Seamus Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Evening all,I've been rather quiet on here for a while now, as my modelling takes a back seat to my pursuit of 1:1 scale aircraft. July is always a hectic month for me, with the headlining shows all taking place within a few weeks of each other, so I've had very little spare time that hasn't involved watching aeroplanes, taking thousands of photos and subsequently ploughing through editing them. In truth, I've barely scratched the surface of many of the shows, but though I'd share a handful from the best few weeks of the year, starting with a the WW1 commemoration show at Old Warden at the start of the month.Bristol Blenheim IF L6739/G-BPIV Aircraft Restoration Company Old Warden 05/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrSupermarine Seafire XVII SX336/G-KASX Old Warden 05/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrBristol Blenheim IF L6739/G-BPIV Aircraft Restoration Company Old Warden 05/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrAvro Vulcan B2 XH558/G-VLCN Old Warden 05/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrFour days at Yeovilton followed, spent at various locations around the airfield. Probably the best show at VL for many years.De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 XP924/G-CVIX RNAS Yeovilton 09/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrWestland Sea King HC4 ZF116/WP Royal Navy RNAS Yeovilton 09/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrAgustaWestland Merlin HC3 ZJ121/E Royal Navy RNAS Yeovilton 10/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrDassault Rafale M 42 Aeronavale RNAS Yeovilton 10/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrDassault Super Étendard Modernisé 31 Aeronavale RNAS Yeovilton 10/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrAgustaWestland Merlin HC3 ZJ123/G Royal Navy RNAS Yeovilton 10/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrAgustaWestland Wildcat HMA2 ZZ515 Royal Navy RNAS Yeovilton 11/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrWestland Sea King HC4 ZF116/WP Royal Navy RNAS Yeovilton 11/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrDassault Super Étendard Modernisé 31 Aeronavale RNAS Yeovilton 11/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrDassault Super Étendard Modernisé 46 Aeronavale RNAS Yeovilton 11/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrAgustaWestland Merlin HC3 ZJ123/G Royal Navy RNAS Yeovilton 11/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrFairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II 78-0651/DM US Air Force RNAS Yeovilton 13/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrBoeing E-3A Sentry LX-N90458 NATO RNAS Yeovilton 13/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrIn the middle of all that, I travelled up to Duxford for a much needed fix of Flying Legends, having missed out on the show last year. Another terrific show, where I spent more time watching than shooting for a pleasant change.Supermarine Seafire LF III PP972/G-BUAR Duxford 12/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrLockheed P-38L Lightning N25Y Red Bull Duxford 12/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrLockheed P-38L Lightning N25Y Red Bull Duxford 12/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrLegends_2015_005 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrLegends_2015_020 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr'Battle of Britain Formation' Duxford 12/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrThe following week saw me spend the full six days at Fairford for RIAT. Six days very well spent!Boeing AH-64D Apache 09-05580 US Army RAF Fairford 15/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrSukhoi Su-22UM3K 310 Polish Air Force RAF Fairford 15/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrMil Mi-35 Hind 3370 Czech Air Force RAF Fairford 15/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrDassualt Mirage 2000N 353 Armee de L'Air RAF Fairford 16/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrBoeing F-18C Hornet HN-424 Finnish Air Force RAF Fairford 16/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrDassault Mirage 2000N 353/125-AM Armee de L'Air RAF Fairford 17/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrMikoyan MiG-29A Fulcrum 40 Polish Air Force RAF Fairford 17/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrAirbus A400M Atlas EC-406 RAF Fairford 17/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrWestland WAH-64D Apache ZJ184 Army Air Corps RAF Fairford 18/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrKawasaki P-1 5504 Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force RAF Fairford 18/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrBell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 08-0050 US Air Force RAF Fairford 18/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr'Best of British' RAF Fairford 18/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrWestland WAH-64D Apache ZJ205 Army Air Corps RAF Fairford 19/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrLockheed Martin F-16CJ Fighting Falcon 'Zeus' 523 Hellenic Air Force RAF Fairford 19/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrMikoyan MiG-29A Fulcrum 56 Polish Air Force RAF Fairford 19/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrBoeing F-18C Hornet HN-424 Finnish Air Force RAF Fairford 19/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrMil Mi-35 Hind 7356 Czech Air Force RAF Fairford 19/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrNorthrop SF-5B(M) Freedom Fighter AE9-027/23-16 Spanish Air Force RAF Fairford 20/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrKawasaki P-1 5504 Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force RAF Fairford 20/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrRounding off the month was a trip to deepest Cornwall for the Culdrose Air Day. Probably the most enjoyable single day of my season so far, just a brilliant show!British Aerospace Sea Harrier FA.2 ZH802 Royal Navy RNAS Culdrose 30/070/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrAermacchi MB339 PAN 'Il Frecce Tricolori' Italian Air Force RNAS Culdrose 30/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrFairey Swordfish I W5856 RNHF RNAS Culdrose 30/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrBoeing Chinook HC4 ZA712 Royal Air Force RNAS Culdrose 30/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrMikoyan MiG-29A Fulcrum 114 Polish Air Force RNAS Culdrose 30/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrBoeing F/A-18C Hornet J-5007 Swiss Air Force RNAS Culdrose 30/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrDe Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 XP924/G-CVIX RNAS Culdrose 30/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrVought (Goodyear) FG-1D Corsair KD345/G-FGID The Fighter CollectionRNAS Culdrose 30/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrHope you enjoyed looking through those, plenty more can be found by following the links to my Flickr for those interested, with plenty more to come in the near future.Cheers,Shaun 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aimee'sDad Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Mate in a word your photos are stunning! Every time I take photos of planes there just dark blobs. Superb. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabat Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Those are without doubt some of the best photos I've seen on here, fantastic work. Thank you for sharing these with us. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airjiml2 Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Wonderful photos. Makes me wish I could take a summer off and travel to the UK just to attend airshows. Jim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Bradley Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Lovely stuff, Shaun - thanks for sharing with us! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Aer Lingus Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Brilliant as always Shaun thanks for sharing 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Delta 210 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 A truly great collection of images. Impossible to pick a favourite! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antoine Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Nice set of pics, thanks! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geedubelyer Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 (edited) Glorious photos Shaun. Everyone's a stunner. I hope you add more here at some point as my old pc does n't like Flickr much (and tends to lock up so I avoid it). Was the Sea Vixen doing a loop? It looks magnificent. Also, if I may, what's the story behind the Sea Harrier? Just a fast taxi or does she still fly? Cheers. Edited August 20, 2015 by geedubelyer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSTON Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Shaun, PHWOAR !! I LOVED your photos and enjoyed seeing them.. they were and are ALL EXQUISITE. I liked the II FRECE TRICOLORI .. as well as the other iconic aircrafts...VERY STUNNING clear sharp photos Sir. thank you for sharing them... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Cracking work as always Shaun, the real gem for me in that little lot is the Chinook as I still haven't seem that scheme! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus Posted August 21, 2015 Author Share Posted August 21, 2015 Thanks all, much appreciated Glorious photos Shaun. Everyone's a stunner. I hope you add more here at some point as my old pc does n't like Flickr much (and tends to lock up so I avoid it). Was the Sea Vixen doing a loop? It looks magnificent. Also, if I may, what's the story behind the Sea Harrier? Just a fast taxi or does she still fly? Cheers. The Shars are maintained in taxyable condition at Culdrose for use by the Navy School of Flight Deck Operations as training aids for new aircraft handlers. I believe there are up to a dozen airframes in working order, though they have the throttles physically restrained to prevent any 'hops' accidentally occurring. Three of the Shars paraded up and down the runway to open the show at Culdrose, a terrific sight and sound, if a little frustrating that they can't go on to fly... Yep, the Vixen is topping out of a loop in the second image. I've been lucky to catch her display a few times since she returned to flight in June, in largely good weather too. She's a wonderful machine, always a privilege to see. Hopefully I'll have further good opportunites to shoot her at Dawlish and Shoreham this weekend, though the weather forecasts aren't exactly great....Seeing as you asked so nicely, and singled out the Vixen, here's a handful more shots of her De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 XP924/G-CVIX RNAS Yeovilton 09/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 XP924/G-CVIX RNAS Yeovilton 09/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 XP924/G-CVIX RNAS Yeovilton 09/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW2 XP924/G-CVIX RNAS Yeovilton 11/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on FlickrDe Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 XP924/G-CVIX RNAS Culdrose 30/07/15 by Shaun Schofield, on Flickr Thanks again all, Shaun 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 great pics 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geedubelyer Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Thanks all, much appreciated The Shars are maintained in taxyable condition at Culdrose for use by the Navy School of Flight Deck Operations as training aids for new aircraft handlers. I believe there are up to a dozen airframes in working order, though they have the throttles physically restrained to prevent any 'hops' accidentally occurring. Three of the Shars paraded up and down the runway to open the show at Culdrose, a terrific sight and sound, if a little frustrating that they can't go on to fly... Shaun Thanks for the explanation Shaun. Perhaps they'll sell one to some rich enthusiast one day to be returned to flight. Any Harrier is an aviation icon and it is such a shame that we in the UK don't have an airworthy example on the show circuit. The additional images of the Sea Vixen are very welcome, thanks. Such a fabulous design and in pristeen condition.Lovely! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus Posted August 21, 2015 Author Share Posted August 21, 2015 No worries, and thanks! Sadly, I fear no amount of money will see a Harrier return to the UK skies in civilian hands, as the likes of BAE Systems, Rolls Royce etc are highly unlikely to provide the enginerring authority and support required for an aircraft as complex as the Harrier. I suppose our best bet would be Art Nalls' FA2 coming over from the States (something which I understand was in the pipeline a few years ago but fell through due to the huge costs involved) or perhaps a Spanish or Italian AV-8B at a military show, but that seems unlikely too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSTON Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Shaun,,WOW those extra photos are STUNNING.. many a man will be secretly jealous of you and your shots... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyot Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Brilliant photos Shaun, It is really hard to pick a favourite but the Westland Wildcat from Yeovilton looks really impressive with the dramatic backdrop. Cheers Tony 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickthebrief Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 Those are great photos. The Vixen is an amazing looking machine - I always think that if Batman had to pick a "real" aeroplane to fly, this would be his choice! Also great to see TWO Seafires flying - a real treat for us Fleet Air Arm fans. Thank you for sharing. Nick. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevemk1 Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 These are amazing photos! You're getting fantastic results! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus Posted August 25, 2015 Author Share Posted August 25, 2015 Thanks for the additional comments chaps, much appreciated. Those are great photos. The Vixen is an amazing looking machine - I always think that if Batman had to pick a "real" aeroplane to fly, this would be his choice! Also great to see TWO Seafires flying - a real treat for us Fleet Air Arm fans. Thank you for sharing. Nick. Couldn't agree more regarding the Seafires. The XVII is my absolute favourite warbird on the circuit, and its surprise appearance at Old Warden, the first time I've seen her in nearly five years, will go down as a season highlight. The new Seafire III has emerged as a close runner up to the XVII in my rankings, just another beautiful aeroplane that I hope to see plenty more of in the future.Thanks again all, Shaun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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