Which Aerodrome Mk III

[JENKINS]

Perhaps Suva, Fiji?

[Self loading bear]

Roughly in between
The characters are:
Smirnoff, Hulzebos, Soer, Kress, Sanghi

[dook]

Jodhpur,India

[Self loading bear]

Jodhpur it is,
Airfield built/paid by the Maradjha of Jodhpur.
From Google I conclude the same airfield is still being used but is now in the middle of the city.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x606/challenge_1_2_7dfc3e967a87d9875c7857f607878012a2d109fe.jpg
This hangar is visible on RAF photos of 1946 on Internet.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x726/challenge_1_4_928d7f80792873d4c2881bc71f554ef5368adad5.jpg
The airport is not on the photo and is more south (to the right)

Dook,
What was your clue?
You have control

SLB

[JENKINS]

What is the Dutch for 'clever clogs?'

[dook]

What was your clue?

The names you posted.

http://i67.tinypic.com/xc3ct4.jpg

[grizzled]

No it doesn't; Dunsfold is still in use until at least the end of June this year (last airshow there 16 - 18 June)

thanks Chevvron

I don't visit the UK often -- and I haven't been to Dunsfold -- but I have an interest in the history of the Harrier so that's the context in which I knew of Dunsfold. I was told (erroneously it now seems) that Dunsold was no longer an operational aerodrome. We learn something new every day...

[Asturias56]

That looks like a BIG operation...

Maybe Norfolk NAS Virginia???

[dook]

It wasn't military.

[Self loading bear]

What is the Dutch for 'clever clogs?'

Bollebozen

[JENKINS]

San Francisco International?

[dook]

I did a great tour at RAF Brüggen on the border with Holland near Roermond.

Our barman was from there and I picked up a few words and phrases from him. I can't remember much though, apart from Luchtvaartterrein.

Oh oh......Jenkins is back on the stage. :ok:

Boeing 314 flying boats San Francisco 1946.

[JENKINS]

Thanks. May I call Open House?

[dook]

Nuffink up sleeve ?

[chevvron]

thanks Chevvron

I don't visit the UK often -- and I haven't been to Dunsfold -- but I have an interest in the history of the Harrier so that's the context in which I knew of Dunsfold. I was told (erroneously it now seems) that Dunsold was no longer an operational aerodrome. We learn something new every day...
British Aerospace moved out in about '99 or 2000 and it was bought by its present owner with a view to building houses and until he got permission to do this, it has been available for aircraft including an annual airshow organised the 'The Brooklands Society' which generally included The Red Arrows.
I found a message on another forum that the 'last airshow there before it was dug up was to be 16 - 18 Jun 2019'.

[dook]

May we have another challenge please.

[nvubu]

Bombs away - runway at the bottom of the image.

https://bw2kka.db.files.1drv.com/y4mnoXoYcsHOvC5SoazlIE69jJU8NZDATeMyzt0-oI4AK3zG2UQGVYz17rvd0a8x5IWDzo4sJLgXxg45adew1hm6ndH5MgnCc6Q3 qE2RW-Ui04uK00KYoMtU5flqg_dNidA9DyYYtOtjY1ammSPE0H2hJMm-XVt6kcJvNr9Hdo-lfMjVsMgUuF_51nIViVlL3UfLRPuZF9JUfc2edHzA2My-w?width=693&height=1024&cropmode=none

[Self loading bear]

Snowy,
WW2
would mean northern Europe?

[nvubu]

Yes - this time it is snow and not sand :ok:

Yes - WWII

You'll have to define Northern Europe. :)

[dook]

I might define is as near the Baltic.

[nvubu]

South of the Baltic

[dook]

That's a large incendiary bomb load from one aeroplane, so possibly an RAF bomber.

OK. Poland ?

[nvubu]

Not Poland or RAF.

Bombs were on target.

https://mzofng.db.files.1drv.com/y4m0oJUbRJSuDUJV0EWmMCGXvgXcOd83Fn25pCKnkXxa7Dtu_VCYPWGRug6Q pk-J-JRuD5zeqilsisWL73dk23Z8ayZwnt7TAE6oU3gye3HnwtP_d9-vW-0Buw1GgIuBlHykaH6khOdnM-YoH0gl7ANeg2zmPnKRAEeYd4APc-VhsmHtQO208ZzVm6wDMMbOO0ZZA9vtJlXwAAEEv7gppk0Yg?width=1024&height=786&cropmode=none

[dook]

A Yank aeroplane then with a target in Germany ?

[nvubu]

Correct on both accounts.

These were on their way there on another day.

https://avj7hq.db.files.1drv.com/y4muCZb-UKjd-Vvl-wpmLrORZfdMogrk3iF2xKn4KDx8c61p0swWCQSziSOetaIEeWL0AllnuRRCh O1CEKK-IlpT5k6GlWnu3iOp8WNA-Qv4fh9UWgFvBUs2dxwewDSoDZWTwYi_zfSVwRPS3v25byFmX_ubKofZfLSMj p8rdQN275RmDGIzzMOolgwiQHNI5SckkmnwN7DGCs6UtyL84UoNw?width=1 024&height=824&cropmode=none

[dook]

Eighth Air Force Osnabruck ?

[nvubu]

Not Osnabruk.

Smoke markers going down

https://qivepw.db.files.1drv.com/y4mDiMY-qOXohyihddVspn-ag7YoqfWB81DIfl-R2Bg3F715UMbpRKtGQoC-S6v9Uf0PtJizOYd3AAOCUMLNoeUqqxXIAFFkm7K4V4m4vUzauvY9dd9xWbeR YvpvVEW8rWIQHVyQ9DuVpeWOwGgwvGWo9e4ezF8mfk_hnJ9ORfUw33c83Nrj srh-ZhRG0ZuASYgLz3n3wVyR4y-DNCdDvel2w?width=868&height=1024&cropmode=none

[dook]

Oberpfaffenhofen ?

[nvubu]

Well done dook, Oberpfaffenhofen it is.

I thought that image may give it away. My next two would definitely have done so.
https://z4nu4w.db.files.1drv.com/y4mkSkdY1nqvxrsKu7kV6MJnZ3aixGzS3mx20w_iCZAwSCeo7zRBV-zKlf7bdMiSxXRATItdwYnGNI35bQe-ySAuky4rN0gcwUHAfi9sPIyT-Su6CPk_GpXitjCWNAKOPq7pHaInYabKnUDLgif9bXdhqLo8xq_KXz4jnVTku vSQ4-X3JBVZpPcPICGpYnWOwltthK03xxFAScdW1LyIpJKXg?width=1024&height=1006&cropmode=none

https://oofkyw.db.files.1drv.com/y4mK85p9ygVbcpRbZWANuCw2JAhfgDJjo_qHEwrdT1Q3ahsWY0JrifxVubVd Y4r3QhayQzU7HcQxc94XNn3CnsBiXSJJjxTyV5U4sodteehNCLXaEO3dDCM9 2qgCyBGcYqmXWkIfg0eqmGMLkEYFoRs8G8tRb8piPqbiBxRrhzF9ykE4z-cAzHBKc1yjKUCq1V1iQ6hLit0qiogiXER7HuHoA?width=1024&height=776&cropmode=none

[dook]

It was the Fort DF-Z which helped to find it.

http://i66.tinypic.com/2wnr6om.jpg

[Self loading bear]

Dook

Pan Am Grace Airlines
1934 - First freight contract Cuzco - Huanacopampa
(Peru)
But no clue if your photo is departure or destination.

OH if correct (enough)
My grandfathers book is not finished but I have to do better character play in the future.

SLB

[dook]

Peru it is but you are over 500 miles away.

[Asturias56]

Huanchaco? FAP Captain Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport???

Also known as Trujillo, La Libertad

[dook]

You have moved further away in the wrong direction.

[Asturias56]

Ah _ I went 500+ miles from Cuzco - but I see it could be 500+ miles from Huanacopapma

Which could be Arequipa?

[dook]

Bingo with Arequipa. :D

The thread is all yours.

[Asturias56]

Lots of volcanoes in that part of the world!!

Try this one for size - N hemisphere - and I'm off out for a couple of hours

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/408x264/2019_01_11_170108_600070455a3721e672cbd937ce4dcb88107465ac.j pg

[dook]

Possibly Italy.

[Asturias56]

No - bit warmer I think

And quite a long way from Italy

[dook]

An old bowser.

Thailand ?

[Auxtank]

Could it be India ?

[India Four Two]

Indonesia?

[Asturias56]

A very very long way from the the "I" countries above and Thailand...................

It's classed as an International Airport but I don't think it has any scheduled international flights.

[Auxtank]

I wonder...

Oman ?

Scrub that - too much greenery.

[dook]

Please tell us if we are east of Europe or west.

The 180 degree meridian may be used.

[Auxtank]

Are we in Africa - a gnat's hair from the Equator?

[Asturias56]

No no no no

We are about as far as it's possible to get from Thailand etc in the N Hemisphere.......... I'm off out for a glass or two ................

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/441x495/2019_01_11_170743_57be554a737121565759edc8d7157ea64d8a9747.j pg

[dook]

Please tell us if we are east of Europe or west.
The 180 degree meridian may be used.

You have said no. Does that mean we are not going to get answer ?

South America possibly.

[Auxtank]

Too late dook - Asturias has gone off for one of his glasses that he does of an evening.
I reckon N. Africa

[dook]

My glass is in front of me.

I think he needs to look at the ICAO definition of an international airport.

[Auxtank]

Mine too. Cheers!

Agreed.

[ve3id]

How about Bermuda LF Wade?

[Auxtank]

Asturias is certainly having that "glass or two".

Come on. East or West of the Prime Meridian for starters...

I have a feeling we're back in sunny Spain or Portugal.

[Auxtank]

No no no no

We are about as far as it's possible to get from Thailand etc in the N Hemisphere.......... I'm off out for a glass or two ................

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/441x495/2019_01_11_170743_57be554a737121565759edc8d7157ea64d8a9747.j pg


The only tells in that photo are that every European airport does slanted roofs and the flaps are at Flaps 5.
I have no idea what we can infer from this...

[Asturias56]

jeez guys - relax - there has to be more to life than "Which Aerodrome" on a Saturday night... well there is in my life - even in winter we can find more to do than work the internet in N Italy...

We're talking the America's here - about 180 +/- 20 degrees west of Thailand etc etc

the airport has the words "international" in its title and the local authorities classify it as "international" class but I think it only has 4-6 scheduled flights a day

It's not too far from the sea - bit of a hidden gem IMHO - not on the major tourist circuit - now midnight-ish in the Po Valley - goodnight to everyone........

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/841x523/2019_01_11_170839_1e14a5dd77114fad6fed5d6c1cfcae30d47a26b8.j pg

[Asturias56]

Ok - a refreshing stroll and a coffee later... this might help...

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/273x234/2019_01_11_170142_d63313045c31c7dee9b96a356809f09cd87b3bdd.j pg

[dook]

Looking at your longitude clue, are we in Mexico ?

The flying boat is a Grumman Albatross. Looking.

[dook]

There's one painted like that at Campeche.

[Asturias56]

Dook again!!

Didn't think it would last long with that clue

here's GoogleErth - you can see the what looks like the original airstrip retained to the NNW of the main runway. It's an interesting place - quite quiet but some good hotels and restaurants......

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/639x810/2019_01_11_170004_65c107812e675498a1d819659594c2d8b3164f66.j pg

[Auxtank]

There's one painted like that at Campeche.

Darn you dook - I just came here to post that. It is indeed Campeche International (MMCP)

[dook]

Sorry about that gentlemen.

The orientation of this runway is 06 from the bottom.

http://i66.tinypic.com/hrln9i.jpg

[Asturias56]

text seems to say "..historic image from 2006" - I feel old.........................

Must be a steady wind from the NE - all the rubber is on the south end of 06..............

rectangular road pattern so unlikely to be Europe - I'll punt on the US of A..........................

[dook]

OK Mr, Cats Eyes, but it's not the USA.

[Auxtank]

Are we "Back in the USSR" ?

[Asturias56]

Looking closely I think the ORIGINAL access road was that "county road" (to use an American description ) that heads out from the terminal are to the left and hits another small road at a right angle. There is a bigger, and newer road , that cuts across country to the NW . Hard to say but maybe the airfield is under renovation/improvement - and there is a larger town off the picture to the NW?

Also a very long (and looks older) extension to 06 to the SW - so maybe used by larger aircraft in the past??? Or a great big hill there???

If it's not the USA it might be Australia

[dook]

Gentlemen,

We are not in the old USSR or Australia, but the USA suggestion was closer.

[Auxtank]

Perchance Canada ?

[dook]

Not Canada either.

It's warm here......

[Auxtank]

Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport
Formerly Varadero

[dook]

Now there's a good shot.

Cuba it is. Your service. :ok:

[Auxtank]

Thank you. Started a square search south of USA.

OH as have to go out for a few hours.

[India Four Two]

This one was well known in its day:

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/571x543/screen_shot_2019_01_11_at_11_02_57__a5fe9f093c72f885c6c70ccd 86015388f093fe52.png

[dook]

Looks decidedly UK.

[India Four Two]

Looks can be deceiving :)

[dook]

Thank you.

I'll therefore shoot for USA or Canada.

[India Four Two]

Obviously no sense antenna on your ADF. ;)
Try a reciprocal heading - go east young man.

PS There is a US connection.

[kenparry]

............................................Germany?

[dook]

Obviously no sense antenna on your ADF.

It's the loop which is u/s.

[dook]

Maybe we're in France.

[Auxtank]

Another vote for Germany...

or maybe Holland.

[Kemble Pitts]

Main airfield, Rechlin. German version of Farnborough before and during WWII.

[Auxtank]

Main airfield, Rechlin. German version of Farnborough before and during WWII.

I knew it was Germany alles is sehr neat und tidy.
So the trees and outline of taxiways is still there on the pre 1940 but later to the south we had this;

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/465x611/5555_9bae860134732484fa07074a2ec49f625219781b.jpg

[dook]

Yes, I found it a while back but I'm puzzled as to why Kemble Pitts referred to it as the main airfield.

[Auxtank]

Yes, I found it a while back but I'm puzzled as to why Kemble Pitts referred to it as the main airfield.

Minimal research (glass in front of me) leads me to opine that Kemble Pitts accurately describes the original airfield - which following commencement of hostilities in 1939 - was moved down the road to the bigger space.

Helluva long taxi between the two though.

Here's the Wiki old boy; a complicated past.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechlin–Lärz_Airfield

[India Four Two]

Yes, the Erprobungsstellen (testing locations) Rechlin.

Here's an RAF reconnaissance photo:
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/425x507/screen_shot_2019_01_11_at_13_57_01__4fe7b4605c7a91b628221852 6569e9f8c6fa5c6d.png

Here's the US connection:
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/587x328/screen_shot_2019_01_13_at_19_00_30__5d8e451bdd815dc958b26b41 94cc3a7c35b813ea.png
https://www.ndr.de/kultur/geschichte/Rechlin-Wo-die-deutsche-Luftwaffe-geboren-wurde,rechlin126.html

A history of Rechlin can be found here: https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2017/02/05/erprobungsstelle-rechlin/
Something I didn't know is that it is adjacent to the largest lake wholly within Germany - the Müritz See.

There is an interesting-looking museum, just to the northwest of the old airfield:
https://www.luftfahrttechnisches-museum-rechlin.de

Kemble Pitts has control.

[dook]

I wonder where Kemble Pitts is.

[Auxtank]

I wonder if he is aware of rules re: winner chooses next or declares Open House to throw it open to the floor for anyone.

[Asturias56]

Not a regular - only 36 posts since March 2016 but they are the one's that need encouragement

According to the rules he has 48 Hours and I think we should be patient = have to wait to 19:40 Board Time on Wednesday - I shall go back to building my model Cant 501 out of matchsticks

"

That winner shall either post another challenge or declare the floor open. Anyone may then post the next challenge.
If the winner of the challenge does not respond to the notification of their success within 48 hours, an Open house can be declared when there is consensus between multiple other posters which are on line.
When the poster of a challenge does not respond within 48 hours of a posted answer, this poster can be declared winner if the answer is considered correct in a consensus of multiple other posters.
If Open House is declared, regular posters should not jump in immediately, but time should be given for those who are not great at naming the correct location as they may have some good images.
There will only be one challenge running at a time.

[dook]

According to "rule" 4 he has 48 hours.

I think this should be 24 and still considers time zone differences.

Perhaps nvubu might consider this.

[Asturias56]

24 is too tight - if you are travelling

[dook]

If you are travelling perhaps you should declare OH anyway. We do this on my other site.

A stalled thread is no fun.

[Auxtank]

If you are travelling perhaps you should declare OH anyway. We do this on my other site.

A stalled thread is no fun.

Would a nudging PM be considered overzealous?

[dook]

But he would only see it if he's on line, which he isn't.

[Auxtank]

But he'd get a notification Email with the content of the PM whether or not he was logged on here.

[dook]

Only if he is subscribed to it. I don't get them.

Send him one then and see if you get a response.

[Auxtank]

No you. You've been here longer than me. You're the senior man. ;)

[dook]

Done...………..

[Auxtank]

What now?

Now, we wait...

[Asturias56]

Looking back this thread sometimes went days without an update or contribution - I know that doesn't suit some but there's a danger we'll finish up with a small number of "enthusiasts" only

[dook]

Disagree. We are always at the mercy of someone who doesn't play within the spirit of the game.

Anyone who regularly plays here is by definition an enthusiast.

Our friend has made only 36 posts in almost three years.

[Auxtank]

I doubt that our friend has intentionally absconded from his obligation to either pose a new challenge or declare OH on this thread but rather that he is unaware of the matter.

Either way it is frustrating when one is in the mood for an aerodrome challenge. Patience I suppose is the order of the day.

Back to making that full scale working glider out of old loo roll tubes.

[dook]

This pilot is departing the fix.

[nvubu]

I changed it to 48 hours as 24 hours was thought too tight.
Have sent them a PM.

edit to add: I wouldn't worry too much about 2-3 days delay, this sort of thing has occurred since the start of the 1st thread.

[Kemble Pitts]

OK, OK, can't a chap have a break...??

Not being very genned-up on the current level of difficulty being posted by you 'officionados' I've taken a punt on this one. Ready to be beaten within seconds...

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/241x283/capture_ad63637202e19b662784cea27580567cb6357073.png

[Kemble Pitts]

In response to queries about Rechlin being the main airfield.

The one posted in the photo was the original aerodrome with all of the complex and comprehensive test facilities much like RAE Farnborough. This remained the case throughout the war. However, when the jets came along Rechlin was not able to accomodate them or to be easily extended to do so, so they built a new aerodrome a mile or so south with hard runways and not much else (known as Rechlin-Larz). So the original remained the 'parent field'.

The adjacent Muritz lake was also used for seaplane and marine craft testing.

Thought you might like to know...

[Auxtank]

In response to queries about Rechlin being the main airfield.

The one posted in the photo was the original aerodrome with all of the complex and comprehensive test facilities much like RAE Farnborough. This remained the case throughout the war. However, when the jets came along Rechlin was not able to accomodate them or to be easily extended to do so, so they built a new aerodrome a mile or so south with hard runways and not much else (known as Rechlin-Larz). So the original remained the 'parent field'.

The adjacent Muritz lake was also used for seaplane and marine craft testing.

Thought you might like to know...

A fascinating history Kemble and a very interesting read of those links posted.

dook - return to last reported fix immediate!

[nvubu]

Welcome to the mad-house :)

I don't think it's the UK, but I do think it is in Europe

[Auxtank]

It looks like Europe

Possibly France or Switzerland.

[JENKINS]

Short term memories perhaps? Akeman Street.

[Auxtank]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/275x183/unknown_757eede94751b59bdcce260fbdf11bf667d94b55.jpeg
Bloody Norah Jenkins...you're good...

[Kemble Pitts]

Very good shot Jenkins, has it appeared in this 'theatre' before?.

Out of interest Wiki says that it closed in 1947 but I have a quarter- mil chart dated 1973 that shows it active. Anybody got any insight on what was happening between those dates?

[JENKINS]

Thanks, 'twas here not too long ago. One within this parish wrote of living close to Akeman Street further East, and I have many long days of flying close to the road and also further East.

Now this. Visited several times with two different airlines, and always managed a visual approach. V22 very busy chez moi today.https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1440x1080/earth_postcard_1547145377_f5e368db046e96d7ddddb99b32d142d2b9 4965af.jpg

[Self loading bear]

Looks like beach to the left
looks like marsh to the right
its is on the pointy end of a (pen)insula?
V22 = Osprey or balbuzard

Brits who give French criptics
Thats difficult for a Dutch Bolleboos

SLB

[JENKINS]

Yes to beach and marsh, yes to a small peninsula. V22 Osprey purely a red herring, very noisy overhead at the moment.

[Auxtank]

Yes to beach and marsh, yes to a small peninsula. V22 Osprey purely a red herring, very noisy overhead at the moment.


Angleterre ? or am I many miles off...

[JENKINS]

Not England. Miles? Thought that kilometres were in vogue at the moment. Distance difficult to quantify; for me something like Munich to Helsinki was long range in my scheduled airline jobs, so perhaps a statement that I was a regional airline pilot might help.

[nvubu]

If I am right, we did this location less than a month ago, but with a non Google Earth photo from the other way.

edit to add:
or maybe not, as that one (Chatham Island) had on 05 on the runway :(

[JENKINS]

North at top, a very long way from Chatham Island. N.B. my affirmation of regional airline, and implication of Europe. The Chatham dynasty not too popular at this spot.

[JENKINS]

Bed time, nos dda. I will weave my way upstairs, back tomorrow morning UK time.

[jensdad]

North at top, a very long way from Chatham Island. N.B. my affirmation of regional airline, and implication of Europe. The Chatham dynasty not too popular at this spot.
Could the 'Chatham Dynasty' be the Royal Navy? Could the airfield be on one of the German Frisian Islands? I'll take a wild slash at the magnificently-named Wangerooge.

[JENKINS]

I regret that this is not a 'Riddle of the Sands' island, although on reflection there is a distinct link between the book and this location. 'Chatham' refers to the family, not the Royal Navy.

[dook]

Morning Jenks.

Small peninsula, as you said earlier, or an island ?

Perhaps we're not in Germany.

[JENKINS]

Small, relatively insignificant, peninsula among others.

[Auxtank]

I regret that this is not a 'Riddle of the Sands' island, although on reflection there is a distinct link between the book and this location. 'Chatham' refers to the family, not the Royal Navy.

Has lead me in a very roundabout way to

Donegal (EIDL)

OH if so

[JENKINS]

Yes, that's it. Erskine Childers, of course, leading you to Eire. I knew it in days of yore as Carrickfin, the local village. Nice breakfast there as the passengers on the oil charters headed off to the Atlantic.

OH declared.

[Auxtank]

A fun challenge as I spent a good deal of time exploring the various peninsulas (peninsulae?) of Northern Europe and made some interesting discoveries so thank you. And yes, Childers irish roots and eventual execution for gun running lead me up to N.I.
Eddie's Cafe appears to still be there.

Indeed, OH

[dook]

Ball rolling again.

http://i68.tinypic.com/2r5cehw.jpg

[JENKINS]

Totally unfamiliar with the locale, but I wonder about an engine change at Changi? Perhaps the tail of a 'Frightener' to the right?

[dook]

Not familiar with the 'Frightener' unless you mean a Valiant, but it's not Singapore.

[JENKINS]

Bristol Freighter!

[dook]

Dunno………….

[Auxtank]

Is we in Oz ?

[sycamore]

Maybe a `whining wheelbarrow` at mid-left...? Frightener probably civilian,as Kiwis were camo`d..civil airfield...?

[dook]

We are not in Oz or Kiwi land.

The airfield is civilian and military, but was military when the photograph was taken.

[sycamore]

When was the photo taken...?
Swaying palm trees and near the Equator..?

[dook]

Taken in 1966 and close to the Equator.

[sycamore]

`CAT`/WBGG..?

[dook]

Well found sycamore.

Kuching it is, when it was an RAF airfield.

Please take the stage.

[sycamore]

Open House;
103 Sqdn dispersal on far side ,but no aircraft so we must have been busy; Brit may have brought `Frankie Howard`s roadshow,and `hosties`! Frightener was Kiwi,further along would be Valetta,Twin Pins,Hastings and hangar..
Left,out of sight,far side ,would be Javelins(60/64),Hunters(20),Auster/Beaver...
It was actually civil as well as Borneo/Malayan Airways DC3s and F-27s were operating normally...
Happy days for a first tour,2 engine failures,1 tail-rotor failure....
Where did you find the picture...?

[dook]

I found the picture in a private Air Traffic e-mail (my wife was ATC).

All I know is that it is a Ghurka band welcoming new arrivals.

I also have a pic of Belvedere helicopters if you would like them.

I have more.

OH is in order, but of course I cannot post.

[JENKINS]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1440x1080/earth_postcard_1547053186_dc03a881bf1057fa92e59e251103580a3d f7b0b2.jpg
For Sycamore it was downhill all the way from there. Right canny lads, this one. Never been there, or even close. Completely different scene on the other side of the runway, and might mean more to a WIWOL, since at least one of my acquaintance has been spotted there. Might even have taken root, ho--ho.

Liked the Britannia.

[dook]

Liked the Britannia.

Can you identify the airline ?

[JENKINS]

Yes, British Eagle. Various identities, had once been Cunard Eagle, tits up 1968.

[India Four Two]

A Brit with a stylised eagle on the tail? Let me think! :)

Incidentally, for anyone mystified by Sycamore’s CAT reference, Kuching is the Indonesian/Malay word for cat - properly spelled kucing.

PS You have to be quick off the blocks to beat JENKINS these days!

[dook]

Do any of you sleuths have a plot to post ?

[JENKINS]

Sorry, finger trouble. It's now there, above.

[dook]

Two observations:

the vehicle entering the car park appears to be driving on the left and

the jets seem to have no fins, but I think that's due to oblique view distortion

UK ?

[JENKINS]

Not UK, horrible distortion.

[ea200]

Definitely driving on the left from the road markings. Deciduous trees, low lying from the swampy areas, Oz or NZ?

[dook]

Seeth Efrica ?

[chevvron]

Tokyo Nagoya?

[Asturias56]

Dook tho is correct - all the arrows on the road indicate it's right hand drive country - so UK , Australia, Indonesia, Japan, SE Asia, S and S Central Africa and Guyana

Could be Adelaide??

[JENKINS]

Yes to ea200, keep looking. No to Adelaide. Busy Adelaide at the moment, start of the cycling season.

[Auxtank]

US of A?

Scrub that. Vehicular movements noted.

[Asturias56]

That's a lot of car parking for even for Australia NZ - we must be talking about a big airport... doesn't look like any of the ones I've been to .......

[Auxtank]

This one looked fairly straightforward initially but has ended up being a bit of a tricky customer.

To borrow Asturias' line; 'off out for a glass or two' and then another look at it later.

That hangar looks like it could be a .......

[JENKINS]

Keep looking, canny lads. Lots of car parking, limited aircraft ramp space. A mirage perhaps?

[dook]

canny lads

That's twice you've said that - trying to think laterally but I'm having a glass or six......

[Dora-9]

Civil side at RAAF Williamtown NSW? OH if correct.

[broadreach]

I.e. not a terminal but a repair or manufacturing facility?

[JENKINS]

Dora-9 is so close. Canny lads, Newcastle is the civil side of RAAF Williamstown, and thus the 'mirage.' Here is the complete picture, with Open House declared -https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1440x1080/earth_postcard_1547579285_fef5777f179b329a3984135870e1bef225 83703d.jpg

[dook]

Is anyone else not doing very well of late ?

[Auxtank]

Is anyone else not doing very well of late ?

Affirm.

Back from Inn. Your six glasses - raise you seven. :)

However, this is my 100th post on PPRUNE so Cheers!

[Auxtank]

Try this;

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/670x501/656554_99c22c442ab899767a8aa63b74f716b2b03ca273.jpg

Taxiway.

[dook]

Wing, Buckinghamshire ?

[Auxtank]

Wing, Buckinghamshire ?

Wrong AMSL

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x680/fdfzdf_cc1205af85cf6d9e3330d98e4852fbd955135a5d.jpg

[dook]

Well, I would say that is in the UK.

Was it RAF WW2 ?

[Auxtank]

It is UK. What's left of it.

(Sorry, should clarify - what's left of the airfield - not the UK - especially after tonight's commons vote, etc)

[dook]

Yes - I have sent a personal e-mail to my Conservative MP with a some warnings in no uncertain terms.

[Auxtank]

Auxtank has low fuel warning and must thus find nearest bed to land on.

Leave you with this;

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/723x599/3443434_0a44f0e38e9aade69e37c2d02cadc9b6543a3cd3.jpg

Back in morning Zulu time. Night.

[India Four Two]

Gosfield and Wattisham are 292 ft AMSL but neither fit the picture.

[Dora-9]

Actually Jenkins, it is Williamtown. Williamstown is a suburb of Melbourne. Confusing, I know...

[TheiC]

That’s Chilbolton.

[dook]

I will confirm that winner.

[Auxtank]

Well done to TheiC - 'tis RAF Chilbolton indeed.

Further info here: https://www.airshowspresent.com/raf-chilbolton.html

TheiC - you have control.

[TheiC]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/dsc03193_perfectlyclear_40f73ede264f99a95cd8f92bb8d72a67fe0a e666.jpg

Many thanks...

I'll do my best to respond promptly to any queries and suggestions...

[JENKINS]

Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire? An addition of thanks to Dora-9 for nudge on Melbourne. Fine city, oldest school chum there, in Malvern having left Malvern UK in 1967.

[dook]

Maybe Oirland.

[Auxtank]

Maybe Oirland.

Yep, I'll take a stab at that. Poolbeg chimneys from Dublin Airport (remote corner of)

[dook]

The only problem is that I can't find an airstrip/field around there except Baldonnell and it isn't that.

[dook]

Auxtank,

Viewed from Dublin airport the two chimneys are almost in line.

[Auxtank]

Indeed. Hummm...

[TheiC]

Not the Emerald Isle, I'm afraid, though another place nearby regularly hosts visitors from there, nor Lincolnshire, on which I might comment further later on.

[dook]

...another place nearby regularly hosts visitors from there

Might those visitors be animals ?

[TheiC]

No. Strictly speaking, they are mineral (but do tell us why you ask..?).

[dook]

I was thinking racehorses.

Now I'm wondering how visitors can be mineral.

[TheiC]

Strictly speaking, my dictionary confirms that I'm using the word outside its usual meaning, but only as others here do, especially the unlicensed.

[dook]

As in fizzy drinks ?

[TheiC]

I’m afraid not. They walk amongst us here, though often returning to the Balcony.

[Auxtank]

This challenge has taken a decidedly surreal angle.

TheiC - are we in England?

[dook]

I think we are not.

One across in a crossword puzzle.

[TheiC]

No, not England.

[TheiC]

...and for the surrealists amongst us, the visitors from the Emerald Isle do not come from the Emerald Isle.

[Auxtank]

You mean they are itinerant - merely passing through the emerald isle on their way to some further destination ??

[TheiC]

Almost precisely the opposite.

[Auxtank]

Okaaaay.

Russia ?

[dook]

Enough.

Are we in northern Europe ?

[TheiC]

At last! Yes, Northern Europe.

[Auxtank]

France was mentioned and then not ?

[TheiC]

That's to say, Europe. You'd have to define 'Northern' for me, though instinctively I say yes.

[TheiC]

Non. Ce n'est pas la France.

[TheiC]

Net, ne rossiya.

[Auxtank]

Is it a new airport - say, in the last five years or so ?

[Self loading bear]

I’m afraid not. They walk amongst us here, though often returning to the Balcony.

Are you refering to fossils?
as being elderly people on vacation?

or diamonds?
as being a certain squadron which lands in Ireland but also nearby the airfield of the challenge?

SLB

[TheiC]

Is it a new airport - say, in the last five years or so ?

No, it will shortly celebrate its centenary.

[TheiC]

Are you refering to fossils?
as being elderly people on vacation?

or diamonds?
as being a certain squadron which lands in Ireland but also nearby the airfield of the challenge?

SLB

I was talking about my use of the word 'visitor'. The visitors I mentioned are not people. I've a feeling that people are over-thinking that clue.

[sycamore]

Birds,geese,swans,etc??

[TheiC]

No. Aeroplanes. ��

[kenparry]

Ah! Are the "visitors" Ryanair?

[TheiC]

Ah! Are the "visitors" Ryanair?
Well that took about five hours longer than I expected it to!

[kenparry]

OK, so we have narrowed it down to somewhere close to one of the several hundred Ryanair destinations...……………………….. might take a while …………………….

[TheiC]

OK, so we have narrowed it down to somewhere close to one of the several hundred Ryanair destinations...……………………….. might take a while …………………….

In fact, one of several hundred Ryanair destinations not served from Ireland.

[dook]

I'm sure this will help everyone.

Bye.

http://i65.tinypic.com/dztnrd.jpg

[JENKINS]

So perhaps Padua?

[TheiC]

So perhaps Padua?

No, not Padua

I wouldn't have said that Padua was Northern Europe...

[JENKINS]

Agreed, the balcony was drawing my thoughts. 100 years, how about Danzig?

[TheiC]

The Balcony was 'spotter's balcony', where they talk about aeroplanes as 'visitors'...

Not Danzig, I'm afraid.

You wouldn't want an engine failure off either end here, in an SEP, but that doesn't bother many of the users, nor did it bother some of the noted alumni of the aeroclub.

[Auxtank]

Are we somewhere along the Rhine ?

[Auxtank]

Ingolstadt to punt it out there.

[TheiC]

Rhein? Nein.

Punt it back in, if you would...

[Auxtank]

Das is gut.

[TheiC]

For the surrealists again:

This aerodrome isn't in the Titanic, nor is it in the Golgafrincham B-Ark, nor the Bistromath, but you might say it's in something of their kind, the name of which Douglas Adams would have delighted in.

[Auxtank]

Switzerland.

[TheiC]

I’m afraid not Switzerland. But we’re narrowing it down!

[chevvron]

Szczecin has undergone recent upgrading works ie construction of a parallel taxiway and it is a Ryanair destination in pine forest with chimneys nearby, BUT I don't think it's 100 years old being an ex Warsaw Pact airfield.

[Auxtank]

Good shot but there's three tall chimneys visible from the apron there. Two only in the above pic - unless Dame Photoshoppen has been at work...

Which on this thread would be a crime punishable by death by de-icer.

[TheiC]

No photoshop involved... I think we’ll aim for the target now, rather than area suggestions...

[dook]

PM for Aux.

[Auxtank]

How about Austria - Magrathea being an unlikely candidate.

[TheiC]

DEFINITELY not Magrathea. Nor any suggestion that Slartibartfast did any of the coastline, it lacking anything resembling a fjord.

[kaikohe76]

The surrounding trees on the airfield are very similar to those at Mulhouse, looking at video & photos of the unfortunate loss of the A320 when it could not climb away.

[TheiC]

An older view but from roughly the same place...https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/dsc03190_edit_perfectlyclear_perfectlyclear_4ec8b606e877eb0a 78229a00601dc2c7e2a6533a.jpg

[dook]

What a great twelve hour day...….:ugh::ugh::ugh:

[TheiC]

If you’re getting frustrated just ask and I’ll post the answer. I don’t want to hold things up.

[Self loading bear]

If you’re getting frustrated just ask and I’ll post the answer. I don’t want to hold things up.​​​​​​

no, have us search some more.

[Checklist Charlie]

Is this a competition to identify some airfield or other or a competition to see who can make up the most obscure of clues?
CC

[TheiC]

Katowice-Muchowiec, Poland.

[TheiC]

Open house.

[grizzled]

TheiC

On behalf of ppruners (both long-timers and newbies) who've been sitting quietly by, I apologise to you for the rudeness of some of the posters here. They've been complaining for months about the lack of interest in the forum, especially from "non-regulars" and then they lash out like privileged boors -- all the while bending their own newly resurrected and posted rules as suits them -- or ignoring them completely.

Disgusting

[Auxtank]

Mid January.

A depressing time of year to say the least.

[Auxtank]

Okay - here we go. And it's going to be tricky.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/500x375/233535_2c66ec485fa0f751887ba0653319bfdfcae7b48e.jpg

Back onboard zulu morning.

[India Four Two]

TheiC,

I agree with grizzled. I’ve been playing this game for more years than I can remember. Some players are becoming too impatient.

No one should feel pressured into revealing their challenge.

[kaikohe76]

Hi Auxtank & others, the concrete slabs remind me of Sleap in Shropshire.

[Auxtank]

On looking they are similar.

All be it on a smaller scale...

[Asturias56]

As a newboy I find this thread fascinating...

some of the old challenges (and clues) are amazing

I do agree tho that people need to be less impatient.. Pprune has worldwide coverage and most people only log in once a day at most I suspect. Sometimes this thread gets like a chat room with literally instant responses. I prefer the e older, more relaxed tempo.....

[kcockayne]

As a newboy I find this thread fascinating...

some of the old challenges (and clues) are amazing

I do agree tho that people need to be less impatient.. Pprune has worldwide coverage and most people only log in once a day at most I suspect. Sometimes this thread gets like a chat room with literally instant responses. I prefer the e older, more relaxed tempo.....
I am totally with you, Asturias. It is for that reason that I have not posted for quite a while - that, & the fact that I haven't had any idea of any of the airfields I/Ds !

[BSD]

Best thread on PPrune!

Latest challenge: haven't a clue!

BSD.

[Auxtank]

If these cows could talk...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/700x525/img_4481_f93fd976f230eb2dc7f2b659d095cf8528119d68.jpg

[dook]

Having frustrated myself yesterday because I couldn't find the challenge, I am not going to annoy myself today.

This one might be in the UK. A fire hydrant (I think) in the middle of a airfield is certainly unusual.

Maybe weapons were involved.

[TheiC]

They certainly were. Greenham Common.