Luscombes on tour

Following last year's successful Luscombe Rally at Oaksey Park in Wiltshire, Nige Barratt and crew have triumphed again with another cracking event, this time in the shape of a two-day tour.
At one point over 10 and 11 June, 17 Luscombes flew in convoy to celebrate 60 years of this classic tailwheeel aircraft.

The tour kicked off at Popham, with White Waltham first on the itinerary. Lunch at North Weald next, where an 18kt crosswind kept a few planes on the ground, but 13 brave Luscombes set off for the next leg.

Battling a 30kt headwind en route to Old Buckenham, the group made it and treated the crowd to a four-ship flypast.

Next up, Fenland. Nige told LOOP, "Fenland's grass strip was breathtaking; it's one of the nicest places I've ever landed."

Wellesbourne Mountford marked the final leg on day one, where the group camped overnight.
Day two started well, despite more headwinds. Further west, Lane Farm, in the Welsh hills, posed a different challenge, with Nige having to 'buzz' the strip to clear deer from the runway!
Another photo opportunity and the chance to soak up the sun, and 12 Luscombes were off to Shobdon for lunch.

Next, on to Upfield Farm on the estuary of the River Severn for a quick cup of tea, then past Cardiff to Eaglescott in Devon. A final short trip to Farway Common on the south Devon coast marked the group's final stop.

Although it's difficult to say exactly when the official 60 year anniversary of this type is, Nige decided to start the festivities this year.

"For the purists out there, the first Model 8 Silvaire with metal fuselage and fabric wings flew in December 1937 up to the start of WWII," he explained.

"In early 1946, manufacture recommenced, producing the new all-metal Model 8 Silvaire, by far the most popular model made, hence why 2006 was chosen to celebrate the anniversary."
The annual Luscombe Rally takes place on 5 and 6 August at Oaksey Park (see preview page 62). Nige is hoping to beat last year's record of 28 Luscombes, so make sure you're there!

W: www.europeanluscombes.org.uk

Words: Kirsten Corrigan