Winston Bridge (Spitfire Bridge)

Communal photo threads for specific aircraft types, operators etc.
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Wbirdnut
Posts: 374
Joined: Wed 16 May 2018, 8:19 am

Winston Bridge (Spitfire Bridge)

Post by Wbirdnut »

Heading south, the drive from Scotland to Cambridge is over 6 hours, didn’t
fancy this in one hop so found accommodation around half way not too far
from Middlesbrough.

It just so happens in the area also has a famous bridge, now there are many
famous brides in the UK, this one famous for perhaps one of the most daring
stunts performed in a WW II fighter in modern times.

Featured in a couple of TV series, Peace of Cake and Foyne’s War, Ray
Hanna flies his MK IX Spitfire MH 434 under the Winston Bridge.
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Moggie under Winston Bridge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e9WQJYMImY

Foyne’s War under Winston Bridge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp7ZJ09fhkk

Had to call by and check it out, just so happened I had a copy of a UK mag
that had a feature on MH 434. Took this along to add a bit of a theme to my
photograph thinking there wouldn’t be anything there to mark the event.
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Well I was proven wrong, a cast metal Spitfire is mounted to the bridge!
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Awesome that there is a memento of this event, also great it is acknowledged
for plane nuts like me. When you are up close and personal you realise this
stunt was no mean feat. I am no pilot so please take my comments with this
in mind, the arch of the bridge fits a Spitfire with a bit to spare. To be honest
the tight bit looks like the approach with all the trees over hanging the river.

You don’t see it in the tube clips, there is an island with some smaller trees
which are in the line of flight! Perhaps back when the flight was done these
would have been smaller. It looks like some of the footage was shot from this
island.

Looking north-west up the River Tees from the bridge.
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Looking South-east down the River Tees, the island/obstacle in the flight line is obvious .
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Bit of trivia I know, next stop flying Legends, weather has been great and looks
a bit iffy for the weekend, hope not?

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The Baron
Posts: 1369
Joined: Tue 01 Dec 2009, 8:23 pm

Re: Winston Bridge (Spitfire Bridge)

Post by The Baron »

Thanks for posting these. It's somewhere I really intend to stop at if I'm ever up that way.
If I remember correctly the island was much more sparse when filming took place as it can be seen very briefly in one clip.
Loafer for Mr. Da Vinci.

Georgeconna
Posts: 830
Joined: Wed 30 May 2012, 2:38 pm

Re: Winston Bridge (Spitfire Bridge)

Post by Georgeconna »

Blimey I'd Think twice of flying an RC plane through that arch not to mind a big Spit!!
Cheers

George

Zero shows for 2018 Giving in a Rest.

Wbirdnut
Posts: 374
Joined: Wed 16 May 2018, 8:19 am

Re: Winston Bridge (Spitfire Bridge)

Post by Wbirdnut »

The Baron wrote:Thanks for posting these. It's somewhere I really intend to stop at if I'm ever up that way.
If I remember correctly the island was much more sparse when filming took place as it can be seen very briefly in one clip.


I am wondering if perhaps they removed the trees for the shoot? A warning for any
who visit there was a sign saying don't leave your car un-intended there was also
broken car glass on the ground where we parked, so leave someone to mind your
car if go for a walk! Better to be safe than sorry!

Wbirdnut
Posts: 374
Joined: Wed 16 May 2018, 8:19 am

Re: Winston Bridge (Spitfire Bridge)

Post by Wbirdnut »

Thought I add a pic of the very Spitfire that flew the feat, thanks for the memories Mr Hanna!

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