The Aviators Thread

Omegafanman · May 18, 2023

Lucky to be allowed to see the briefing model used for the Sorpe Dam on the 617 Squadron raid. Easy to forget the lone unarmed high speed Spitfire Pilots going straight and level at 36,000 feet to capture 3D images of the dams and water height. Amazing bravery and rapid development of technology. The models were made at Medmenham. If Bletchley park was the ears then they were the eyes...
Also nice to have time to snoop around Duxford. So much to see on that site.
Also imagine 60 feet at 200mph.. in darkness, straight and level into flak surounded by hills in a heavy bomber, with your thin skinned bomb slung outside the aircraft being rotated for back spin - amazing situation to endure.

RAF Medmenham - Wikipedia
.

tapaptpat · May 18, 2023

@Omegafanman

unarmed high speed Spitfire Pilots going straight and level at 36,000 feet to capture 3D images

Do you know how the 3D images were captured?
Did you get to see the plane - PR Mk IX?

Omegafanman · May 19, 2023

tapaptpat
@Omegafanman
Do you know how the 3D images were captured?
Did you get to see the plane - PR Mk IX?

Did not see that plane but we did get a fascinating lecture from Paul Stewart - Paul Stewart served for 35 years in the RAF with tours in tactical and strategic photographic interpretation, where he developed a healthy respect for the Photographic Interpreters from RAF Medmenham. After retiring from the RAF, he completed a PhD on the work of Medmenham during the Second World War. He is also Chairman of The Medmenham Association – an association for former and current Photographic Interpretors and Image Analysts.

He explained the whole process and showed the hand held stereoscope. He also showed pictures of the huge mechanical stereoscope which has a light dot tracking table attached so people could trace detailed maps - so much rapid innovation back then.

RAF Medmenham - The Clearest View - The Royal Air Forces Association (rafa.org.uk).

SpeedyPhill · May 19, 2023

Basically, two overlapping photos showing the "target area" were put next to each other and looked at through a stereoscope, creating a 3D view in which on June 23, 1943 the first V-2 rockets and on November 28, 1943, the first V-1 flying bombs on steam-pressured ramps were photographed in Peenemunde - Germany !
.

Omegafanman · May 19, 2023

SpeedyPhill
Basically, two overlapping photos showing the "target area" were put next to each other and looked at through a stereoscope, creating a 3D view in which on June 23, 1943 the first V-2 rockets and on November 28, 1943, the first V-1 flying bombs on steam-pressured ramps were photographed in Peenemunde - Germany !
.

They has some even more advanced toys for making the big maps and models from the photos...
.

Omegafanman · May 20, 2023

tapaptpat
@Omegafanman

Do you know how the 3D images were captured?
Did you get to see the plane - PR Mk IX?

I was lucky to have a return visit today so I tracked down PR Mk1X. Interesting to see the big chin bulge for the extra oil tank due to the longer range flight. Also lucky to see a reconnaissance photo from the Sorpe taken the day after. Some damage and a water splash from the two bombs.. Lucky to see the Blenheim, three Spitfires and a Hurricane going up as a bonus in the Sunshine
.

Twocats · May 23, 2023

I received this very thoughtful gift today from a good mate whom I used to work with in Amsterdam 25 years ago. We have done business together over the years in the various companies we have worked for and talk regularly on the phone.

He is a big watch guy also but his flavor is Rolex and Tudor.

The 8 day clock is a replica of the omega that was installed in Concorde and this one serves as a light. The 2:54 represents the fastest Atlantic crossing time rounded up.

I am really chuffed with such a thoughtful gift.

JimInOz · May 23, 2023

Twocats
I received this very thoughtful gift today from a good mate whom I used to work with in Amsterdam 25 years ago. We have done business together over the years in the various companies we have worked for and talk regularly on the phone.

He is a big watch guy also but his flavor is Rolex and Tudor.

The 8 day clock is a replica of the omega that was installed in Concorde and this one serves as a light. The 2:54 represents the fastest Atlantic crossing time rounded up.

I am really chuffed with such a thoughtful gift.

Seriously green with envy here 😁.

DoctorEvil · May 23, 2023

Twocats
I received this very thoughtful gift today from a good mate whom I used to work with in Amsterdam 25 years ago. We have done business together over the years in the various companies we have worked for and talk regularly on the phone.

He is a big watch guy also but his flavor is Rolex and Tudor.

The 8 day clock is a replica of the omega that was installed in Concorde and this one serves as a light. The 2:54 represents the fastest Atlantic crossing time rounded up.

I am really chuffed with such a thoughtful gift.

That is so cool. You're one lucky guy!

Aroxx · May 28, 2023

Saw the Blue Angels for the first time this weekend at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. The show opened with a F-22 Raptor flight demonstration. That puppy is LOUD. I failed miserably at aircraft photography. My excuse is I was fighting two kids for use of my camera half the time. 😀

DoctorEvil · May 28, 2023

Aroxx
Saw the Blue Angels for the first time this weekend at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. The show opened with a F-22 Raptor flight demonstration. That puppy is LOUD. I failed miserably at aircraft photography. My excuse is I was fighting two kids for use of my camera half the time. 😀

I think you did alright there with the photography. Thanks for sharing 😀
I love watching the F-22's display as it's so manoeuvrable for a large fighter. I've been fortunate enough to see the Thunderbirds when they came to Australia in 1987 to celebrate the USAF 40th Anniversary but sadly haven't been able to catch the Blue Angels.

64Wing · May 29, 2023

The Blues are the top of the chain...and a hoot to have beer with

DoctorEvil · May 29, 2023

64Wing
The Blues are the top of the chain...and a hoot to have beer with

Wow. When did you have a beer with them?

64Wing · May 29, 2023

DoctorEvil
Wow. When did you have a beer with them?

Handful of years ago at an undisclosed bar east of the Mississippi... 😎 a couple Thunderbirds were there, too. Naturally, it was a competitive environment

Omegafanman · May 31, 2023

Duxford today for some research. Sorry to see the Sally B grounded for a while, but also was nice to see her under the strong hanger lights / brought out the details and colour in different way compared to on the airfield.

23 May 2023
After careful consideration it has now been decided to ground our beloved B-17 until the ongoing wing spar issue is sorted.
As I write this, we are working flat out to complete this difficult task, helped by our devoted team and many friends.
Thank you IWM Duxford for giving us space in the AirSpace Hangar to carry out the required work.

DoctorEvil · May 31, 2023

Omegafanman
Duxford today for some research. Sorry to see the Sally B grounded for a while, but also was nice to see her under the strong hanger lights / brought out the details and colour in different way compared to on the airfield.

23 May 2023
After careful consideration it has now been decided to ground our beloved B-17 until the ongoing wing spar issue is sorted.
As I write this, we are working flat out to complete this difficult task, helped by our devoted team and many friends.
Thank you IWM Duxford for giving us space in the AirSpace Hangar to carry out the required work.

I seem to recall seeing her in the movie "Memphis Belle". Have to dig it out again to confirm. It's one of my favourites from an aviation standpoint because the filmmakers gathered every airworthy B-17 that they could find to make it. Much better than all the CGI used in films these days.

Omegafanman · May 31, 2023

DoctorEvil
I seem to recall seeing her in the movie "Memphis Belle". Have to dig it out again to confirm. It's one of my favourites from an aviation standpoint because the filmmakers gathered every airworthy B-17 that they could find to make it. Much better than all the CGI used in films these days.

Yes the other side of the plane still wears the film’s makeup (paint job ) so you get two planes for the price of one.

JimInOz · May 31, 2023

Omegafanman
Yes the other side of the plane still wears the film’s makeup (paint job ) so you get two planes for the price of one.

It'll also give them time to attend to the oil leak on No1.
😁

gearjockey · May 31, 2023

Speaking of the mighty eighth. Would be biggest kick in the junk if this never aired

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/band-of-brothers-sequel-masters-of-the-air

DoctorEvil · Jun 1, 2023

gearjockey
Speaking of the mighty eighth. Would be biggest kick in the junk if this never aired

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/band-of-brothers-sequel-masters-of-the-air

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it does air. If it's anything like Band of Brothers, it should be a ripper.

The Aviators Thread

Omegafanman

tapaptpat

Omegafanman

SpeedyPhill

Omegafanman

Omegafanman

Twocats

JimInOz

DoctorEvil

Aroxx

DoctorEvil

64Wing

DoctorEvil

64Wing

Omegafanman

DoctorEvil

Omegafanman

JimInOz

gearjockey

DoctorEvil

Similar threads

1961 Croton Nivada Grenchen "Chronograph" Aviator Sea Diver

Help me find a thread?

The Comprehensive Singer Dial thread

Samweldspoorly's first Omega - an introduction thread

Snail dial 5699 (or 23086) just sold (-edit- The 5699/23086 thread)

The Disc Golf Thread