A-10 gripe!

[James Cutting]

Proper spotters generally don't carry step ladders with them and its more about the serial than the photograph.

Proper spotters? Why does not having a step ladder make you a 'proper spotter'?

For me it's about getting the good pictures too - no good having a number you can't relate to with a picture! Bit of a silly statement if you ask me...

[ChrisCwmbran]

I'm only interested in the photograph - and yes on occasion I carry a ladder - but I only ever use it when it isn't going to have a negative effect on anyone else.

However I am certainly not a spotter - I'm just an aviation enthusiast.

The hobby does seem to be going down hill though. I was at crash gate 1 at Coningsby the other day, and the number of links cut in the chain link fencing that are almost certainly by "avaiation enthusiasts" was absolutely shocking. I almost felt like we should crowd fund replacement of the fence because otherwise it is only a matter of time until the RAF replace the fence with a less friendly, more robust fence ruining it for everyone.

[reaper493]

Proper spotters generally don't carry step ladders with them and its more about the serial than the photograph.

Proper spotters? Why does not having a step ladder make you a 'proper spotter'?

For me it's about getting the good pictures too - no good having a number you can't relate to with a picture! Bit of a silly statement if you ask me...

Historically, spotters were only interested in numbers, not photography. Most airfields had low fences or chain link fences where ladders would make no difference to being able to read off a particular a/c.
I think this is what the original poster was referring to.

[James Cutting]

Agreed there Chris. It's crazy how bad it's getting, but every hobby, sport, group - whatever - has their bad bunch unfortunately.

[James Cutting]

Okay I understand that, but should have been worded better.

[ChrisCwmbran]

And for the record, just because I dont feel the need to write down "ZK367" it doesn't make me any less of an enthusiast or someone who is more likely to behave badly.

[James Cutting]

Spot on there...

[jpickers56]

Proper spotters generally don't carry step ladders with them and its more about the serial than the photograph.

Proper spotters? Why does not having a step ladder make you a 'proper spotter'?

For me it's about getting the good pictures too - no good having a number you can't relate to with a picture! Bit of a silly statement if you ask me...

I did get my pictures yesterday of the A10's and happy with them James, appreciate we have all very different goals with our hobby and for me the seeing the aircraft and getting the serial is first priority, photo's come as a bonus. We just dont need the minority who spoil it for the rest with inconsiderate behaviour, the few at Folly road yesterday with step ladders were absolutely fine, but have seen many times as noted in this thread when others are less than considerate.

[arch]

You now know why they have the name "LADDER WA$3ers"

Also ZK367 is not a A-10 serial !!!!!!!

[ChrisCwmbran]

You now know why they have the name "LADDER WA$3ers"

Also ZK367 is not a A-10 serial !!!!!!!

We know the ladders as Stoat Ladders.....

And I know it isn't an A10 but I'd then have to guess xx-xxxx which might have seemed vague

[James Cutting]

More than happy being an Enthusiast - So glad I can use my ladder now

[POL]

Okay I understand that, but should have been worded better.

The wording was fine, your decision to take umbrage with it is your problem alone.

Spotters do "numbers" as the main part of their hobby; photographers take photos as theirs; enthusiasts do both, neither, or some other combination of things! For example, I'm a spotter that takes photos.

[James Cutting]

Even though the fact he said you're not a 'real spotter' if you have a ladder? Bit childish, really.

[Thunderbolt II]

Anyone else think this thread is just now becoming a perfect illustration of the point the original post was making?

[bizfreeq]

Yup!

[Nighthawke]

Historically, spotters were only interested in numbers, not photography.

For those who were photographers too, in the pre-digital age we had to pick and choose what to take due to the cost of film (look it up young ones ) and try to get it right first time. Nowadays I often use my camera as a "logbook" because I can without financial cost. Now if I can just get this time machine to work and let me take modern technology with me...!

[Knife 04]

[James Cutting]

Waiting for you to pop along!

[Nighthawke]

Or waiting for my time machine to be operational

[James Cutting]

Be more chance of a B2 at Fairford Nighthawke