Old Warden now has two resident Ryan PT-22 Recruits. Both privately owned, one by Peter Holloway & this one by Tracey Curtis-Taylor, who's leaning on the fence chatting in the first shot. It was apparently the second prototype & one of the few examples never to see service with the US services. She's been having a spot of annoying tailwheel trouble recently & they were still working on it yesterday. It flew constantly throughout the day so hopefully they fixed it.
The little Dart Kitten powered by a J.A.P motorcycle engine. Based on a Klemm design I think only about 6 Kittens were built & this one dates back to 1937. Like many aircraft you can see at OW this is the sole survivor, although it's not based here. These two shots show how the weather deteriorated during the day. It had been beautiful right up till the moment the display was due to start. A darned shame but that's how it goes.
In complete contrast, Peter Teichman's beautiful 'Jumpin' Jacques' arrives & parks right next to it. Almost 1,700 hp difference between these two.
I've seen it many times before but this must be the most immaculate Mustang I've ever laid eyes on. A last-minute replacement for his Spitfire PR XI which suddenly developed mag trouble.
The proud owner posing in front of his pride & joy specially for me. He was off to the pilot's briefing but muttered something in passing about a 'basket-case' Spitfire Mk IX he's just got his hands on.
