Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

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Manonthefence
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Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by Manonthefence »

Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day


Its nearly 5am in a small town just south of Bradford. The lights on the car go on as it reverses out of is drive. This scene is repeated over the next hour or so in Bristol, Salisbury, Stevenage and many places in between as the Staff and volunteers of the Shuttleworth Collection begin their journeys to the October airshow.

Its an 8am push for the aircraft, there is just time for a quick cuppa after arriving before its overalls on and on with the job

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Packing and unpacking a hangar is a black art!
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Before they take their place on the flightline the aircraft have to be fueled
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Then sometimes the tractor takes the strain
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But there aren’t always enough to go around so aircraft are manhandled at least part of the way down the hill
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Then it’s a race!
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Richard Shuttleworth is always looking on!
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At 9am the public are let in, the gate staff have to be there as early as the engineers, on days like this its a pleasure to be there. Just enough time to give the Comet a spruce up! (pun intended)
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After the success of the last evening show, the engineers set up the Biff and the Hucks by the main gate for the public to have a closer look at. It seems to go down well
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The visiting acts arrive
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You can see the grin from here
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Peter Teichman's Hurricane (and its bombs) are making their Old Warden debut
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The based Dragon Rapide comes out for its first show since its arrival. We had to park Mark Millers immaculate example next to it. Both a beautiful but I think the camo just shades it.
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The display was superb
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Its WW1 time
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Starting the rotaries, and for that matter any WW1 engine, is an art form.

First you have to oil the rockers and prime the cylinders
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(the film will be available from the shop soon)

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Then pull the prop to start the engine
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warm it up, always an art form in a Rotary engine
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Pull the chocks
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and we're away!
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The smell of the castor oil from the engine is unmistakable. The displays are superbly flown, The whole process of starting the aircraft takes 4 engineers and means they are away from the main flightline for up to an hour. Managing the engineers, making sure the right people are in the right place at the right time isnt easy and as ever its a plan that only lasts the first 30 seconds of combat. Lose concentration and aircraft miss their slot, which has knock on effects for the whole show. There’s always time to watch the displays for a moment though.

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When they land the engine is shut down (assuming its still running!) in order to reduce wear. Another team of ground crew is dispatched to retrieve the aircraft

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The Sea Hurricane goes off on patrol
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The beautiful Miles Falcon
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The air raid siren wails at the base of the tower. The Me108 has arrived to be shot down again!
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Its ok, the Sea Hurricane arrives to save the day

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there is a bit of a dogfight and then the inevitable happens

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(I thought there was no smoking in the cockpit!)

to the victor the spoils
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Without trainers you have no combat types. The mid part of the display was dedicated to the two seat wonders that put up with endless abuse by their pupils. first a couple of visitors
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3 aircraft, all Gypsy powered in various marques
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Post war, its the Provost's turn

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The largest aircraft based at Old Warden is the Avro Nineteen. Buts it puts on a spritely display
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Then its the turn of the Hurribomber. As it fitting for its debut at Shuttleworth, it gets the best of the light.
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The Demon and the Gladiator make use of the light as well, putting on a nice formation.

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Before solo slots

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The wind is too strong for the Edwardians, but its just within limits for the Dagling.
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And then the reverse of the mornings operation begins. The aircraft are pushed up the hill and the jigsaw game of getting them back into the hangars is begun.

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Finally, after 30 years at the collection, George Ellis has retired from flying. Always a gentleman, always willing to stop and talk George will be greatly missed. A small presentation was held after the show finished

Thanks George

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Finally the Hurribomber in twilight
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On departure a minor problem was found in the undercarriage. It meant it couldnt depart that evening. It was 10pm before it was safely away in the Hangar.

Its just before 1am as the car lights are switched off after a long journey back up the A1. Its been a long but very rewarding day. 5 hours before the alarm clock goes off for work and only 7 months until the first show of the 2010 season. See you there!

This thread is dedicated to all the staff volunteers and SVAS members who make the Shuttleworth collection shows happen. They come from all over the country every 2 weeks during the summer months, to make the airshows happen. Be they groundcrew, pilots security guards, raffle ticket sellers, Photo Section guides, without them all the shows wouldnt happen.
The work never stops. Winter maintenance on the aircraft starts now, planning for next years shows started weeks ago. Its the finest airshow venue on the planet and long may it continue.

Thank you one and all.

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MrAngry2
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by MrAngry2 »

I think you have summed it up beautifully there, I think a lot of people do not realise just how much time and effort goes in to putting something like this on. An immaculate set of pictures of 'Gods own airshow' Thanks for the excellently written report. :clap:

Roll on the next 7 months.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardjudge/

Biggin Hill international cheese fair 2011 (TBC)

EMarsh
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by EMarsh »

A wonderful report all round. I can't express enough thanks to all at the Old Warden team - without their hard work and dedication, we'd be denied something very, very special in the UK.

:clap:

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Russ
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by Russ »

Nick, that report and photos are brilliant. :clap: :cool: :drool:

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Lomcevak26
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by Lomcevak26 »

Exceptionally good and detailed coverage - a pleasure to view. Super shots throughout - Hurribomber taking off is right up there with the best of its kind ever posted on here imho.

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

And one more -

:clap:

:grin:

Paul

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Ben H
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by Ben H »

The Hurricane takeoff is just superb. :clap: :clap: :clap:

I look forward to attending plenty of Shuttleworth shows next year with my new-found wheels. :biggrin:

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MUSTANG
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by MUSTANG »

Stunning...no other word for them

As has been mentioned already just sums up what the Shuttleworth collection is all about....roll on 2010

Peter

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Lumix
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by Lumix »

Superb set of shots and narative! :clap: Too hard to pick a favourite, but I do like that BEA schemed Rapide.

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planemadbird
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by planemadbird »

I really have enjoyed looking through this set of photos, a stunning set :clap: My favourite has to be the Demon and the Gladiator shot :clap:
'Little friend,little friend,we are gonna have to bail out,will you standby and count the chutes?'

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T_J
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by T_J »

Cracking coverage, Nick. I really enjoyed the narrative and images. Well done the Old Warden team!

:clap: :clap: :clap:

TJ

Manonthefence
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by Manonthefence »

Thanks for the comments chaps. It was a great way to round off an eventful year.
I'm glad you like what I have tried to do with the thread, may try again next year.

Mutley
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by Mutley »

Beautiful, quintessentially England at its best

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Pat Murphy
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by Pat Murphy »

Well covered Nick. Nice to see the back story to how this event is put together. I have never done an Old warden show but the older I get the more appealing it becomes. I can see me heading that way next year...
Oh and by the way a cracking set of shots too :clap: :clap: :smile: :smile:

tholthorpe
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by tholthorpe »

Thanks for giving us a great insight on what goes on to provide us with a great days show. People forget without all the volunteers giving so much time and efforts,we would not have the pleasure of viewing such fine sights .
We the visitor owe a great deal of gratitude to you all , long may it continue !.

Dave.C

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POD
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by POD »

Great series of pics, really captures the atmosphere of the event! :clap:

Kev W.
Tiger Tiger!

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baseleg
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by baseleg »

Very enjoyable report and, as previously reported, you've summed up the day wonderfully.

A personal thanks to all those who help put on a great shows (shows). I fully appreciate their hard work and dedication, as I'm sure everyone else does also.

stuart n
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by stuart n »

Wonderful, a great insight into the day. :clap: :clap:

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sebcoe
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by sebcoe »

Great post Nick, different and interesting.

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MetMan
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by MetMan »

Thank you for taking the time to put that together. I really enjoyed it - much appreciated.

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MetMan
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by MetMan »

Thank you for taking the time to put that together. I really enjoyed it - much appreciated.

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wallace
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by wallace »

An excellent set of photos you have there.

Where would these museums be without their "nutters?" :)

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2shae
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by 2shae »

Top stuff as always. The Hurricane shots are really special. :clap: :clap: :clap:

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DerekH
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Re: Shuttleworth October Airshow 2009 - a life in the day

Post by DerekH »

Superb set there Nick! Really enjoyed reading the narrative - it really told the story of the day in great detail - a pleasure to view & read.... :clap: :clap: :clap:
The Usual Suspects - Coming soon to an Air Show Near You.....

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