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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 7:56:23 GMT 12
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 7:57:14 GMT 12
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 7:58:21 GMT 12
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 7:58:56 GMT 12
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 7:59:34 GMT 12
On Wednesday following the show I was treated to a special day at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton. I've got to say that this day now ranks as one the most memorable days of my life! The photos say it all..... First of all, we ran into the BE2 again at Hood.    more coming... |
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 8:00:12 GMT 12
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 8:00:58 GMT 12
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 8:01:24 GMT 12
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 8:01:54 GMT 12
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 25, 2009 8:03:02 GMT 12
Regarding my flights, here are a couple of observations:
- The flight in the Bristol was surprisingly rough. Not only does that big rolls Royce Falcon run like a rock crusher, but the prop wash is tremendous. Getting photos while in the backseat was difficult as my hand/camera were getting bounced all over the place and I could barely hold my camera over the side due to the slipstream. The gunner in a Bristol must have had to be brutishly strong to maneuver the Lewis gun around in that bird. Even after we landed my teeth felt like they were still rattling.
- in contrast, I fully expected the front seat of the FEE (exposed to the onrushing wind) to be just as intense, if not worse. I was pleasantly surprised to find just the opposite to be true. Taxiing out, the FEE bounced me up and down quite a bit due to my position above the large oleo struts (the FEE was the only major WW1 aircraft to be equipped with those). However, on takeoff, once Gene got some airflow going over those massive wings and got some weight off of the wheels the ride became incredibly smooth. The climb rate is very gradual, and as a result I could not tell when we actually left the ground. In the air, there was certainly a good amount of airflow to contend with, but compared to the propwash in the Bristol it was nowhere near the amount I expected. I was easily able to extend my hand and camera over the side to get photos. Landing was the same, with a gentle touchdown that turned into a bouncy ride as the weight settled down.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 8:04:13 GMT 12
Absolutely love the BE2f! I want one!  Looking forward to any air-to-airs of this magnificent machine. |
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Post by corsair67 on Apr 25, 2009 19:00:33 GMT 12
Thanks to everyone who has posted their photos - you've all done very well.  Russell, you are one very lucky guy, and it certainly looks like you had a fantastic time in New Zealand. It's not everyday someone gets a ride in a Bristol Fighter AND an Fe2b, and thanks for sharing your photos. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2009 19:39:40 GMT 12
Russell, I posted before seeing your shots. WOW! Shame you didn't get a go in the BE, that would've been awesome! Truly superb shots!
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 26, 2009 4:53:38 GMT 12
Thanks guys.  Yes, it truly was the thrill of a lifetime to get to ride in both the Bristol and the FEE. Russell, I posted before seeing your shots. WOW! Shame you didn't get a go in the BE, that would've been awesome! Truly superb shots! Actually, I could have gotten a ride in the BE if I had simply asked, but my heart was set on the Bristol and the FEE so I didn't want to push my luck. There were a few others getting rides that day and so I let them have their time in the BE so that I could get my time in the other two. |
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Post by baz62 on Apr 26, 2009 9:59:14 GMT 12
You are a lucky guy Russell!! Hope this experience means you will be coming back for another visit!! Great photos by the way!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 26, 2009 10:25:11 GMT 12
Thanks for posting those awesome photos Russell. For those here who have not seen Russ's work he is an exceptional aviation artist who specialises in World War One aviation topics, and this trip will no doubt have been very inspirational.
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Post by Russell Smith on Apr 26, 2009 10:42:42 GMT 12
Thanks for that, Dave. You can bet that I'll be back in a couple of years. Some of the projects that TVAL has in the works are going to be too good to miss!
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Post by ErrolC on Jun 3, 2009 20:05:05 GMT 12
Certainly not in the league of Gavin and Colin et al, but I'm in print.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 3, 2009 21:19:31 GMT 12
Well done Errol!
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Post by Gavin Conroy on Jun 3, 2009 21:45:24 GMT 12
Good on you Errol, that is a very neat photo.
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Looking forward to any air-to-airs of this magnificent machine.
Yes, it truly was the thrill of a lifetime to get to ride in both the Bristol and the FEE.
