend this year - maybe next year! I do have the next two 'Flying Days' booked so can only hope the weather improvs for them! Thanks for sharing, Jonny

Fair points, Mike and IanC. But it seems rather draconian to impose the restrictions that Spruecutter96 has outlined. The almost tragic thing is, our new SoS seems to be promising to cancel most Covid restrictions *before* the show (not that Duxford could have known this when formulating the entry restrictions). DX (and the whole IWM) must be almosr desperate for income from the public. Sadly, I shall indeed be keeping my " 'and in my pocket ". Here's hoping the BoB show will be more relaxed.

Well, I've got a 'free' ticket for Saturdays 'Flying Day' thanks to having my Premier Memership of the IWM extended. I was contemplating attending one of the two shows this year( IF they actually happen at Duxford) but they must be having a laugh, not allowing visitors to enter any building and restricted movement once they're there. Whatt the heck is the IWM thinking? Sheesh, Jonny

Will, Dare I suggest you contact the Musems directly? I'm not trying to be funny. it just struck me that that direct approach might give a quicker answer that possibly several 'third party' answers! Hope this helps, Jonny

isn't there a Yellow Sun in the RAF Museum Cosford? I have seen one at Newark. In both cases they are painted deep bronze green (I'd guess and say tha Cosford example is probably correct!. I've photos somewhere but they're in my new Desktop that for reasons I won't divulge I can't get at right now but should be able to in the next couple of days. Cherisy ... please ... where did you obtain your Yellow Sun from? hope this helps, Jonny

Has the Blackburn Blackburn been finished? Just looked at Hannants but no trace. Just being curious!!

Flying Legends was moved by The Fighter Collection (TFC) who arrange the two day show. Rumour has it that IWM demanded a higher percentage of the 'take', more than TFC was prepared to pay. TFC did say they'd keep their aeroplanes at Duxford but there are other locftions who would be more than willing to 'host' them. It would be a shame if the private collections decide to up stakes and relocate elsewhere, don't you think? IWM seems to be busily increasing their charges overall - especially to stall holders at airshows - just think about how many stalls have vanished from shows over the last few years. The aritst's impression of the hotel seems to place it to the south or the Aerospace hanger, between it and ARC's premises. Hope this helps, Jonny

Thanks, Mark A very helpful link! Jonny

I believe that the port-side blister was deleted when H2S & Geewere introduced, really because they blocked access to the blister. 617 squadron used th starboard blister so a crew member (navigator?) could see the spotlights shining on the water and advise the pilot accordingly. Some Lancasters had both port & starboard blisters, which I think were early.ones. Not sure this helps but I hope so!