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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Newportnobby on March 26, 2018, 02:06:33 PM

Title: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: Newportnobby on March 26, 2018, 02:06:33 PM
Recorded last night and watched today, what a glorious and emotional programme it was.
90 minutes of sheer wonderment.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: GroupC on March 26, 2018, 03:11:09 PM
Thanks NN - it's on my list of things to catch up with so I'm pleased it'll be worth my while.

One of the commercial channels (More 4...? but I may be wrong) has a "weekend" of RAF programmes on, I would guess at the, err,  weekend, but from the trailer I saw they've all been on before. Worth seeing again though.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: PostModN66 on March 26, 2018, 06:57:51 PM
Two iconic Avro aircraft featured strongly, with barely a mention of Hawker or De Havilland; so the balance was right!   :D

Cheers Jon  :) :photospleasesign:
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: RailGooner on March 26, 2018, 07:24:12 PM
I have it recorded, but will have for MBH to go out before I can watch it. I have a tick - whenever I see anything of my old squadrons, I have to shout it out! MBH has had enough of me shouting 'TWENTY NINE' when ever the trailer has aired, so has declared that I have to watch it on my own. :D
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: RailGooner on March 26, 2018, 07:34:44 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on March 26, 2018, 06:57:51 PM
Two iconic Avro aircraft featured strongly, with barely a mention of Hawker or De Havilland; so the balance was right!   :D

Cheers Jon  :) :photospleasesign:

:D You asked for photos Jon, so I thought you might like this pic of the aircraft that won the Battle of Britain:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Hurricane_mk1_r4118_fairford_arp.jpg/512px-Hurricane_mk1_r4118_fairford_arp.jpg) (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHurricane_mk1_r4118_fairford_arp.jpg)
Hurricane mk1 r4118 fairford arp (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHurricane_mk1_r4118_fairford_arp.jpg) [Public domain], by Arpingstone (Own work), from Wikimedia Commons
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: GroupC on March 26, 2018, 07:50:27 PM
Just watched it, excellent. Evocative, moving, sobering and more, brilliantly shot and with Ewan and Colin the perfect presenters. Tales of Sierra Leone and the Falklands were for me highlights, even though that's not quite the right way to describe them. Makes almost anyone else's "day job worries" seem totally insignificant when you hear what these guys (and of course all their RAF colleagues from the whole century) endure.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: PostModN66 on March 26, 2018, 07:57:02 PM
Quote from: RailGooner on March 26, 2018, 07:34:44 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on March 26, 2018, 06:57:51 PM
Two iconic Avro aircraft featured strongly, with barely a mention of Hawker or De Havilland; so the balance was right!   :D

Cheers Jon  :) :photospleasesign:

:D You asked for photos Jon, so I thought you might like this pic of the aircraft that won the Battle of Britain:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Hurricane_mk1_r4118_fairford_arp.jpg/512px-Hurricane_mk1_r4118_fairford_arp.jpg) (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHurricane_mk1_r4118_fairford_arp.jpg)
Hurricane mk1 r4118 fairford arp (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHurricane_mk1_r4118_fairford_arp.jpg) [Public domain], by Arpingstone (Own work), from Wikimedia Commons

That's a funny looking Spitfire; the wings look all wrong and the gear looks like it retracts inward  ???

Cheers Jon  :)
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR - REPEATED TODAY
Post by: RailGooner on April 01, 2018, 01:31:54 PM
Repeated today, UK, BBC2, 15:15.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: daffy on April 01, 2018, 03:11:45 PM
I shall watch it again, feeling even more jealous of Ewan and Colin as they get to fly in all manner of 'types'.
:jealous:

Mind you, I probably wouldn't pass the health checks for the biplane, let alone the Typhoon! :(

Here's to the next 100 years for those magnificent men and women in their flying machines. :beers:
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: javlinfaw7 on April 01, 2018, 03:16:55 PM
QuoteQuote from: PostModN66 on March 26, 2018, 06:57:51 pm
Two iconic Avro aircraft featured strongly, with barely a mention of Hawker or De Havilland; so the balance was right!   :D

Cheers Jon  :) :photospleasesign:
Two DH types shown early on
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: The Q on April 01, 2018, 04:00:35 PM
29 squadron that'll be XX X squadron then
Working for GEC Marconi I've worked on both  RAF 29 Squadron,  and RSAF 29 Squadron Aircraft ( Tornado ADV).( Or part of

As for the TV programme I was disappointed, it seemed more of an excuse for the macgregors  to go flying for free.
The content was slim,  very much a coffee table book of a film nothing new in it, I didn't know about it.
Also major aircraft were missing, the Sopwith Camel and the deHaviland Mosquito
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: javlinfaw7 on April 01, 2018, 04:04:39 PM
Plus any post war other than the Vulcan and Typhoon
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: The Q on April 01, 2018, 04:10:44 PM
The  Tornado GR4 was mentioned and there was a  fleeting view of them.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: Dorsetmike on April 01, 2018, 04:22:03 PM
(https://www.raf.mod.uk/raf-beta/cache/file/2C442DC8-F343-4C2F-8EE39718954DF326_isotope%20crest.png)  (https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRbJSINjrqpTRyCPPB7qULwOlEyk5henwLF2fKGG7w5XIA9oIVo)

(http://www.tangmere-museum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Venom-02.jpg)

(Images from Google)

"Flying tin openers" as a result of tank busting with Hurricane Mk IIs in N Africa during WW2; I was with them in '56/7 Iraq & Cyprus, Cpl I/C Radio section.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: RailGooner on April 01, 2018, 04:29:56 PM
Quote from: The Q on April 01, 2018, 04:00:35 PM
..
As for the TV programme I was disappointed, it seemed more of an excuse for the macgregors  to go flying for free.
The content was slim,  very much a coffee table book of a film nothing new in it, I didn't know about it.
Also major aircraft were missing, the Sopwith Camel and the deHaviland Mosquito

Agree. I thought it was OK entertainment, especially for Messrs McGregor. But I doubt if many found it at all educational. Hopefully the subject will receive more serious treatment yet, with the likes of Dan Snow presenting.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: guest311 on April 01, 2018, 05:02:18 PM
if you excluded :

Spit
Hurri
Lightning
Vulcan

I wonder what people would choose as their top three RAF aircraft ?
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: daffy on April 01, 2018, 05:16:57 PM
Camel

Buccaneer

Phantom

- but then I would never restrict my choice to just three as there are just too many great aircraft I could name, and for myriad reasons. So these are just the three that first came to mind after reading the question.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: guest311 on April 01, 2018, 06:44:53 PM
for me ............

SHACK

BRIT

ARGOSY

as you can see, I'm a  firm believer that proper aircraft, with the whirley things, rule over blow jobs
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: RailGooner on April 01, 2018, 07:20:36 PM
Vickers-Armstrongs VC10

RAF SE5

Avro Anson


Ask me on another day and I'd probably come up with alternative 2nd and 3rd, but the VC10 will always be number 1. A phenomenal aircraft which holds more world records than any other type. :admiration:

I can't believe the Phantom doesn't make it. Ask me again tomorrow. :D
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: javlinfaw7 on April 01, 2018, 07:31:43 PM
Victor ,Canberra and not telling
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: Newportnobby on April 01, 2018, 07:32:07 PM
Mosquito*
Lancaster*
Harrier

* Basically, anything with a Merlin engine, the sound of which just reduces me to a wreck
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: guest311 on April 01, 2018, 07:53:19 PM
in the begining, god created 10 sdn, then when they whinged that they had nowhere to fly in their shiny VC10s he created the rest of the world to shut them up !
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: dannyboy on April 01, 2018, 08:20:07 PM
I have to agree with NPN re the Merlin engine. To me that sound is so evocative of WWII aviation.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: guest311 on April 01, 2018, 08:22:39 PM
Quote from: javlinfaw7 on April 01, 2018, 07:31:43 PM
Victor ,Canberra and not telling

not by any chance a ............

Javelin  :)
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: javlinfaw7 on April 01, 2018, 08:31:37 PM
How did you guess ? Also have a soft spot for Hunters  ,VC10's and Nimrods.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: guest311 on April 01, 2018, 08:56:35 PM
hunters ok, we had 2 sdns [8  & 208] when I was in the Gulf, seem to remember DO NOT WALK IN FRONT OF ARMED ONES, could fire off a few 30mm rounds if it got too hot !
hence parked at the end of the line, facing out to sea .
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: The Q on April 02, 2018, 07:54:54 AM
Ww1, Camel
WW2 mosquito
Tornado, ADV,
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: Mr Sprue on April 02, 2018, 08:23:54 AM
A great program, enjoyed every minute of it.. :thumbsup:

But on another note it's so sad to notice how much our forces and their bases have been depleted by our wonderful politrickians.  The part about Biggin Hill deflated me seeing all those empty derelict buildings from what was once a very active base.

As I recall there were plans to even knock down St Georges RAF Chapel Grade II Listed Building!
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: Lawrence on April 02, 2018, 09:35:56 AM
Chinnok
Hercules
Tornado GR1 (especially when fully loaded, flaps and slats at mid and taxiing towards you in the early dawn, just looks pure evil  :) )
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: OwL on April 02, 2018, 09:40:17 AM
Quote from: class37025 on April 01, 2018, 05:02:18 PM
if you excluded :

Spit
Hurri
Lightning
Vulcan

I wonder what people would choose as their top three RAF aircraft ?

Eurofighter Typhoon
Harrier
Tornado GR4

That's my line up! Dunno why they got rid of the harriers!! The yanks are still using theirs and even bought our retired airframes as spares!
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: Dorsetmike on April 02, 2018, 10:53:47 AM
During my 23 years I worked on Lancaster (admittedly being used as training hulks at RAF Yatesbury) Varsity, Meteor, Canberra, Vampire T11, Venom FB4, Jet provost, Victor and Vulcan (including XH 588) and 8 years as instructor on airborne radar. Finished up as Cief Tech.
Between 1951 & 1974 Cardington '51,Yatesbury '52/4/7/61(4 courses), St Athan '52 (west camp), Stoke Heath '52-4, Kasfareet '55, Habbaniya '56, Akrotiri '56/7, Little Rissington '57, Cosford58-60, Honington '61-5, Marham '65-67, Waddington '67/8 and Cosford '68-74 , detachments to Church Fenton, Gaydon, Lossiemouth, Tengah (twice) Penang & Darwin.

"If you can't take a joke you shouldn't have joined" but then "Much better than working for a living"

Per Ardua ad Astra = "After work we go to the cinema"  (all cinemas on RAF camps are called the Astra - except St Athan West camp which was the Athenium the East camp had the Astra)
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: broadsword on April 02, 2018, 01:08:30 PM
Impressive career!  People discussing greatest RAF planes, however you have to do it by eras
I would say the most impressive RAF plane was the scrapped TSR2 which was miles ahead
of any US or  USSR plane.  Here's an apocryphal tale, my cousin's late husband was stationed
at RAF Scampton and the gossip was that the V bombers nukes were armed with Allen keys
to set airburst , groundburst etc, maybe just a NAAFI joke !  Imagine going into Halfords
for a spare !
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: RailGooner on April 02, 2018, 03:24:06 PM
This day, I 'ave mostly been liking;

Vickers-Armstrongs VC10

Hawker Hunter

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: TrevL on April 02, 2018, 04:45:53 PM
3 years Lightning F6's, learnt how to be a "rigger", and do wire locking and split pinning at arms length, everything was easy after that. They were not designed for servicing.
2 years F4 Phantoms.
5 years Wessex helicopters both yellow (3) and green (2).
3 years Jetstreams (Wet Dreams).
6 years Hawks.
4 years Tornado N/R, the one and only Rigger Sgt at Sealand.
I must have masochistic tendencies, Lightnings were my favorite.
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: RailGooner on April 06, 2018, 01:17:10 PM
This day, I 'ave mostly been liking:

Vickers-Armstrongs VC10

de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk

Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Title: Re: 100 YEARS OF THE RAF WITH EWAN & COLIN MCGREGOR
Post by: The Q on April 06, 2018, 01:57:34 PM
Dad worked on Shackletons, Canberras and had something to do with TSR2,

Me,
trained on Bits of T80, SSR mk10, FPS 6,
QL-U, RAF Boulmer, RAF Neatishead, RAF Staxton Wold.
X-T84, RAF Boulmer, RAF Neatishead, RAF Staxton Wold.
QL-88/89, RAF Benbecula.
QL-Tacan, RAF Benbecula.
QL-SSR750, RAF Boulmer.

Then as a civi,
RAF Leuchars
RAF Leeming,
RAF Scampton,
RAF Coningsby,
RAF Sealand,
BAE Warton,
MOD Boscombe Down,
RAF Mount Pleasant.
RASF Dharhan,
RASF Tabuk.
All on AI24 and it's test Equipment.

These days the test equipment, I work on is used on stuff all over the world, sometimes on stuff used by both sides, facing each other over a fence.. most odd...
I'm just happy working my way to retirement in this 15ft square lab..