Bovington Tank Fest 2009

[Ex_Pat_Tanker]

The Imperial War Museum has dedicated tank days at their Duxford site - formally RAF Duxford, just south of Cambridge. There is a large 'mud pit' out the back of the Land Warfare Hall that the both the museums collection and private collectors can run their tanks for the viewing pleasure of 'Joe Public'.
(Trivia time! Scenes from the movies Battle of Britain and Memphis Bell were filmed at that airfield - the hanger that got blown up in the air raid sequence of the Battle of Britain was done without permission from the local authorities! And the 6th (non airworthy) B17 in the one shot of the airfield in 'Memphis Bell' was the newly restored 'Mary Alice', that now lives in the American Air Museum)

A good site for keping up to date with all the happenings there can be found here:
http://www.duxford-update.info/

Dammit! beaten to the post!

[daviddunlop]

TWO SHOWS!!!......you lucky skunks!!!

We had an annual air show here in Winnipeg for many years, but it closed a few years ago when the airport started major renovations and a new terminal building. The German Army used to participate each year, putting on quite a demo with their Leopard II and other equipment. A very impressive beast to see in action and the crews were great fun at the after show parties! Used to amaze me watching them drive the Leopard up, shut it down and haul the engine out. Then reverse the process and drive away, all in 20-25 minutes using just four chaps!

I'd even consider swimming to see that kind of stuff again!

David

[Ex_Pat_Tanker]

The best part of being able to visit Duxford for me was the annual "Flying legends" show - usualy 30+ Warbirds, with some fine aerobatic displays to make you appreciate the aircraft and their abilities.
Sadly my local warbird show - "Thunder over Michigan" at Willow Run Airport bosts an impressive line up each year, but the flying is all very safe and boring... last year we had 4 B17's (3 were serviceable on the day we went) and both of the worlds remaining airworth B24's, and the year before we got treated to 20+ B25's, but the rules on formation flying over here meant that you could never get them all in the same camera shot...

[Crispy]

My local air show is Biggin Hill but sadly its not a good as it use to be since most of the US Airbases shut down. Somehow watching the Cadburys wing walkers pootling about the sky doesnt quite compare the an F111 doing a fast, low level flyby with fuel burn where the flame is twice the length of the plane and you can feel the heat on your face  

Ahh... rose tinted memories of having your organs vibrated by a Vulcan taking off or a Jaguar on full afterburner. The smell of warm donuts and burnt jet fuel... you cant beat it!

Havent been to Bovy since i was a nipper so im looking forward to this year.

[wibblywobbly]

Do they announce in advance whether they are running tanks both days? I quite fancy a run down on my bike (which happens to be a Tiger. lol) but it would be a one day job if I did.

Rob G

[madbadger]

Hey Wibbly, so did i, but i have a BMWobbler 1100 LOL.......

Kev

[Abo]

I've two shows to look forward to this year,hope to get down to Bovvy on the Saturday and have tickets for the airshow at Fairford in July as well as long as it isn't rained off again!

Caught the airshow bug last year after visiting a show at Macdill AFB in Florida, one of the best days I've ever had in the States, standing inside the belly of a Lockheed galaxy was just awe inspiring, even my Mrs loved it all and she usually starts snoring as soon as I mention anything war related!

[tankman]

I am hoping to get down for at least one day this year. No worries with work as I am off on holidays that weekend. Looking forward to putting faces to names. All the best for now
Alan

[wibblywobbly]

@Kev...I know my eyesight isn't quite what it was, but your avatar in no way resembles a BMW! lol

[madbadger]

your eyes do not deceive you wibbly...... that's my toy, ZX10R (the bad ass one!!) i use my bmwobbler for touring and when i take the wifey along with me.

Kev