A peek behind the scenes

[Hagar]

Sunset display at Old Warden yesterday (Saturday). The display won't start before 4.30 pm but I always like to arrive at these events early. This gives me time to get a good spot in the car park, absorb the atmosphere & also have a good look behind the scenes. It was a beautiful morning & I set out at 9.00 am in brilliant sunshine under a cloudless blue sky. Just over two hours later I was sitting down to a leisurely cooked breakfast at this delightful spot in the heart of the English countryside.


That's better. Time for a good look round. The amount of work involved in putting on one of these displays is amazing. The fact that this is mostly done by volunteers & always in good humour makes Old Warden very special for me. When the aircraft aren't flying they're neatly arranged on static display in several hangars so everyone can have a good look at them.

[Tweek]

Ah, the same P-51 that turned up at Leicester Airport about a year ago, when I went down to see the model displays. Unfortunately, the weather was crap, and only a few models got into the air (including one I got to fly ) But the P-51 approached and landed. Taxied in. Got stuck in the mud (literally). Was pushed back out. Then gave a display. Won't forget the whistling of the engine as it pulls up 45 degrees and executes a barrel roll. Had people on the ground just about cheering!

Though I'm guessing at displays like Old Warden, you are permitted to get a bit closer to the display line? Would be a worth while display to go to if you could get up close and personal!

[Hagar]

Ah, the same P-51 that turned up at Leicester Airport about a year ago, when I went down to see the model displays. Unfortunately, the weather was crap, and only a few models got into the air (including one I got to fly ) But the P-51 approached and landed. Taxied in. Got stuck in the mud (literally). Was pushed back out. Then gave a display. Won't forget the whistling of the engine as it pulls up 45 degrees and executes a barrel roll. Had people on the ground just about cheering!

Though I'm guessing at displays like Old Warden, you are permitted to get a bit closer to the display line? Would be a worth while display to go to if you could get up close and personal!

Hi Tweek. I can't think of anywhere else in the country, except Popham, where you can get a closer look at the aircraft (both on the ground & in the air) & also chat to the owners & pilots. The rule is, look as much as you like but don't touch. Old Warden is well worth a visit if you've never been & after seeing it once you will keep going back for more. I guarantee it.

[Hai Perso Coyone?]

Beautiful shots Doug

[Jimbo]

A very nice set of shots there Doug, you really captured the essence of it all. very nice indeed, i often go down to Netherthorpe When its like that, grab a sandwhich and watch them all come in, talk to a few people, and the by the time people start the lessons and gets very busy i head off.
very nice and peaceful i must say and a great way to spend the weekend.
Usually in summer we would take the dogs down and have a picnick besides the airfield, great days out.
How far drive is it to Old warden from where you are? Looks like a lovely place, alot like Netherthorpe, its great when you just catch the sunrise, brill atmosphere.
Not only aircraft but the ammounts of Birds and wildlife about Netherthorpe is great, although none are on the airfield they are around the trees just off and makes spotting them brilliant
Surprisingly enough the dogs love it, they are not distracted by the sounds at all.
Was there any more special visits? Pitty we dont get any at Netherthorpe, well maybe because the Airfield is that short but would be nice to have some down.

What a better way to spend a weekend?

Cheers for sharing Doug,

James

[beaky]

Thanx for the look backstage... very impressive "extraction", there.
Too bad about the weather, but that shot of JJ just before touchdown makes up for a lot!

They sure have pretty grass there... I can almost smell it. Someone ought to make a perfume for ladies that smells like fresh-cut grass and old airplanes...  ;D
But of course, that'd only attract the wrong type (us!)...

[Craig.]

great shots Doug:)

[Hagar]

A very nice set of shots there Doug, you really captured the essence of it all.

Thanks Jimbo. That's exactly what I was aiming at. It's very difficult to capture the atmosphere in a few photos but I do my best.

very nice indeed, i often go down to Netherthorpe When its like that, grab a sandwhich and watch them all come in, talk to a few people, and the by the time people start the lessons and gets very busy i head off.
very nice and peaceful i must say and a great way to spend the weekend.

Old Warden is open on most days throughout the year when you can have a wander round the living museum. There is a small charge for this but entry to the airfield is free. These were taken on one of the regular display days before the show. A rare opportunity to see some of those even rarer vintage aircraft displayed in the air & the entry fee is

[Tweek]

Old Warden is well worth a visit if you've never been & after seeing it once you will keep going back for more. I guarantee it.

I'm not the biggest fan of all the vintage aircraft, I prefer them fast and noisy However, I think a show like this would be more relaxing, and a time to get a nice close up view of the displays. I think it's going to have to be a venture for when I learn to drive (which should hopefully be next year)

[Rifleman]

Right from the start Doug, you got my attention......is there a more tranquil setting to sit and eat breakfast ?.....I can almost smell the plate of food.....

ONCE AGAIN, you make us all green with envy for your  proximity to such vintage flying displays !

Thanks for taking the time to allow us to make the trip in your back seat and see over your shoulder  8)

[Rifleman]

Sunset display at Old Warden yesterday (Saturday). .................................................... I took plenty more shots throughout the day if anyone's interested.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm .........................

..............and you say this with shots in hand and us holding our breath, waiting ?

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Thanks Doug...they are wonderful .

You certainly caught the spirit of the airfield in your pictures.

Could you tell me what the name of the hangar is, we can only see part of it.
If it is what I think it is I have been dropping an "L" when typing the name over the last several years. LOL

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[C]

Very nice Doug. I may well be down at Old Warden next Sunday.

I recognise that man! I had the privilege of being in the back of an Alpha Jet with the chap on the starbord wing!

[ozzy72]

Interesting stuff Doug

[Hagar]

Thanks for all your kind comments. I'm always pleasantly surprised at the amount of response when I post my photos & the things different people like or find interesting about them.

Right from the start Doug, you got my attention......

That was the intention Ken. It's a bigger than average file for one of my pics but your encouragement makes posting it worthwhile.

[quote]I'm not the biggest fan of all the vintage aircraft, I prefer them fast and noisy