Bugsmashers up close

[Hagar]

Not many people have the opportunity of a close look at aircraft these days, never mind rare vintage types. Popham is unique by actively encouraging anyone with an interest to come & see what grass-roots aviation is all about. Some people have been enjoying this place for years & they keep coming back. All credit to everyone concerned with this little piece of paradise - from the ever-friendly & enthusiastic airfield manager to the volunteer ATC controllers & marshals, not forgetting the pilots & owners of these valuable machines. The secret is that they're all enthusiasts themselves. Long may this enlightened attitude continue. It would only take one abuse of their generosity to spoil it for everyone.

Here's a few close-ups I took at the fly-in yesterday with my trusty little F401. I carry it in my top pocket & find it ideal for this type of thing.

The rear cockpit of an immaculate Pietenpol Air Camper. One of the first homebuilts.


One of two beautifully restored DH.60M Moths on the airfield.



Beautiful in its simplicity. Who needs a glass cockpit?


Most owners are delighted to talk about their pride & joy & you never know who you might meet. This chap was kind enough to pose for me in front of his Luton Minor. Unfortunately I forgot to ask his name or the significance of the autograph behind the cockpit..

[beaky]

Smashing.  ;)
Is the Camper Ford-powered (original plans spec'd a Model T engine, right?)?
Beautiful shot of a lovely Moth- that looks like a very early model. Am I right?
And that Minor is terrific- never seen one before.

[Hagar]

[quote]Smashing.

[ozzy72]

Fantastic Doug, wish I'd known you were able to get up close and personal I'd have sent you the "instruments needed" list

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Wonderful shots Doug...Beautiful

Now Popham:  does this event you are showing happen every weekend or just a couple times a year?

Popham: I have heard the name before but for the life of me  it escapes me now.  Was it an airfield during the First or Second World Wars?

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Hi Doug:

Just looked up Popham, very interesting airfield.

Certainly would be worth a visit, for some reason I thought "Popham" had something to do with Royal Navy Aviation but saw no mention of it.
From the three maps supplied it is well inland and not near water.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[Hagar]

Thank you.

[quote]Wonderful shots Doug...Beautiful

Now Popham:

[The Ruptured Duck]

Lol!  Love the airspeed indicator in #4!

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Thanks Doug

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[Hagar]

You're most welcome Doug. I know I go on about this place but I only discovered it last season. All that lost time & I never knew about it. One visit & I guarantee you will be hooked.

Maybe you or someone else can answer a question for me. I often wonder what the photos I post here look like to others. This obviously depends on your video card & monitor settings. They look fine to me but maybe this is not so for the majority. The reason I ask is something that was mentioned in the Real Aviation forum. The 'Touch & Go Prohibited' notice in rottydaddy's Skyhawk. I had to download the image & lighten it up before I could even see the notice.

[Rifleman]

The majority of your shots all come across, as they were in life, as you shot them......well, as far as I have the experience to see.  ;)
I will tell you that the only things that affect them will be the up close shots with flash, as in the Luton Minor cockpit shot......not over exposed but a tad on the light side. Thats not to say its not an acceptable shot, but the flash has washed out some of the finer highlights. So from my standpoint, I only give it a 98% out of 100.........  8)

Your shots Doug, are very well presented........content, exposure, focus, etc.

[Hagar]

Your shots Doug, are very well presented........content, exposure, focus, etc.

Thanks Ken. That's most reassuring. I thought that these were some of the best close-up shots I've ever taken, particularly the Pietenpol cockpit in shot #1.

I will tell you that the only things that affect them will be the up close shots with flash, as in the Luton Minor cockpit shot......not over exposed but a tad on the light side. Thats not to say its not an acceptable shot, but the flash has washed out some of the finer highlights. So from my standpoint, I only give it a 98% out of 100.........

Thanks although I might not be so generous. I'm my own worst critic. My excuse is that this was not taken in the best light conditions.

PS. I found out the significance of the autograph by checking the full-sized original. It reads
"Arthur W. J. G. Ord-Hume
Sywell
May 14th 2004"

Arthur Ord-Hume built the first post-WWII Luton Minor & published revised plans for it. These are still available.

[Omag 2.0]

Looks like a deluxe-version of the Pietenpol... it even comes with a handy pencil-holder!  ;D

Lovely shots!  ;)