Duxford Diary 2025

[David]

I don't recall a reason being given but I would guess that the owner (who I now know to be the RAF Museum) doesn't wish that a photographic record of it in its current state, i.e. with the remains of its suspension fittings visible, exists.

[shorsley]

Yes, stipulation by the owner that the aircraft cannot be photographed 'In Transit'.

Not sure they are aware how impractical this is, but it's their policy.

[DCW]

Photo restrictions were removed as soon as the Canberra was in one piece, around 1530 yesterday.

[Wings and Things]

Thanks for that. Does anyone know when it is due to leave please? Unlikley I will be there until 10th for the VE flying day so hoping it will still be on view for a ground shot or two.

[clearstone]

Canberra residing on East side of Eastern Apron May until September 2025.

[Wings and Things]

Thank you, Still time.

[MiG_Eater]

Thanks everyone who updates this thread - I can't get to Duxford as much as i'd like to but love seeing the goings on. Great work!

[DCW]

Duxford Friday 2nd May:

Spitfire VIII Trainer G-AIDN made her first Duxford visit this afternoon in her new USAAF colours as 'Lady Ellen III'
Due for six sorties tomorrow hosted by Classic Wings.









'Ready 4 Duty' was receiving some TLC all day, she is ready for an early departure tomorrow (back Tuesday !)



Whirlwind HAS.7 XK936 was the penultimate de-suspension this morning, only the Canuck left to drop:





Also noted today:

[DCW]

Duxford Saturday 3rd May:

'Ready 4 Duty' left for Eindhoven this morning:

[Professor_M]

Tuesday 6th May
Something a little different from the French today - a pair of G120A-F (F-GUKB/FAF6520 & F-GUKH/FAF6521) from Cognac, via Normandy.
French Air Force G120A-F | F-GUKH | Airbus Flight Academy by Professor M, on Flickr

[Wings and Things]

Nice visitors.

[DCW]

Duxford Tuesday 6th May:

Plenty happening today, shame about the weather !
In no particular order:

R4D-6S 'Ready 4 Duty' returned from the Netherlands late yesterday and will have another busy day tomorrow before her Guernsey trip and weekend Airshow duties.
Many thanks to AoD and the CAF crew:



A wonderful office, showing a lot of history:





There's a lot of equipment reflecting her wartime anti-submarine operations:



Looking rearwards:



These will be a talking point when she is on public display:



Meanwhile, in Airspace, the final 'Large Object' is being prepared for Thursday's descent:





In Hangar 5, Jaguar XX108 is being prepared for the trip to Flixton:







Nearby, Heinkel 162 120235 continues the painstaking process of conservation. Thanks to AM for pointing out today is the 80th anniversary of her capture:



Two aircraft out for runs today, starting with the Cat's first run since winter maintenance and engine installation:



The Fokker D.VII was sounding great, moving towards that first flight. Thanks to PF and BS.





Some of the Sywell fleet were on the move:







Also noted today:









And finally, it was only a matter of time before the dreaded AI moved in.
Many thanks to BC for his creation !
Starting with my picture of Hashdef landing this Tiger Moth last month,



A few choice ChatGPT commands results in:

[Wings and Things]

Certainly a busy day there today. Thanks for the updates - a fine set of pictures expecially the R4D interior.

[Professor_M]

Wednesday 7th May

A number of the based warbirds were active this afternoon, including a couple of the Hurricanes, Spitfire V G-IBSY (to Sywell), TFC's Bearcat (including a practice display on return) and a two-ship two-seater Spitfire sortie from ARCo.
Grumman F8F-2P Bearcat | G-RUMM | TFC by Professor M, on Flickr

The Catalina went for a lap of the airfield, but didn't get any air beneath its wheels. Note also the two Dakotas together in the background. R4D went for a 20 minute flight earlier in the afternoon (without any form of display rehearsal on return) and the BBMF example emerged from Hangar 2 earlier in the day.
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina | G-PBYA | Plane Sailing by Professor M, on Flickr

[BobL]

A few from my Wednesday wander...

[Wings and Things]

Nice set despite the overcast conditions. Looking forward to Saturday's VE Flying Day. Never been to one before and not in to a Duxford show in decades. Weather should be better - fingers crossed.

[Professor_M]

Thursday 8th May
Pleased to catch the BBMF Dakota on the move this afternoon, including a short taxi around the pan in today's engine runs...
Douglas Dakota III | ZA497 | RAF BBMF by Professor M, on Flickr
Another "heavy" took to the skies...
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina | G-PBYA | Plane Sailing Ltd by Professor M, on Flickr
A rather heavy crop, but good to see the best of all the Mk.IX Spitfires getting ready for Saturday...
Supermarine Spitfire IX | ML417 | N2TF | Comanche Warbirds by Professor M, on Flickr
Another pairs sortie from the two-seaters from ARCo...
Supermarine Spitfire IXT | PT462 | PV202 | Aerial Collective by
Professor M, on Flickr

[DCW]

Duxford Thursday 8th May:

A few more from a busy VE Day Anniversary:

'Ready 4 Duty' left for Guernsey this morning:







The BBMF Dakota's short taxy was the first time it had moved under its own power since arrival on July 21st 2022:







Some of today's 9 flying fighters:

[Mike]

ML417 - the best thing ever to happen to a 2-seater Spitfire!

[Orion]

Duxford Thursday 8th May:

A few more from a busy VE Day Anniversary:

'Ready 4 Duty' left for Guernsey this morning:



[...]
Couldn't they have chosen a better spot for the D/F loop?

[TonyC]

ML417 - the best thing ever to happen to a 2-seater Spitfire!

Agreed!

[ErrolC]

ML417 - the best thing ever to happen to a 2-seater Spitfire!

And you'll have MH367 to view soon as well!

Spit looking FINE! by Errol Cavit, on Flickr

[Orion]

Went to the VE Day 'Air Day' and enjoyed it. That said I did struggle a bit to see the relevance of some of the display items, Hey Ho.








Hope you enjoy

[Professor_M]

Monday 12th May
Found inside the Stephenson Hangar today...
Grumman FM-2 Wildcat | "AX733" | G-KINL by Professor M, on Flickr

All rather quiet this afternoon. TFC had the P-36C out for an engine run and a couple of the Comanche Spitfires were pulled out of the hangar to facilitate inspections of the roof of Hangar 2 with a cherry-picker. Hurricane BE505 "Pegs" came up from White Waltham earlier in the day.

[DCW]

Duxford Tuesday 13th May:

A pair of Stearman film stars departed by road this morning. With the Film Premier due on Thursday, it seems reasonable to guess they are heading for Leicester Square.
N65691 / 'ZS-GGM' and N9039H / 'ZS-WVW' both originally N2S models and approaching 4 years residency at Duxford.







Meanwhile, in Airspace, CF-100 G-BCYK / 18393 is being prepared for Thursday's un-de-suspension (re-suspension ?)