Author Topic: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016  (Read 2930 times)

Offline KiwiZac

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TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« on: February 01, 2016, 06:08:32 AM »
Hi all,
I'm betting Jamo will be along in time to share some photos from the weekend's festivities, but until then here's my take on a great day full of catch-ups and aeronautical goodness. The rain stayed away, as did the sun....although, to look at my sunburnt shins, you wouldn't think so (ouch!).

I heard that on Saturday Jess the night-bomber FE2 had trouble starting, so they employed a rather modern-day method to warm the engine and oil prior to yesterday's display. Does anyone make resin fan heaters in 1/32??




The lovely, restored and original Sopwith Camel. Sadly it didn't fly but, boy oh boy is it pretty! And smaller than I remembered.


The equally lovely and original Hanriot. We heard that Belgian ace Willy Coppens himself flew this one in an international aerobatic competition. Again it sadly didn't fly, but it was very special to see it on the grass.


Who doesn't love BEs?!


ZK-BFR, the original BE2f which is the oldest de Havilland design still flying. She was flown twice yesterday, both times by 22yo Bevan Dewes.


The other side of the flightline: (l-r) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, TVAL-built SE5a, TVAL-built Snipe, TVAL-built Albatros D.Va, Chad Wille-built Sopwith Triplane and Achim Engels-TVAL-built Fokker E.V. All except Chitty and the Fokker flew yesterday.


Jess the night-bomber FE2 being wheeled out for a try at starting the big Beardmore.


When the pilots had their lunch spectators were again treated to an escorted flightline walk and talk.


Bevan Dewes ably demonstrated what it takes to get into the FE2. I really enjoyed hearing him talk about the type and hope he gets to fly it someday soon.


As well as Jess, the Fokker E.V also had a temperamental engine which refused to start, so the poor thing was left out in the paddock to think about what it had done. A shame as it's always a treat to see it fly.


Just a general view. The Sopwith Triplane was flown really well and showed some surprising manoeuvrability.


Jess did start - to much applause from the crowd - but when they tried again later so she could fly it just wouldn't happen, so sister ship Zanzibar/The Scotch Express was wheeled out instead. It's always nice to have a backup!

One of the big highlights for me was to see the original Avro 504k ZK-ACU fly twice. Such a pretty machine. Seeking it on the dry grass was really atmospheric for me and a real privilege.



Highlights: comfortable weather, seeing friends, great flying. Seeing the restored original Camel in person (stripy cowl, seen up top) although it didn't fly. Seeing Bevan fly the BE2f - young enough to be a squadron leader in the Great War! - and seeing him fly it in company with the BE2c (early). Seeing the red-nosed Pup fly a cool little display.

Lowlights: whilst on the flightline walk hearing the Fokker monoplane behind the group "choof" as though its prop had been turned, seeing a spectator/non-TVAL person walk away from said prop, and then seeing that same person lean on the 504k to make it rock on its gear. I was too shy to say anything but, come on, keep your hands to yourself!!! The flightline walks on the other side of the rope are a really cool feature and I'd hate for them to stop happening because someone wanted to see what would happen.

Enjoy! I'll upload some more photos later on if work doesn't get too crazy (I don't like Mondays, TELL ME WHY).

Offline lcarroll

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Re: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2016, 06:29:25 AM »
  Beautiful shots Zac, thanks for the efforts and for sharing this here. Wish I could have been there however it's a bit of a journey from the Great White North to beautiful "Enzed" ! :'(
Cheers,
Lance

Offline Des

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Re: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2016, 06:54:42 AM »
Thanks very much Zac for these superb photos, what a fantastic sight to see so many beautiful aircraft on display (especially the BE.2  ;)), I will get there one day to witness this sight in person.

Des.
Late Founder of ww1aircraftmodels.com and forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

Offline GAJouette

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Re: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2016, 08:16:33 AM »
  Zac,
Thank you for sharing these great photographs my old friend. It's a shame Jess and the E.V wouldn't play ball though.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
" What Me Worry"

Offline gedmundson

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Re: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2016, 07:23:50 AM »
Great pics, Zac - thanks for posting!
Cheers,
Gary

Offline Nigel Jackson

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Re: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« Reply #5 on: February 07, 2016, 11:59:30 PM »
Belatedly, thanks for posting these photos, Zac. Living half a world away I'm so jealous!

Best wishes
Nigel

Offline Cimmerian

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Re: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« Reply #6 on: February 09, 2016, 11:51:26 PM »
More really nice photos, thank you.
Regards, Ken

It's not worth doing something unless someone, somewhere, would much rather you weren't doing it.”

Offline KiwiZac

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Re: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2016, 09:14:52 AM »
Thanks folks, you're all very welcome!

Offline stefanbuss

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Re: TVAL Flying Weekend 30-31 January 2016
« Reply #8 on: February 10, 2016, 05:04:06 PM »
The Avro's photo is soooo athmospheric - thank you very much for providing that one.

I hope the "unknown spectator" was banned for lifetime fro,m visiting further events - or shot on the spot for misbehaving.

S.