Which Aerodrome?

[norwich]

sidtheesexist,Yes indeed it is Snetterton, I was rather surprised that had not been before !
As sid has declared ... its OPEN HOUSE .... Keith.

[Captain Airclues]

I'm afraid that the airfield is not historical, but the town that it serves is. A nation was born here in 1889.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc193/Airclues/DSC02728.jpg

[Captain Airclues]

Another view. (I'm sure that it won't last long once our friends from the antipodes awake in the morning).

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc193/Airclues/DSC02735.jpg

[chevvron]

Re 5283; Attlebridge is surely in Suffolk not Norfolk!

[norwich]

Chevvron, Sorry it's definately in Norfolk, one of the houses I used to live in is on that photo !

Keith.

[Capot]

Woolagong? (He guesses, dredging up some long-forgotten Oz history, Henry Parkes and all that????)

[Captain Airclues]

Capot

Sir Henry Parkes is correct but I'm afraid that the location, although in the correct country, is not.

Dave

[redsnail]

:E

I promise.

[Capot]

OK then, Tenterfield?

[Captain Airclues]

Tenterfield is correct.

On 24th october 1889, Sir Henry Parkes broke his train journey at Tenterfield and delivered the speech which led to the formation of the Federation of Australia.

The airfiield as well as being used by a crop duster, is kept operational to facilitate Air Ambulance flights.

You have control Capot.

Dave

PS.....thanks Reddo

[Capot]

Ah, well, I dread getting them right, having no store of good pics.

EDIT I forgot to check the "done before" list before putting up the the first airfield I posted, now at the bottom showing D-AMYY at - Egad, Sir, - Newtonards.

The challenge is now the airfield under attack in the top photo; 1 is bombs, 2 is incendiaries, 3 is a bomb burst, 4 is hangars, and I'll leave you to identify 5.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/picshooter/Airfieldunderattack.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/picshooter/Airfieldunderattack.jpg%5B/IMG%5D)



http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/picshooter/Airfield.jpg (http://www.pprune.org/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/picshooter/Airfield.jpg%5B/IMG%5D)

[Capot]

Time for a clue?

Post-WWII, used by the USAF.

[nacluv]

Something about that photo makes me think of Mildenhall, Suffolk...

Bit of a wild guess though.

[Capot]

Nacluv; sorry, not Mildenhall..........I left the other photo there as a hint......

[Capot]

To move it on a bit. ......for the historians among us, think of an Eagle knocked down by a balloon......

[sidtheesexist]

The Ju52 is Von Ribbentrop's personal transport in Hitler's private Sqn....Would say drome is German/German occupied due to British 250lbers dropping on it? Guessing early war RAF photo due fact (1)daylight and (2) type of bombs................

[S'land]

What about Dessau, home of Junkers?

[Capot]

S'Land, sorry not Dessau, but you're in the right country

Sid, unfortunately I do not have a date on the photo, but I suspect you are right about the approximate date, and you are certainly right that it's an RAF battle photo with (presumably) RAF weapons. The D-AMYY clue was only to the country. I don't think there's a von Ribbentrop connection with the place, although I could be wrong.

The Eagle ...balloon clue leads to the name of the town where the airfield is.......


Edit: that "is" should be "was", unless it has survived as a small airfield that doesn't feature in Google!

[S'land]

Does the eagle/balloon clue refer to Hanna Reitsch testing the system for German Bombers to cut the cables of barrage balloons, and her crash during the tests? The problem is I cannot remember the name of the airfield, was it Rechlin-Lärz?

[Capot]

No, the Eagle in the clue earned his title in the Aegean.....but he was later felled by a balloon and a very unsporting trick.

Another clue may be due, it may be a give-away but dragging these things out is no fun.

Anyone from the 67 Tactical Reconnaissance Group might be in his 80's by now, but would be familiar with the airfield. I thought that was USAF, but I have a nasty feeling that it was the US Army Air Force, if that's a different organisation.

[nacluv]

OK - I'm persistent. From the balloon and Aegean clue, I'm going for Eschwege, which was the chaps name I understand.

Looking at Google, was the airfield approx 1.5 miles NW of the town centre - now an industrial estate?

[Capot]

Congratulations!

I don't know about its location; the pic comes from a lovely old book I have, produced during the war, extolling the role and benefit of Bomber Command. The aircraft (5) is a Ju-52.

The Eagean Eagle was Rudolph von Eschwege and was the scourge of Macedonia. They got him in the end by putting up a balloon with a dummy observer in it, accompanied by 500lbs of explosive. When he flew close to it they detonated the HE and the blast caused him to lose control and crash.

The 67th Tac Rec Gp was there for a fairly short period, I think, after the end of the war. It's now the 67th Network Warfare Group, or some such.

Sie Haben Kontrol

[nacluv]

Vielen dank!

A great sleuthing challenge there. I had a look in GE and the location has that 'industrial-estate-that-used-to-be-an-airfield' look about it. Could be completely wrong of course!

There is a book link here (http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=y7Xi9MWcE48C&pg=PA40&lpg=PA40&dq=%22Eschwege+air+field%22&source=bl&ots=yYvv7ia0FG&sig=D0Vqv5eGNBWJGJu-MBhynXxkO0g&hl=en&ei=MUqgSdvoMITHjAfzzMDlCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result) which looks to be on a similar theme to yours.

Anyway - here is my challenge, on a similar line to Capot's 'airfields under attack' theme. Shouldn't be too difficult...

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk252/kwilson1965/nacluv/airfield3.jpg

[sidtheesexist]

Ta'Kali or Taquali, Malta...............?

[nacluv]

No, not Ta'Qali I'm afraid.

[nacluv]

No,. not Northolt. Both suggestions are on the right lines in that unlike Capot's challenge, we are taking it rather than dishing it.

It is not mainland UK.

[S'land]

As it is not mainland UK, how about somewhere like Guernsey?

[nacluv]

Further afield than Guernsey, I'm afraid. Northern hemisphere though... And it is RAF.

[S'land]

Let's go further afield and try Reykjavik?

[Flap40]

Let's try very close to the first guess - Luqa, Malta?

[nacluv]

Well done! Flap40 has it.

Luqa, getting a bit of a bashing at some time in the War. Looks a bit different to more recent times doesn't it? No V-Force-friendly runways at this stage.

I couldn't say 'close but no cigar' earlier as it would have given the game away completely!

Over to you, Flap40... :ok:

[Flap40]

Many thanks.

No bombs this time!

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj36/jodel_bucket/somewhere.jpg

[sidtheesexist]

Think that's RAF Ibsley, Spit and Tiffie base. Believe yank P47s there for a while too..................Open house if correct.


Re previous, was pretty certain it was Malta. I knew it wasn't Hal Far - not sure why Luqa didn't seem to feature.......:ugh:

[REF]

Definately Ibsley

[Flap40]

Agreed..... As Sid says, OPEN HOUSE.

[norwich]

Yet another open house ! May I slip another one in, not much remains ???

Keith.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/aix%20pix/DSC_0040.jpg

[Kieron Kirk]

Norfolk! Again.
I am just trying to buy a bit of time whilst I try to find the answer.

Ciarain.

[Kieron Kirk]

Swannington.

Ciarain.

[norwich]

Ciarain, It's not Swannington, and I rather hope you have much more time !

Keith.

[longer ron]

Fersfield ?????

tricky one that...well done K

[norwich]

longer ron. Yes ! you are the winner ! it is indeed Fersfield formerly RAF Winfarthing, once again I thought that would run for longer, must try harder !
Looking forward to your challenge !

Keith.

[longer ron]

Am afraid I will have to be boring and say Open House,havent got time to delve into the photo monster at the mo,I have got a couple of easy ones somewhere.

cheers B

[evansb]

Good Morning! Good Morning! Here is the next "Which Aerodrome?":
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/WAD090224.jpg

[minuteman]

KBTL, W K Kellogg Battle Creek

[evansb]

minuteman is correct:ok: Battle Creek, Michigan. Well done:D You have control.

[minuteman]

Thank you, BTL will be etched on my brain forever...

...due to a lack of photos to hand, I delcare OPEN HOUSE!

[dash7fan]

As it is open house:

http://www11.file-upload.net/09.02.09/u7b35n.jpg

[Grobling About]

Oberschleisheim - now home of the Deutches Museum Flug Wirt? If so open house

[dash7fan]

It is Oberschleissheim near Munich, so oper house

[norwich]

I will try another very easy one to fill a few seconds of our time ? Keith.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/aix%20pix/DSC_0026.jpg

[old fart]

hi
Is it still open house?

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh48/Griff747/ASImar07037edited.jpg

Cheers

[Background Noise]

Is it still open house?

Unfortunately not - beaten by 3 minutes. (Haven't we had that one anyway?)

[REF]

Norwich's photo is Watton

[norwich]

Richard, Yes of course it's Watton ! A lot of local knowledge goes a long way !
Are you going to post something real and obscure ??

Keith.

[Captain Airclues]

As we seem to have two challenges, are we allowed two answers?

I believe that old farts challenge is Ascension.

Dave

PS...REF has the floor

[Evileyes]

In order to keep the thread running the floor is declared open.

As a reminder, one pic will be in competition at a time and its poster has control until he declares a winner.

[India Four Two]

I thought we had had this one, but I don't see it on Mel's list.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/wad090227.jpg

[Krakatoa]

Looks a bit Scottish, Wick

[Flap40]

Wick is one of the few places in Scotland that is virtually devoid of hills.

[S'land]

Looks a bit like Altenrhein on the Bodensee in Switzerland.

[Krakatoa]

Thank you for the geography lesson. My memory is not as good as when I flew Viscounts around that part of Scotland, or was it Shackletons........

[India Four Two]

Krakatoa and S'Land,

Not Scotland or Switzerland.

A clue - it is not heavy rain that causes so many fields to be flooded.

[Cubs2jets]

Nha Trang

If so, I've nothing to post. So... open house!

C2j

[longer ron]

Assuming C2J is correct,here is one i took 20 years ago


http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/volvosmoker/img009.jpg

[India Four Two]

Nha Trang

If so, I've nothing to post. So... open house!

C2jIs there any airfield in SE Asia that you don't know, C2J? :ok:

Nha Trang. This airfield used to be the local civil airport, but now all commercial traffic uses the giant airfield at Cam Ranh Bay to the south and Nha Trang is military only these days.

I realized why I had thought we had had this one before - I had uploaded it to photobucket some time ago with a view to posting during "Open House" and I forgot about it!

longer ron, no idea where your post is although with my geological hat on, I would guess that this is chalk country. I hope it was a good thermal.

[old fart]

Ascension it was.
Sorry if I jumped in..
Cheers

[longer ron]

longer ron, no idea where your post is although with my geological hat on, I would guess that this is chalk country. I hope it was a good thermal.

Wasnt bad thanks,better than the previous visit to this old airfield when i got way too close a look at the other end of the runway.Pic is taken from the west end of the old main rwy ie looking east.It is in England

[chevvron]

I'lll take a stab at Husbands Bosworth.

[stevfire2]

Ramsbury, i believe. open house if correct. :)

[longer ron]

Well done stev !sorry it was a cr@p photo,but all my other pics are easy-i will eventually post em for a laugh !

Roger Day has done a lot of research etc for his website....


Ramsbury at War (http://www.ramsburyatwar.com/Ramsbury_Airfield_main.htm)

regards b

[flyingwing]

As it's open house here's one to keep things rolling.

http://i462.photobucket.com/albums/qq346/buzzbird/dromepic.jpg

[nacluv]

A huge ramp; very geometric layout. A superpower is my guess, but current or former?

I'll go former - Russian?

[flyingwing]

Sorry, not Russian.

[evansb]

Former Walker U.S. Army Airfield, near Victoria, Kansas.

[flyingwing]

evansb has it! Yes - not to be confused with the other Walker AAF base in Virginia (previously set). The Kansas base was used for B29 training amongst other things. Obviously an encyclopaedic knowledge of the NA cotinent where he lives! You have control sir.

[evansb]

Thanks! My 1965 Jet Navigation Chart also shows Walker listed as "Victoria-Pratt" airport. Here is the next "Which Aerodrome?"

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/WAD090304.jpg

[Krakatoa]

An RCAF station and a visiting RAF Hastings, looks great, no idea where but who cares.

[Krakatoa]

Would say the pic was taken late forties. My guess RCAF Greenwood.

[evansb]

Sorry, not RCAF Greenwood. It is indeed a visiting RAF HP Hastings. OTRW, Krakatoa is quite brilliant.

[Davidsoffice]

Looks to me like Keflavik but don't know why...

[evansb]

Sorry, not in Iceland. Too far east. Krakatoa's suggestion was also too far east. Here is a photo taken in 1949 from the control tower of the mystery aerodrome:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/WAD090304A.jpg

[sycamore]

Bag-Town,er Bagotville,,,?

[India Four Two]

Brian,

Is that three Black Widows and a Chinook? ;)

[evansb]

Sorry, not Bagotville, Quebec. Still too far east. Bagotville has been done before, (by me actually, with a fly-by photo of Canadian built Hurricanes..., yet another superfluity).

Yes, India Four Two, they are Northrop F(P)-61 Black Widows. Perhaps a strong nor-wester is pushing them, but that would not be a true Chinook wind, would it? The hills visible in the distance have been described as peaceful.

Here is another clue:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/WAD090304B.jpg

[BEagle]

Edmonton, Alberta?

A DH Sea Hornet was there for cold weather testing with the RCAF in the late 1940s, I understand?

[India Four Two]

I was quite distracted by the photo of the Sea Hornet (aaaah - de Havilland) and I'm not sure about your clue, but it looks like it might be Ft. St. John, BC (in the "Peace River Country").

[evansb]

India Four Two is correct:ok: Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada. (CYXJ). The airfield, big enough to accomodate four-engined bombers, was built near the Alaska Highway, and was part of the Northwest Staging Route during WW.II. For those who don't know, the route provided aerodromes for military aircraft ferried from the U.S. to Russia during WW.II. Simon has control.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/FortStJohnBC01.jpg

[India Four Two]

This won't last long, but it is a nice picture:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/17702.jpg

[brakedwell]

Bagotville?

[India Four Two]

Not Bagotville.

[grizzled]

Is it in a province or teritory adjacent to the last one (CYXJ)?

[brakedwell]

Yellowknife?

[India Four Two]

grizzled,

Yes and it's also in the CY-- series, but you probably guessed that. ;)

brakedwell,

Not Yellowknife, but closer than Bagotville.

[grizzled]

Hmmm. . . too many trees for most places in NWT (and northern AB); Too sparsely settled to be Whitehorse; too flat for most places in the Yukon or nothern BC; the twotters and the beech (and the windsock) tell me it's not a military base . . . .

Fort Smith?

[India Four Two]

Not Fort Smith, but you are getting closer. ;)

A surprising number of trees, considering its location.

[India Four Two]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/ap2.jpg

Summer here can actually be quite hot. The drawback is the mosquitoes.

[TheChitterneFlyer]

CFB Inuvik.

Open house if correct.

TCF

[D120A]

Chitterne Flyer,

I am sure that you are correct, but has anyone else noticed that the '03' runway in that second picture is '06' on Google Earth?

That's what comes of being located near a shifting magnetic North Pole; I bet the runway painters there learned their trade on the Forth Bridge!:ok:

[India Four Two]

TCF, you are correct, but there is no longer a CFB at Inuvik - it was closed in the 80s. However Inuvik Airport is used as a forward operating base for Hornets ( a mere 1058 nm from Cold Lake!).

Inuvik was a completely new town and airport, built in 1954 after the nearby community of Aklavik was devastated by floods.

It is interesting that apart from the big grey object in the winter photo, the photo could have been taken any time in the past 25 years or so - two Twin Otters and a King Air.

grizzled was put off by the trees in the background, but that area is down near the river level in the Mackenzie Delta and has a large number of trees, even though it is 68 degrees north. You can see from the aerial photo that there are not many trees on the tundra.

D120A's comment surprised me. I had always assumed that Inuvik was in the Northern Domestic Airspace where tracks and runway headings are True, but a quick check of the AIM (RAC – 2.0 AIRSPACE – REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES (http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/publications/tp14371/RAC/2-0.htm#2-2-1)) shows that Inuvik is officially in Southern Domestic Airspace, and so he is right - the runway number painters will be called out quite frequently. The variation is currently changing by half a degree per year!

So as TCF said, Open House.

[brakedwell]

Somewhere a bit warmer!


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/Hickam.jpg

[D120A]

Ah, the lovely Britannia!

Naples.

[Tempsford]

Decimomannu, Sardinia

[brakedwell]

D120A and Tempsford, I can see your logic, but it is not in Italy.

[Tempsford]

Is it in Malaysia?

[brakedwell]

Afraid not, wrong hemisphere.

[S'land]

Marville, France?

[brakedwell]

Afraid not. Forget Europe and think islands.

[WE992]

Hickam AFB

[brakedwell]

Well done, it is Hickham. Your turn.

[WE992]

I was luck enough to go there last year on one of the queens 4 engined trucks. However thats digressing. I have no photos to post yet so its open house.

[norwich]

Another open house another gap filler, may last a few seconds ? Keith.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/DSC_0021.jpg

[Old Bald Pilot]

Not having flown in the area for 20 odd years. I wonder if Shipdam might look like this now?

[norwich]

Old Bald Pilot, Yes Shipdham does look like that now, your memory is very sharp !
Looking forward to your challenge.

Keith.

[grizzled]

C'mon . . . wake up! I know you're retired, and it's only 10:am in Florida, but you've got to get up, get those slippers on, grab the glasses, and find an aerodrome photo.
Like you, I'm an OB guy, and I cant work those damn video games, so this is my entertainment. (My God . . it really has come to this.)
:{

[Old Bald Pilot]

Well thank you for those few kind words. Under the circumstances I'd best throw it open. If I can work out how to post a picture before you all wake up in the morning I will do so. Sorry I can't spend all bleedin' day on the computer.

[norwich]

Old Bald Pilot, Whilst you are working through the seemingly impossible task of posting photos (which will be easy when you get there) I will try another of my very easy ones ! But be warned I am only 80% certain that this is the place I think it is ? I am sure that someone out there will know ??

Keith.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/DSC_0046.jpg

[Kieron Kirk]

Hardwick.

Ciarain.

[norwich]

Ciarain, Yes thats exactly what I thought, compared it with google earth, and it looked good !
So over to you !

Keith.

[Kieron Kirk]

Wish I had some airfield shots, you have some very nice airborne views, perhaps dig out another one .

Ciarain.

[norwich]

OK then, but a slightly different ground shot ?? Keith.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/bonusball.jpg

[Old Bald Pilot]

Two guesses if I may.
First Seething. If more hangars have been added. There was only one in the seventies.
Second is that the BSC Plant I can just make out above the trees?
If so has the old wartime field at Bury St Edmunds (Rougham) been reopened, and so to bed.

[norwich]

Old Bald Pilot, You are correct again ! it is Seething, with a few newish hangars, the smoke above the trees to the right side of the photo is indeed British Sugar .... but their Cantley factory in Norfolk.
The helicopter is of course a friends model, which I thought was in good scale on this photo ?
We await your descision ?

Keith.

[grizzled]

OBP has gone to sleep again in Florida . . .
Can I put one up?
Huh? Can I please?

[brakedwell]

Give the poor guy a break, it's 4.30 am in sunny Florida!

[grizzled]

you're right of course.
And I really should get back to work . . . .

Grizz

[Old Bald Pilot]

http://wingsandwheelsfl.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/raf.jpg
I would not have twigged it was a model. No wonder I could'nt see a registration.
I used to live in the village (Woodton) on the approach to 05 at Seething.
Thanks for your patience gentlemen.

[Old Bald Pilot]

Oops. I would not have believed so many of you would be looking at once.
Obviously exceeds my Tripod Broadband. I will look for another server.

[Old Bald Pilot]

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww34/ericshipley/RAF.jpg

Same picture. This time using photobucket

[JW411]

Bicester? If so, open house

[Old Bald Pilot]

Absolutely correct JW411. All of 5 minutes.
Oxford University Air Squadron Chipmunks lined up ready for the visit of the Queen RAF Bicester 1967.
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww34/ericshipley/Queensvisit19670.jpg

Open House. Next time someting a little more difficult

[Fitter2]

Since both Coltishall recently and Bicester were instantly recognised at first glance, but weren't up long enough to get in, I have no shame in posting a more recent offering:
http://i39.tinypic.com/2rge7h1.jpg

[old fart]

Is it in South Africa?

[Fitter2]

Old fart is getting warm.

[Fitter2]

The airfield is, for what the owners believe are very good reasons, prior permission only (likely to be refused) for powered aircraft, but quite friendly to unannounced gliders.

[grizzled]

And if I read you correctly, it's Lajes Air Base, Azores.

Grizz

[Fitter2]

Not Lajes.

Sorry, I should have been a bit more positive in confirming that Oldfart was in the right country.

Although the airfield looks a little bereft of buildings (or parking) it is in very regular business use for secure transport.

[Old Bald Pilot]

Based on your clues I would guess it might be an operating base for Williamsons Diamond Mines but I have only ever seen them playing away from home so can't be specific.

[Fitter2]

And if you knew where they (or one of their competitors) conducted their operations you could check whether that was a good guess.

[Old Bald Pilot]

Gotcha,
De Beers at Kleinzee perhaps

[Fitter2]

Or perhaps not. Actually definitely not. The large hole in the ground is to the North of the airfield.

[nacluv]

After a good bit of Google Earth-ing I reckon it looks like Koffiefontein.

[Fitter2]

So like Koffefontein it is. And here's the hole as well, which might have been an assist for GoogleEarth. Nacluv's in the chair.

http://i39.tinypic.com/awp9fn.jpg

[nacluv]

Thanks, Fitter2. What's the story re gliders - I gather it's nothing to do with deadstick Airbuses or Space Shuttles?

Here is the next challenge:
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk252/kwilson1965/nacluv/Airfield4.jpg

Bon chance!

[Fitter2]

Hi Nacluv

A bunch of UK glider pilots ship a couple of container loads of gliders to Bloemfontein over the winter, and fly in the sunshine (enjoying cheap good wine and large steaks in the evenings). Occasionally big CuNb cut off the way home, and convenient airfields are few and far between, so Koffeefontein can be a welcome sight. Farm fields usually involve many kilometers down tracks at 10kph, and hordes of hungry mosquitoes.

F2

[Upyer RRR]

I'll get the ball rolling with Paris CDG.

[Hen Ddraig]

I'll suggest CYVR Vancouver International Not been there for a while but it looks familiar.

Time to spare, go by air

Hen Ddraig

[nacluv]

I didn't think it would last very long! Well done - CYVR it is, looking south-east (ish). I tried to crop the shot, as I thought the water would make it too obvious, but you saw past that lame subterfuge!

Full pic:
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk252/kwilson1965/nacluv/CYVR.jpg

Hen Ddraig has control... :ok:

[India Four Two]

Nacluv,

Your photo brings back fond memories. I did my floatplane rating on the river immediately adjacent to the south side of the airport. Imagine a UK airport allowing floatplanes to operate that close to their main runway, including crossing the final approach at right angles, at less than 1 mile.

The red "fields"in the background are commercial cranberry bogs.

[Hen Ddraig]

Sorry guys, away at the moment, have to be open house

Time to spare, go by air

Hen Ddraig

[brakedwell]

Thanks Hen Ddraig, here we go then

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/SabrelinersOffuttAFB.jpg

[Double Hydco]

I'll start with Wiesbaden AB, Germany?

DH

[con-pilot]

Scott AFB outside of St. Louis, MO.

It looks very familiar.

[brakedwell]

Sorry, it is not Wiesbaden or Scott AFB, but con-pilot is the warmest!

[BEagle]

Randolph, TX?


.

[brakedwell]

Afraid not Beagle, right Country wrong State

[D120A]

Kirtland AFB New Mexico?

[brakedwell]

Too far south D120A

[Double Hydco]

How about Offutt AFB, Nebraska?

DH

[brakedwell]

Correct DH, taken in 1964. You have control.

[Double Hydco]

Thanks brakedwell. By the way, what aeroplane was the photo taken from?

I've tried several times to upload a photo, but it's not playing ball this morning - so open house!

DH

[brakedwell]

DH it was taken from the RHS of an RAF Britannia as we taxied in.

Don't want to appear greedy so here is a simple one.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/123.jpg

[chevvron]

You taxied up a hill? (looks like Hewannora in its US Navy days but I bet it's not)

[brakedwell]

Sorry no. You bet right!

[nacluv]

I think the taxi remark was related to BD's previous challenge!

I've no idea where this challenge airfield is, but what an eclectic assortment of hardware in shot.

[TheChitterneFlyer]

Lajes Field... I think?

TCF

[brakedwell]

Correct - You have control TCF.

[con-pilot]

How about Offutt AFB, Nebraska?


Ah yes, looks very familar to Offutt AFB as well. ;)

[JW411]

If I might say so JJ, that is a wonderful photograph of Lajes. Perhaps taken from the 24-hour Officers Club on the top of the hill?

[brakedwell]

A bit farther down the road from the Officers Club Jock, after a can or two of Becks ;);)

The Officers Club and doesn't the car look great

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/OfficersClub.jpg

[con-pilot]

The Officers Club and doesn't the car look great


I do believe that is an old Hudson. And perhaps, a Vespa motor scooter?

[India Four Two]

a Vespa motor scooter?No, that's a Lambretta LC (early fifties). Disclaimer: I'm more of a Rocker than a Mod ( I used to ride a Triumph Thunderbird), but where I live, I'm surrounded by restored scooters, so my spotting skills have improved. :)

brakedwell, when was the Lajes photo taken? I'm intrigued by the (rescue?) B-17.

[brakedwell]

India Four Two - it was taken in December 1957. The Rescue B17 belongs to the Portugese Air Force

[grizzled]

Is it open house? Or?
Grizz

[Background Noise]

Waiting for TCF to post, I think - ?

[TheChitterneFlyer]

Sorry guys and gals... I got called away. Open house.

TCF

[grizzled]

My first aerodrome photo post! I have some that are just too damned obscure, and some that are instantly recognisable by anyone who's ever flown in. Here's one that's in between . . .


http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt110/grizzled/Airport10e.jpg?t=1237055222

[flyingwing]

Wild guess - Maui in the Hawaians?

[grizzled]

Keep going a lot further west . . .

[grizzled]

Here's another photo of the same airport. This view may make it easier for google earth detectives. We took off eastbound are now climbing out downwind . . .

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt110/grizzled/AirportGuess7e.png?t=1237113364

[India Four Two]

Is this Japan ?

[Boss Raptor]

Dili East Timor?

PS. I think the 3 large pads are the giveaway if so...only place I've ever seen like that

[grizzled]

Good job BR!

You're right about those pads. I thought about "photoshopping" them out of the pic -- but those who've flown in would recognise Dili anyway -- mostly thanks to the Comoro RIver flowing down from the mountains. The photo below shows the lovely private beach on the airport property. In the background are a bunch of MI-8's and a Dash-7, sitting on those very pads. When the security situation wasn't too volatile, it was a great spot to spend an afternoon with a few coolers and hammocks . . .

You have control.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt110/grizzled/AirportGuess3e.jpg?t=1237133368

[Captain Airclues]

Boss

Are you going to post a challenge or declare open house?

Dave

[seacue]

While waiting for "Boss", here is an easy challenge.
http://users.erols.com/rcarpen/aptquiz09.jpg

[Captain Airclues]

Washington Dulles?

Dave

[seacue]

Sure enough Cap'n Airclues. It's Washington Dulles. I'm surprised I didn't find it on the list.
http://users.erols.com/rcarpen/dullesconcorde.jpg

Now it's your turn at the controls.

seacue

[Captain Airclues]

Open House

[seacue]

OK. Here's another which I think should be a little harder that Dulles.

SORRY, evansb used this field in a challenge not long ago, even the same photo.

Open House again.

.

[brakedwell]

Here we go again!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/1234.jpg

[India Four Two]

RAF Khormaksar?

[old fart]

Are we in the Middle East?

[brakedwell]

Well done India Four Two, that didn't last long!

Your thread..

[India Four Two]

brakedwell,

Thanks. Having been there and also being a geologist, it was the cliffs at Crater that caught my attention. When I was there (once) in 1992, it was odd to see such a mixture of typical RAF buildings, partially replaced by Russian ones.

And now for something completely different - model aircraft flying on an operational ramp - note the Britannia's props are turning :eek:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/wap0318.jpg

[old fart]

Could it be Nairobi?

[India Four Two]

Sorry, not Nairobi.

[brakedwell]

How about Lusaka?

[India Four Two]

Hmm. I can see a trend developing here ;)

I'll cut it short - not in Africa.

[grizzled]

Hmm . . . a hint of a mountain in the background on the right? Western North America? CYVR was recently posted, so not likely . . .

The pants on the prop-spinning fella indicate familiarity with rainy climes ;)

So . . . . CYYJ? (Victoria, BC)

[Captain Airclues]

Is it in Australia?

Dave

[India Four Two]

a hint of a mountain in the background on the right?

I thought so too initially, but my limited knowledge of this aerodrome suggests that it might be a flaw on the photo.
(Edited to say that I have realized that the 'mountain' is the gable end of the hangar)

Is it in Australia?

Good on yer, Dave!

[old fart]

The last time that I was in Darwin it had just been devastated. (1969)
Could it be there?

[India Four Two]

Yes, Darwin it is.

Here was my next clue - an earlier devastation in 1942. I believe the water tower is still there.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/darwinnt48-02.jpg

OF, you have control.

[old fart]

Thank you!
I finally get to play.
Not an old one.......

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh48/Griff747/pics%20from%20aircraft/asimar07drift.jpg

[Capot]

That's a puzzle; looks sort of Falkland Islandish terrain, or Scottish Islands, and then there's what appears to be a rather high angled PAPI approach. High ground behind the camera? Is that a clue? I'm fumbling, really.

[nacluv]

I was going to jump straight in and say it is Wideawake on Ascension (viewed from the 31 end), as the rwy and ramp layout is almost identical, but where's the sea in the background?

However I'm going for Mount Pleasant. Capot - you were almost there...

[sycamore]

Mount Pleasant FI....DOOR OPEN

[old fart]

Mount Pleasant it is
I guess that nacluv has it
Cheers

[nacluv]

Thanks, Old Fart. I'd love to visit that one at some stage before I croak...

Here's and old picture of a lovely little aerodrome I have fairly recent experience of; one which I think may be quite tough. But with the wealth of knowledge out there in PPRuNeland you never know...

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk252/kwilson1965/nacluv/Airfield5.jpg

Good luck!

[Background Noise]

Milltown? Not sure what the mound is though.

[Hen Ddraig]

Looks like Anthorn on a good day

Hen Ddraig

[old fart]

Hi
Is that Killi far away in the background?
If it is then the pic is taken from the north......
Nairobi
Wilson?

[nacluv]

I see where the aerials thing is going! Not Milltown or Anthorn. A clue: the aerials are no longer there, and haven't been for some time now.

Don't read too much into the background - I believe that is nothing more than cloud - not terrain. We are in the UK.

Good spot, OF, I hadn't even seen the whiter 'peak' above the low-level dark stuff! Still think it's nothing more than CuNb though...

[chevvron]

How about Edzell?

[norwich]

My immediate (gut reaction) made me think Matlaske ????? Keith.

[nacluv]

Not Edzell nor Matlaske. Although, in common with both, it has US tenancy in its history.

It sees current GA activity, and gliding as well, but has no 'EG--' code. It has one usable runway remaining, although that is open to some question - if you don't keep to one side, then you're in for a rough ride, and possible prop damage!

Final clue for now - closer to Edzell than Matlaske.

[nacluv]

Well done, Jenkins. The picture is indeed Kirknewton in it's USAF/CIA days (early 50's) as a cold war listening station. It also kept an eye on the Washington/Moscow 'batphone' cable which ran nearby apparently. Now home to 661 VGS.

There are very few images on the net for Kirknewton, although I found a great one showing it in current times which I would have loved to post here, but it had the copyright mark on it so I dare not.

The mound in the picture is the old quarry in the ridge to the immediate NE of the aerodrome. It must have caused some interesting air mass movements in its time, but I never had any issues.

Jenkins has already declared Open House, so away you go!

[grizzled]

Okay,the list says (surprisingly) that this one hasn't been done. Should go quickly as anyone who's flown into this place will never forget it . . .

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt110/grizzled/PpruneQuiz2a.jpg?t=1237554360

[evansb]

Kandahar International Airport, Afghanistan. ICAO: OAKN

Yes, that is a Canadian flag visible above the Beech King Air 200.

[grizzled]

AH Hah! Excellent! - Kandahar it is!!

[evansb]

Thanks grizzled. Unique architecture at Kandahar. Terminal was built by Americans. Here is the next "Which Aerodrome?":
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/WAD090320.jpg

[India Four Two]

Brian,

I'll narrow it down a bit - an RCAF base in Canada. Too many trees for the prairies, so somewhere "down east"?

PS I've never seen a signals square in such a novel location before.

[evansb]

Yes, Simon, it is an RCAF aerodrome, and it is east of Winnipeg.

[grizzled]

Hey evansb,

How about Greenwood?

grizz

[evansb]

Sorry, not Greenwood, NS. Too far east.

[sycamore]

And while you are at it,the significance of the black-ball on the yard-arm,and the `signals square ??

[TheChitterneFlyer]

Sycamore,

A black ball, 60 centimetres in diameter, suspended from a mast signifies that the directions of take off and landing are not necessarily the same.

The signals square contains all of the necessary visual signals to inform the pilot of such things as circuit direction (left or right hand) etc. There are quite a few of these signals and they can be found within the UK ANO (CAP 393).

TCF

[MReyn24050]

Interesting photograph. Every thing spick and span. Judging by the shadows looks like early morning. Are those the fire-crew standing very much to attention by their vehicles to the left of the control tower? Looks as though they are about to greet a VIP.
Mel

[evansb]

The aerodrome is one of the RCAF's earlier bases, and hosted many Wings Parades and other ceremonial presentations. Here is an earlier photo of the base taken from the opposite direction:
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/WAD090320A.jpg

[brakedwell]

Centralia?

[sycamore]

T-C-F,yes I still have my Shell` Navigation Aids` booklet; however,if you look closely at the `square`,landings and t/os are prohibited-BIG X..maybe the reason for the low fly-by,or the pall of smoke ?

[evansb]

Sorry, not RCAF Station Centralia, Ontario.

[brakedwell]

Hows about Moose Jaw?

[evansb]

Sorry, not Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Way too far west.

In 1935, a steel-framed seaplane hangar was constructed on the mystery base. The seaplane ramp is still useable.

[pigboat]

Shearwater?

[Hen Ddraig]

Is that the Bay of Quinte and RCAF Trenton. It looks familiar with the offshore island.

[evansb]

Hen Ddraig is correct:ok: Yes, it is the Bay of Quinte, by the north shore of Lake Ontario. From 1939 to 1945, RCAF Trenton (CYTR), was the most important Commonwealth Training Base in the British Empire. Post-war CFB Trenton became the central Transport Air Command base, in addition to a Search and Rescue Headquarters. Trenton was also home for several other major air force activities. You have control.

[Hen Ddraig]

Also home of 8 Wing and Halifax under restoration.
Sorry guys, I only seem to get time for aerodrome watching when i'm away. Open House

Time to spare, go by air

Hen Ddraig

[brakedwell]

Time to get the thermals out!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/1973.jpg

[Krakatoa]

A Brit at Goose Bay

[India Four Two]

How about a bit further north? Thule, Greenland?

If so, what on earth were you doing up there in your Britannia, brakedwell?

[brakedwell]

Not Goose Bay, not Thule, slightly further south.

If so, what on earth were you doing up there in your Britannia, brakedwell?
I will reveal all when the location is found!

[grizzled]

Hey BeeDub,

How about RCAF Station / CFB Resolute Bay?

grizz

[JW411]

Frobisher (or whatever it is called nowadays)? If so, open house.

[brakedwell]

Resolute it is, but it wasn't an RCAF base when we were there.
The photo was taken during a 5 week trip around North American with 11 graduates from the Imperial Defence College, Belgravia. Landing on the gravel permafrost runway required a bit of finesses - definitely no reverse thrust and gentle braking. The only damage incurred was a couple of small stone dents on the port flap. Here is another image of a very cold Britannia!

Over to you grizzled.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/ResoluteBay-1.jpg

[grizzled]

Thanks BW -- some great pics there!

Let me take us all further back in time . . .

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt110/grizzled/pprune25e.jpg?t=1237861163

[grizzled]

I see some hints are in order . . .

The photo above shows the entire complement of Lysanders for their Unit.
Those Lysanders are not from the RAF OTU that existed on the base at the time.

grizz

[India Four Two]

grizzled,

Are you being a bit sneaky here? ;)

Those look like Canadian hangars in the background. Is this Rockcliffe?

maybe not - I missed grizzled's clue above.

[brakedwell]

I was thinking the building look too modern for UK in the late 30's early 40's.

[grizzled]

Good work so far guys . . . :ok:

Canada yes. Rockcliffe no.

Sneaky? Maybe, but the clues are factual. As you guys know, there were quite a few RAF OTU's outside the UK in the early 1940s. :)

grizz

[India Four Two]

Definitely sneaky :)

How about same city, different airport - Uplands?