Everything I know about life I learned from model aeroplanes
The Tao of Airfix
From a 21st century perspective, the Airfix Dornier Do217 was ahead of its time. Mixed messages, confusing instructions and a baffling array of choices. Key facts they forgot to tell you, dubious information presented with great confidence. It has (some of) the faults the MiG-15 had, and adds some extra, just for you.
Continue reading “The Airfix Dornier Do217 – ahead of its time.”
As a small boy, I had several copies of the Observer’s Book of Aircraft. But what I really, really wanted was Janes All the World’s Aircraft, aka JAWA. (Not to be confused with the Czech motorcycles of the same name). Can’t recall how I learned about this magical book detailing every current aircraft in the world, but my vague sense of wonder still persists.
Along with memories of going into the charming old fashioned bookshop in Enfield Town. And a numbing sense of shock when a nice man told us the astronomical cost. The original price in 1965 was £8 8s 0d – more than £160 in today’s money. That was a lot of pocket money and was just never going to happen. All very disappointing.
Continue reading “Janes All The World’s Aircraft – a childhood ambition finally achieved”