Cosford - Gems of the Static

[F3]

Despite the many Cosford posts I don't think justice has been done to the very imaginative static which contained some absolute delights several of which may not get outside again for some time. In the middle of these are products of the local firm Boulton Paul, the Defiant and the Balliol replica. The former was one of the first aircraft I ever photographed, as an 11 year old back in the 60s when it was kept @ Finningley prior to the building of the RAF Museum.

Cosford - Sopwith one and a half Strutter by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Bristol Bullet by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Sopwith Triplane by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Hawker Nimrod by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Gladiator by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Battle of Britain scene (mono) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Defiant (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Balliol T2 replica by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Meteor Prototype by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Devon VP192 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Jaguar T2s by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Sea King + Wessex by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Cosford - Harrier GR9 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[jaybee]

I think the centenary celebration and the different aircraft the RAF have used, have tended to be forgotten. Especially by a lot with cameras in the heat of thinking and focusing on the flying part
of the show. (maybe).The value of the static at these shows will only occur later Mick, when hindsight will tell them what we already know( I wish I'd got that .....but didn't think it important at the time) A good set all being said and I like the prototype Meteor...

[Supra]

Great set here. Interesting to note that the Devon (Shot 10) has the only caption showing the a/c registration(VP192)....& that's Not what's on the subject? (VP952)

[Mawgan4]

I love your mono shot of the Hurricane dispersal, it's very evocative. I walked past that location several times during the day, looked for a photo, but couldn't see it. Well done!

On a wider topic, I can't help but contrast the excellent static at Cosford (in both concept and execution) which I thoroughly enjoyed, with ( judging by comments elsewhere on FC) the Marham Enthusiasts day. The RAF should be congratulated for the Cosford show, if for nothing else.

Alisdair

[Seahawk 11]

That's great to see the static on here, so many events are just posted as flying, I could not make it this year so many thanks for these, good to see.
Rob

[prefontaine72]

Excellent shots there Michael in good weather also

Dougie

[F3]

Thanks very much guys. I tried to catch all the static because there's unlikely to be another quite like it for chronicling the RAF's history. You could appreciate how much effort had gone into it by the imports which included the F4, Lightning and steam loco! Naturally I failed to capture it all because of various diversions and missing the odd tucked away item but I think I caught the atmosphere and this was one occasion when the re-enactors, which I'm not normally a fan of, made a positive contribution. Totally agree that the RAF are to be congratulated for their organisation of the show.

[jem60]

Balliol T.2 Replica??. Surely not [photo 8]. I think it's a real one!.

[F3]

Balliol T.2 Replica??. Surely not [photo 8]. I think it's a real one!.

No. Definitely a replica. If you look closely you will see a notice under the nose which advised that it is a work in progress by the Boulton Paul Assoc. Had me fooled too until I read it.

[jem60]

Many thanks for that. It is a very good one indeed!!!.

[capercaillie]

Cockpit section is real, the rest has been fabricated I believe, but very well.

Static was great at Cosford, some lovely items out in the sun, well shot.

[F3]

Cockpit section is real, the rest has been fabricated I believe, but very well.

Static was great at Cosford, some lovely items out in the sun, well shot.

Thanks for that. I did put a lot effort in as the static was my main incentive for attending. The flying display was a bonus.
Have to say that the Balliol is probably the most convincing replica I've ever seen! Here's another pic of it. Looks right from every angle.

Cosford - Balliol T2 replica by Michael Britton, on Flickr