Gaydon Event 2009 by Tony Hooper, All Photographs where provided by Neil Hutchinson

ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL STATIC LMA EVENTS EVER

The Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon was used again for the second year running as an end of season Static and Trade Show by the LMA.

Over 2000 people attended which was double the number in 2008 and the trade stands were very well supported with over 30 being present.

Some 100 model aircraft were displayed and the photographs of this event will portray the quality of the exhibits.

This year more emphasis was given on trying to interest the general public in our hobby and to this end a number of very successful “interactive” events were organised. These included the live running of jet engines by Terry Lee and his team who braved the strong wind outside all day and provided some interesting demonstrations to the crowd who were queuing (yes there were some large queues during the morning) at the entrance to the museum. We also had live demonstrations of the rotary engine built by Andrew Johnson – this unique and precision made engine was a great attraction for all those who are mechanically minded.

Members of the public were also able to enjoy a simulator ride in the Harrier which was provided by Active Rides and also try out R/C flying on a trio of simulators set up indoors. Many were interested in the model techniques involved in our hobby and Harry Harland was busy all day demonstrating the art of litho plate cutting and making panels and hatches for models.

Once again there were “theme rooms” and this year the whole of the second floor was taken over by the LMA which enabled a circular tour to be developed which took people around all the exhibits.

It was obvious from the extremely busy and active trade stands that many modellers had attended so that they could pick up their “winter provisions” but there were also a number of traders present who expressed their satisfaction at being able to have the opportunity to “put a face” on their company and discuss a variety of aspects with modellers .

A very distinct local “flavour” was provided by some well organised exhibits from the Midlands Large Model Flying Group, Warwickshire Flyers, and the Coventry Model Club LMA members. Their exhibit areas were supported by videos of their flying and enabled everyone who visited them to see some “live” action.

Speaking of which, a special mention must be made of the excellent flying display given by Andy Johnson with his Wellington during the early afternoon. This was carried out with special permission and helped to recall the involvement of RAF Gaydon with the Wellington when the airfield was an Operational Training Unit (OTU) during World War 2 .

This year we even used up the overspill car park (over 1200 spaces) and this together with improved ways of speeding up the admission process will be addressed for next year.

Please click image to enlarge.