'Semi' open-top 'photo- bus Waddington airshow 2012

[BOLLO]

The other week, I asked the question, who is classed as 'media' and who is not ? I did mention that, there was a reason for asking.The reason for asking was with regard to an 'open-top' photo-bus for getting 'overhead' shots of the static aircraft parked-up on friday late afternoon or early evening when all the arrivals are in for the 2012 RAF Waddington airshow. Today, I was told by the airshow office via 'flyboy', that they would be happy for this to happen. So as to get an idea of the numbers who might be interested, who might be up for it ? Seats will be limited, but we might get another 'run' in on the same night, thus I need to know how long to hire the bus from stagecoach Lincoln. The main idea being, that we set-off from a 'point' and go in one direction, then return to start 'point' so the other 'snappers' sitting on the other seats of the upstairs,can get their chance. Lets be very clear about this, seeing as 'media' have their day for exclusive photo's on the 'thursday', this is designed for the 'non-media' brigade of which I'm one of or so I was informed last week, however, if 'media' want to come along with us, they are welcome. The idea is similar to the last photo-call at RAF Cottesmore of the Harriers, which a 'donation' was made for the 'troops'. A donation to the RAF Waddington airshow supported charities would be nice gesture for the team allowing this photo-call/drive-by.

G.

Good luck with the non media bit,they will worm their way on some how.Good idea tho boss,hope it works.

[beefsteak]

I'm certainly 'up for it' and may have at least one other taker too!

[blakey]

You will only need a 3 step ladder to see above them UAV's

[reaper493]

Sounds good, if it could include the air side aircraft that would be even better.

[XPLUMBER]

Good luck with this CRACKING idea, I would be very interested in coming along and the idea of a donation to SERVICE Charities seems a good one!

[TARGET]

A great idea. Early days but please add my name to the list.

[Chef_uk]

Bet someone puts up a windbreaker up top.

Great idea though

[Jimbo27]

On RAF Coningsby, I asked to do the 'photo-bus' there, and severn weeks done the line, looks like a non-starter, however you never know.

Curious about that bit, could you clarify for me please?

[PR9]

Great idea, provided they actually open the gates.

[kristianrj]

Good luck with this project, I would also love to do this, as would my brother, and we're both definitely up for giving a donation for such a unique opportunity!

[hammo]

sounds a great idea, please count me in too. Hope all goes to plan. I always look forward to the Waddington days and this idea can only add to the photo opertunities.

[XPLUMBER]

Good work Gary, let's hope this all comes together!

Dave

[Runner]

Great stuff Gary,

Please count me in if this comes off.

[benji1867]

excellent work here fella, put me down for defo 2 places for this, good luck

Ben

[Johno]

This would be great and if possible would love to join in, brilliant idea.

[XPLUMBER]

Still looking forward to this, thanks for your continued efforts on our behalf!

[roughcutter]

Is there a maximum weight limit on customers going on top? The reason I ask is because of an experience I had at the Middle Wallop show in August 1998. There was this big fat bloke at the head of the queue to get on the photobus - when I say big, he was huge ( I reckon he must have been 40 stone!), don't know how he managed to squeeze himself up the stairway . But anyway he got up there at the front, the bus set off and it was all okay until suddenly the driver made a sharp turn right the big guy along with everyone else leaned over to the left to get a better shot of the flightline as the bus turned and consequently the sudden shift in weight caused the bus to sway a bit . I don't know if the the bus could have tipped over or not, but everyone bricked it and the driver significantly slowed down the pace. After that first bend it was all eyes on the big man, everytime he leaned over the rails on the left side we all instictively moved over to the right.
MarkL

[beefsteak]

Just to put your mind at rest , a bus is designed to take at least twice the weight that it actually does , (With a roof) seeing as how this one doesn't have the roof there is another saving of 80 plus kilos . And seeing as I'm about 30 stone I'll be first in the queue just to prove it !!. ....LOL

I worked with double deckers transporting them on a low loader or a breakdown truck,and it was one of the things you had to know about !!

[roughcutter]

They said the Titanic was unsinkable too, sod that I'm staying downstairs from now on - there's more room there