Filming appointment at the Shuttleworth Collection
Welcome to this latest edition of Aerodrome and our regular look at the fascinating world of aeroplanes and the historic aviation scene in the UK.
We have something just that little bit different for Aerodrome readers this month, as we head for a location which is home to one of the most impressive collections of historic aircraft to be found anywhere in the world, but for a rather unusual, and for me at least, quite a nerve-inducing reason. Many of our readers will be aware that the Yesterday TV Channel is currently airing an exclusive series entitled - ‘Hornby: A Model World’ and in support of this series, I and one of my Airfix colleagues, were asked to make our way down to Old Warden, where we would be meeting a team from the production company for a day of filming. As this offered an opportunity to spend a little early season time with some classic aeroplanes, we didn’t really need too much persuading and for this latest edition of Aerodrome, we hope you will join us as we visit the Shuttleworth Collection, where we found ourselves spending a little time in front of the camera for a change.
Making great aeroplanes small
The large and purposeful Bristol F2B Fighter was one of the finest fighting aeroplanes of the Great War and a real challenge for Corgi designers to recreate as a 1/48th scale die-cast model tooling.
For aviation enthusiasts in the UK, the delightful grass airfield at Old Warden is an extremely familiar destination for us and over the years, whether it is to attend one of their many Airshow events, or simply to admire this world renowned collection of historic aeroplanes, this sleepy corner of Bedfordshire is very special to us. In normal years, my first visit to Old Warden would be to take my place amongst the crowds at their Season Premier Airshow in May, but as we all know, the past couple of years have been anything but normal. In fact, I hadn’t been to an Old Warden Airshow at all during 2020 and with national restrictions covering large gatherings still in place at the turn of this year, the 2021 season was still looking a little uncertain when I received the call to make my way to the airfield. As we were still only in mid-March at that time, the chance of having an early season opportunity to get close to beautiful aeroplanes was the only lure I needed, even if I would have to endure some time on the wrong side of a camera in recompense.
When finally arriving at Old Warden, it initially turned out to be quite an unusual experience. Although everything looked exactly as I remembered and it was a lovely bright early spring morning, there were only a few people to be seen enjoying this hallowed aviation ground, when every time I had been before, it was absolutely packed with people, even on a normal weekday. The Shuttleworth Collection had been pioneers in running covid secure events during the previous year and had only recently opened their park and gardens to the public once more, allowing people to take their exercise in these glorious surroundings. For the time being though, the Collection’s hangar doors remained closed to the public, so for our filming day, we would be uninterrupted and extremely privileged to be allowed this access.
All travelling from different parts of the country, our happy gathering included myself and Airfix product designer Paramjit Sembhi from Hornby Hobbies and two cameramen/producers from the company behind the production of the future (at that time) ‘Hornby: A Model World’ series. We were all chaperoned by a very pleasant and really helpful lady from the collection, who can actually be seen pushing the hangar doors open on this particular episode of the series. As we would clearly be talking about aircraft subject matter, we would be providing footage in support of both the Airfix and Corgi linked sections of the programme, with the two aircraft in question being the Bristol F.2 Fighter and Supermarine Spitfire, two projects where our teams had immortalised these aviation classics in scale model form. Let’s take a look at each project in turn now.
A 1/48th scale Bristol Fighter for Corgi
A Great War aviation classic, the Bristol F2B Fighter is the latest addition to the ever growing range of Corgi models in the Aviation Archive range.
As far as collectors of Corgi’s Aviation Archive model range are concerned, if aircraft of the Great War are your subject of choice, then there was one very significant type missing from their collections prior to the announcement of the 2020 range, the magnificent Bristol Fighter. A two seat aircraft which first appeared over the Western Front during the early months of 1917, the Bristol Fighter was the intended replacement for the Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c which had suffered so terribly under the guns of Luftstreitkräfte in the struggle for aerial supremacy over the Western Front. Powered by the impressive Rolls Royce Falcon engine, the new Bristol was regarded as much more than just an upgraded reconnaissance platform and despite the fact that it was a relatively large aeroplane, it possessed fighter-like performance and would become one of the great aircraft of the First World War.
Despite ultimately amassing an impressive combat and service record, the initial introduction of the Bristol Fighter proved to be less than impressive and must have been a source of great disappointment amongst Royal Flying Corps hierarchy. Somewhat rushed into service during the Second Battle of Arras in April 1917, the RFC wanted to show the Germans that they were now introducing new aircraft types which would regain mastery of the skies and that Allied industrial prowess would soon begin to turn the tide of war against them. Unfortunately, during the first operational sortie mounted by the new Bristol Fighter, the aircraft were flown in exactly the same way as the BE2c aircraft which preceded it and suffered the same fate.
Under the microscope …. Just be natural, he said!
Six Bristol Fighters of No.48 Squadron RFC were led into contested airspace on 5th April 1917 by pilot and national hero William Leefe Robinson, a man who had been awarded the Victoria Cross for being the first British pilot to bring down a German airship over the UK in September the previous year. As a former pilot of the BE2c, it is perhaps not surprising that Robinson flew the new Bristol in a similar sedate manner to this earlier design and when his flight were bounced by Albatros D.III fighters of Jasta 11, led by their victory hungry commander Manfred von Richthofen, the British aircraft suffered at their hand.
During a frenetic few minutes of fighting, four of the new Bristol aircraft, including the one flown by Robinson, were quickly dispatched, with another suffering serious damage. Victoria Cross hero William Leefe Robinson was initially posted as killed in action, to the dismay of the nation, but later discovered to have been taken prisoner by the Germans and interned. Despite this significant setback, once RFC pilots discovered that they could fly the Bristol Fighter much more aggressively than similar aircraft of this size, it soon began to reveal its qualities and rather than just being able to fend off German fighter attacks, it was released to go and hunt them down. Featuring a fixed forward firing Vickers machine gun for the pilot to use and either one or two Lewis guns mounted on a versatile Scarff ring for the observer/gunner to operate, this was a formidable fighting aeroplane and one which would allow Bristol Fighter crews to score victory numbers equivalent to those claimed by single seat fighters.
A Bristol Fighter walk round
The Shuttleworth Collection’s Bristol F2B is a magnificent example of this famous aircraft and whilst this particular example did not take part in the Great War, it helps us to understand why this proved to be such a successful design.
The aircraft we actually scanned for our new Corgi model project was the one currently on display at Duxford, however for the purposes of this particular filming project, we were asked to go to Old Warden and who were we to argue? From a scale die-cast model design perspective, the decision to produce the Bristol Fighter was not without its challenges and it could even be said that we could only attempt this project due to the latest advancements in design and manufacturing technologies. Looking at the pictures featured below, it is easy to see some of the areas which proved most problematic to our designers, from the unusual configuration of the lower wing, to accurately representing the distinctive Rolls Royce Falcon engine and its manually operated radiator shutters. Add to this the stitching which features along the length of this aircraft’s fuselage and you can see why many pervious Corgi designers felt that the Bristol Fighter was a modelling challenge which was a step too far.
The front profile of this magnificent fighter is dominated by the battleship grey engine cowling and huge twin bladed propeller.
A closer view of the manually operated radiator shutters and wire control lines, which lead to the cockpit.
Bracing anchors and taped wooden struts were all features of the Bristol Fighter.
This picture shows how the design of the aircraft intentionally positioned pilot and observer/gunner close together, making them a much more effective team in a combat situation.
Another view of the cowling of the aircraft and the brass collar which is such a prominent feature.
An aviation thing of beauty, the Bristol is quite a large aircraft to use the name ‘Fighter’, however, it proved to be an exceptionally effective fighting machine.
One of the most distinctive features of this famous aeroplane are the Scarff ring mounted machine guns which are positioned really close to the pilot and something which gave this aircraft something of a fighting edge. Allowing the crew to work as a cohesive fighting unit, the Scarff ring was a truly ingenious piece of engineering which allowed its guns to be brought to bear at almost any angle, whether in a defensive or offensive role. With the unit also being height adjustable, it was even possible for the observer to fire the guns forward, over the upper wing, giving this fighter a real edge in any combat situation. The first release from this new Corgi model tooling would feature an aircraft which was flown by a celebrated ‘ace’ pilot towards the end of the war, but on one unusual occasion, also boasted a rather regal celebrity observer. We were asked to recount this story to camera during our visit, with the Bristol’s Scarff ring as our backdrop.
The outbreak of the Great War placed something of a moral burden on the shoulders of a young Edward, Prince of Wales, and heir to the British throne. Desperate to do his duty and to take his place alongside the thousands of Allied troops heading for Western Europe, it will come as no surprise to learn that he was forbidden from joining his Grenadier Guards regiment at the front by Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener. Kitchener was rightly concerned about the potential impact his loss or capture would have on the British and Commonwealth war effort, nevertheless, over the course of the next four years of conflict, the Prince would regularly visit the trenches and was an extremely popular figure amongst the fighting men of Britain.
The ingenious Scarff ring allowed the observer/gunner to have an exceptional field of fire and made it incredibly difficult for enemy aircraft to find a blind spot from where to attack.
Watching me watching you, it is quite difficult to photograph your subject whilst being photographed yourself.
It was a memorable day, being allowed to get so close to this Great War classic.
A very early champion of the aeroplane and the potential of air power, the Prince is thought to have made several flights as a passenger during his time in France, however, an incident which reputedly occurred in September 1918 is as fascinating as it is astonishing. During an organised visit to No.139 Squadron in Italy, the Prince was taken on several flights in Bristol F2B Fighter D-8063, piloted by celebrated Canadian ‘ace’ and friend William Barker and during one of these flights, it was reported that he did a little more than simply enjoying the bird’s eye view. Asking the pilot to fly closer to the front lines, the Prince apparently fired the fighter’s Lewis guns towards enemy trenches, before heading back to the airfield without further incident. Once news of this unofficial action reached the King, he was said to be furious and immediately chastised his son, telling him ‘never to be so foolish again’.
It really was a treat to be allowed so close to such a magnificent aeroplane, particularly as it has just emerged from a two year period of renovation and is now resplendent in new RAF No.22 Squadron colours. Obviously, the Bristol Fighter was the only star of this particular filming show!
Mitchell’s masterpiece, Airfix style
An aircraft which need no introduction was the subject of Paramjit’s interest, as he obtained reference information in support of his latest Airfix project.
If there is one aircraft type which continues to traverse the knowledge boundaries between enthusiasts and the general public at large, that machine has to be the incomparable Supermarine Spitfire, saviour of the Battle of Britain and arguably the most beautiful fighting aeroplane ever conceived. It continues to amaze me that some 85 years after the prototype Spitfire made its maiden flight, this historic fighter is as familiar to people now as it was back then and in many cases, is more familiar to huge swathes of the population than the aircraft currently protecting Britain’s airspace. As far as Airfix kits are concerned, the two go together like hand in glove, with the Spitfire being the first plastic model kit the company produced back in 1955, since which date, many different Spitfire kits have been produced in various marks and scales, but always ending up as our best-selling releases.
It was under such a modelling legacy as this that Airfix Product designer Paramjit Sembhi was asked to create a new kind of Spitfire kit for the Airfix range, one which would have an important dual purpose. Taking the Spitfire Mk.V as his subject, he was to design new kit in 1/72nd scale for the standard range, but also a variant of the design intended to be an easy to build starter set for those just starting out in the hobby, or simply looking for a quick and enjoyable build. Not compromising on either detail or quality, Paramjit was at Old Warden to be filmed inspecting and photographing the Collection’s magnificent Spitfire Mk.Vc AR501, one of their prized possessions and a beautiful example of this famous fighter.
Described as arguably the most effective ‘stop-gap’ aircraft the RAF ever introduced, the Spitfire Mk.V combined the additional power of the Rolls Royce Merlin 45 engine with the original Mk.I/II airframe (plus a number of design improvements already developed for the proposed future Mk.III). It proved to be more than a match for the latest Messerschmitt Bf 109F series fighter, which had been claiming so many earlier Spitfires engaged in fighter sweeps into occupied France. With the increased manufacturing capacity offered by the new Castle Bromwich shadow factory, Spitfire Mk.V fighters were produced at a spectacular rate, with this interim variant going on to be the most produced version of the Spitfire, with almost 6,500 aircraft manufactured. Seeing service in every theatre of war the Allies contested, Spitfire Mk.Vs fought in the home defence role, above the deserts of North Africa and over the jungles of the Far East.
More work to camera, this time for one of the Shuttleworth engineers, who is describing what it takes to prepare this magnificent aircraft for an Airshow performance.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc AR510 is one of the most original Spitfires in the world today and has not long since emerged from a comprehensive 12 year renovation project.
This variant also saw the introduction of the Spitfire’s ‘C’ or ‘Universal Wing’, which proved to be something of an engineering triumph, not only providing the fighter with a wing capable of supporting several different weapons configurations, but also allowing a reduction in manufacturing timescales. The new wing also had the added benefits of strengthening the undercarriage, angling the main gear slightly further forward, thus making the notoriously challenging ground handling of the Spitfire a little more manageable for operational pilots.
This particular Spitfire only took to the skies at Old Warden once more in March 2018, having spent the previous twelve years undergoing extensive renovation of both its airframe and Rolls Royce Merlin engine. She is a genuine combat veteran aircraft and unlike many airworthy Spitfires flying in the world today, is in remarkably original configuration, currently sporting clipped outer wings, even though she has previously displayed in the more usual full elliptical wing configuration. The ides of removing the outer sections of the wing was to give the aircraft a better roll rate at lower altitudes, something which could prove crucial when engaged in combat with the latest Luftwaffe fighters at low to medium altitudes.
How could something as beautiful as this have the reputation of being one of the world’s most effective flying killing machines?
First entering Royal Air Force service with No.310 (Czech) Squadron, a relatively short but active wartime career included providing fighter escort for UASSF bombers and on at least one occasion, providing cover for a bomber formation which included the famous B-17 Flying Fortress ‘Memphis Belle’. Spitfire AR501 has been in the care of the Shuttleworth Collection since the mid 1970s and following the recent completion of its extensive renovation, she is now a regular performer at Old Warden shows, thrilling audiences with the sight and sound of this aviation classic.
In what turned out to be a very long day, both Paramjit and I did many separate pieces to camera and as the series is now currently airing on the Yesterday Channel, it has been interesting to see just how much of this footage appears to have ended up on the cutting room floor. This really doesn’t come as much of a surprise to me, as I have neither the voice nor the face for tv and am more than happy retuning back to the other (correct) side of the camera. Actually, I do have to say that I feel really sorry for the production company, as they had to do all this work during the very necessary national restrictions, which must have made content gathering an absolute nightmare for them, let alone putting the series together during these unprecedented times.
What goes on behind closed doors
The Collection’s Miles Magister is a fine example of this RAF training monoplane.
With filming responsibilities over and everyone packing up for their journeys home, I respectfully asked if I could take a quick spin around the various hangars, just to see the current status of some of Britain’s most important historic aircraft and perhaps grab a photograph or two. I know Aerodrome readers will all be extremely familiar with these aircraft, however, as a historical record, these pictures are a fascinating snapshot of the museum during unprecedented times, the like of which we will hopefully never have to go through again and if for no other reason than this, will make for interesting viewing.
A contemporary of the Spitfire, the Gloster Gladiator represents the very pinnacle of biplane fighter design and was a real aviation hot-rod in its day.
One of the many aviation classics in the Shuttleworth Collection, this unusual view of the de Havilland DH.88 Comet was definitely one of the highlights of my visit.
The new Airfix 1/48th scale kit includes the scheme option to build a representation of this very aircraft, in its smart Central Flying School scheme.
Such an imposing aeroplane, this Westland Lysander is configured for clandestine agent dropping work, operating alone with just the cover of darkness for protection.
This beautiful Hawker Demon is a link back to the golden era of inter-war British biplanes and has been missing from the display circuit for far too long.
This stunning Bristol Scout replica is a type which dates back to the very early days of military aviation and it was a real treat to see it positioned next to its aviation descendent.
Another unusual view, this time featuring the Shuttleworth Collection’s Hawker Sea Hurricane IB, which is an extremely rare bird indeed. She appeared to be receiving a little early year tlc at the time of our visit.
Hawker Hurricane Mk.I P3717 looking imperious amongst the other exhibits at the Shuttleworth Collection.
One of the finest fighting aeroplanes of all time, the Sopwith Camel helped the Allies to secure air superiority over the Western Front, following its service introduction.
We would once again like to thank the Shuttleworth Collection for hosting us on this unusual, if rather memorable day, as well as the production crew, who were forced to endure our bumblings and ramblings to camera. If you have yet to watch Hornby: A Model World, you don’t know what you are missing, but can catch up with all episodes by downloading the UKTV Play app and watching on streaming devices, PC and smart TV. For those already hooked, don’t forget the next edition will be shown at 9.00pm on Monday evening.
I’m afraid that is all we have for you in this latest edition of Aerodrome, but we will be back with more aviation related content for your enjoyment in four weeks’ time. If you would like to send us a selection of your own pictures, or suggest an aviation related subject you would like to see covered in a future edition of the blog, please use our aerodrome@airfix.com address to drop us a line - we will be delighted to hear from you.
Between editions of our blog, the aviation related conversation is always continuing over on the Airfix Aerodrome Forum and if social media is your thing, there is always interesting content and discussion taking place on our Official Airfix Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, not forgetting our Official Corgi Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites too. We would be delighted if you took part in all the aviation related discussions going on there and please don’t forget to let us know what you think about Aerodrome and any suggestions you may have.
The next edition of Aerodrome is scheduled to be published on Friday 17th December, where we will have more interesting aviation content to bring you.
Thank you, as always, for continuing to support our Aerodrome blog.
Michael
