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Battlefield
History Tours |
 
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What a great day where we visited 2 of the iconic airfields that have heritage aircraft and were fortunate to see some of the aircraft fly.
Our first stop was at Duxford, where normally we would see the Flying Legends flying for huge crowds. But that was not to be as the Flying Legends will no longer fly out of Duxford for it seems their contract expired and was not renewed. However, they will fly out of Church Fenton Leeds this year on the 15th and 16th July 2023. So not lost to enthusiasts. But, there was still much to see at Duxford as they have beefed up the aircraft on static display at a few locations, taking some aircraft from other IWM Locations. There was also the American Display Hangar open so all those incredible planes from the USA that have over the years protected the West were there to see.
Also, there were a few of the post WW2 and WW2 aircraft flying and that made the visit more attractive. The Spitfires in fact stole the show. As we then had an appointment at The Shuttleworth Collection to view all their aircraft in their 6 hangars, we boarded our coach and Michael weaved his way through areas with smaller roads until we found the entrance for coaches General Motors Car Club were having a special day at the airfield and there were quite a few cars there for the judging, around 100 plus!!
Lunch started the day and then we split up and went our way to view various aspects of the area. Some went directly to the General Workshop to look at what was in progress associated with the aircraft. It could be preparing faults, servicing or even construction. Shuttleworth receive from time-to-time aircraft that need complete refurbishment and sometimes, completely rebuilt. In fact, the Spitfire that was flying today was completely rebuilt there and we had followed that process over 10 years or so. It was a pleasure to be able to see it wheeling around the sky with that Merlin engine screaming its deep throated sound that overshadowed most other sounds around. You can see it here in the video.
Others started into the other hangars which house aircraft from the first to fly to specials like the one who won the London to Sydney Air Race. Much to see and to realise that all the aircraft on display, fly, even the 1st World War Planes. More tomorrow as we head north to The Petwood hotel, the home of the Dambusters.
Graham Fleeton.
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© Battlefield History Tours ABN 74107857705, PO Box 201, Northmead NSW 2152, AUSTRALIA, Phone: 1300 450 436 or +61 412 399 693
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