Chip Bag Help Request
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,034
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From: The Road to Nowhere
Chip Bag Help Request
I am after an RAF Officer's chip bag/Forage Cap/Side Hat. The only source I've found is the Dewhirst mob at Cranwell. Had a look, but to be honest they were a bit 'cheap and nasty' (yet cost a packet). My guess is they've probably got a bit of a monopoly.
I am after one that is lined and padded. When I explained this to the shop assistant in there, she pointed out that, as I was not an 'Air Officer', I would have to make do with one of the normal ones.
Can anyone point me in the right direction? They must be around as I've seen them at other units. I know the Mods don't like adverts, but I would think this is more of a service than a commercial - feel free to PM me if you prefer.
TVM
STH
I am after one that is lined and padded. When I explained this to the shop assistant in there, she pointed out that, as I was not an 'Air Officer', I would have to make do with one of the normal ones.
Can anyone point me in the right direction? They must be around as I've seen them at other units. I know the Mods don't like adverts, but I would think this is more of a service than a commercial - feel free to PM me if you prefer.
TVM
STH
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 32
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From: Essex
TA PinkI know there is a company at RAF St Mawgan that do them. You can even design your own lining if you wish! I've seen ones lined with map (1:50000) design, tartan, and pics etc. Cost is around £40 which is pritty good for a personalised one i recon.
The name of the company escapes me, but i'm sure a sneaky call the station tel exchange will uncover who they are. Perhaps someone here might be able to help too.
TA Pink
The name of the company escapes me, but i'm sure a sneaky call the station tel exchange will uncover who they are. Perhaps someone here might be able to help too.
TA Pink
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 171
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From: UK
Dewhirsts Shmewhirsts!!!
Snaiths Young Man, Snaiths! Have you no standards? Dewhirsts is where the proletariat shop!
Got meself a Snaiths model to save on packing for my lovely ASC trips to Israel and America (catch those for me would you?). Lovely bit of padding and bright red lining.
PM me dear chap and I'll tell you how much they are - hope you're sitting down.
Could also procure it for you if you like and then mail it on.
Cheers
Spots
Tin hat on for proletariat comment!
Snaiths Young Man, Snaiths! Have you no standards? Dewhirsts is where the proletariat shop!
Got meself a Snaiths model to save on packing for my lovely ASC trips to Israel and America (catch those for me would you?). Lovely bit of padding and bright red lining.
PM me dear chap and I'll tell you how much they are - hope you're sitting down.
Could also procure it for you if you like and then mail it on.
Cheers
Spots
Tin hat on for proletariat comment!
Joined: May 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 27,397
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From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
But why would anyone want a blasted tw*t hat?
Last time I bought a SD cap in stores (2002), it cost all of £14. "Are you sure?", I asked them. "Yes Sir" they replied.
I'm convinced it was a cock-up! I reckon that price was just for the badge. But as it was stipulated in their catalogue at that price, that's all they would accept.
SD cap was fine though! Better than paying heaven knows how much at one of those thieving tailors'........
Last time I bought a SD cap in stores (2002), it cost all of £14. "Are you sure?", I asked them. "Yes Sir" they replied.
I'm convinced it was a cock-up! I reckon that price was just for the badge. But as it was stipulated in their catalogue at that price, that's all they would accept.
SD cap was fine though! Better than paying heaven knows how much at one of those thieving tailors'........
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 383
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From: UK
Spotter, I have to make do with a Dewhirst piece of crap... hopefully that makes me more of a victim than a prole? PLEEEEASE don't get the thought police on to me!
I do need to get a better chiphat. The Dewhirst ones are rectangular and look absurd... and they're imitations, too, as you can't let the folded bit down to make the odd balaclava arrangement. Could do with a better one... these jobbies with the personalised linings sound good!
I do need to get a better chiphat. The Dewhirst ones are rectangular and look absurd... and they're imitations, too, as you can't let the folded bit down to make the odd balaclava arrangement. Could do with a better one... these jobbies with the personalised linings sound good!
Last edited by tablet_eraser; 28th March 2005 at 16:46.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,034
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From: The Road to Nowhere
Thanks SpotterFC,
PM on way, though I have to say that a personalised one is attractive given the modern trend for these items to go missing!! Perhaps I will have one lined with black bin-liner plastic - on second thoughts, let's not go there
!
How's the Course going? Any chance you could drop into Scampton and check that work is proceeding apace?
Regards
STH
PM on way, though I have to say that a personalised one is attractive given the modern trend for these items to go missing!! Perhaps I will have one lined with black bin-liner plastic - on second thoughts, let's not go there
!How's the Course going? Any chance you could drop into Scampton and check that work is proceeding apace?
Regards
STH
Registered User **
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 556
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From: Cambridge
Who needs a chip bag anyway???...
Now a 'J' Bloke
I suppose this kind of stuff is for those eccentrics who have to prove to the rest of us that they are eccentrics.
Safety_Helmut (and wearer of free hats)
I suppose this kind of stuff is for those eccentrics who have to prove to the rest of us that they are eccentrics.
Safety_Helmut (and wearer of free hats)
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,034
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From: The Road to Nowhere
Sorry to disappoint, but it's actually just easier to travel with a chip bag and I find it more comfortable to wear as well.
If anyone could let me have a contact no for the St Mawgan hatter I'd be obliged - I don't think there's much chance of a telephone exchange at any of our units, and in my experience, the new service simply isn't up to it:
Me "I'd Like to speak to OC Personnel Services Squadron please"
Operator "How do you spell that please?"
STH
If anyone could let me have a contact no for the St Mawgan hatter I'd be obliged - I don't think there's much chance of a telephone exchange at any of our units, and in my experience, the new service simply isn't up to it:
Me "I'd Like to speak to OC Personnel Services Squadron please"
Operator "How do you spell that please?"
STH
Last edited by SirToppamHat; 27th March 2005 at 20:50.
TAC Int Bloke
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 974
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From: UK
Spotter FC said
I'd hate to disappoint!
Capitalist running dog, part of the fascist military-industrial complex, you (and your hat) will be the first against the wall when the revolution comes
Up the workers!
(And judging by PMA's actions that's just where they are planning to stick it)
The Worker's flag is deepest red......
-Maple
One of the Lumpen Proletariat
Tin hat on for proletariat comment!
Capitalist running dog, part of the fascist military-industrial complex, you (and your hat) will be the first against the wall when the revolution comes
Up the workers!
(And judging by PMA's actions that's just where they are planning to stick it)
The Worker's flag is deepest red......
-Maple
One of the Lumpen Proletariat
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: where should i be today????
I reakon that the quality of the SD hats you buy from stores are cr@p - they look like you have just climbed off a Russian submarine. I vowed I would never wear a chip-bag. Now I swear by them, they are much more practical.
Try getting one made by your local stn tailor - mine was lined with AF grey satin and if you want it padded I'm sure they would do it for a few bob extra.
Try getting one made by your local stn tailor - mine was lined with AF grey satin and if you want it padded I'm sure they would do it for a few bob extra.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 164
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From: Equidistant
Hi Gang;
Padding in the hat must be a comfort when you must have been dropped on your head as a sprog....
For most of us ' mere filth'...the requisite beret is both justifiable and stroppy looking enough to upset most.
Enoy your linings of choice....
Regards..SFS
Padding in the hat must be a comfort when you must have been dropped on your head as a sprog....
For most of us ' mere filth'...the requisite beret is both justifiable and stroppy looking enough to upset most.
Enoy your linings of choice....
Regards..SFS
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 15
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From: Yorkshire
Chip Bags - Cheapest and best from the tailor in Akrotiri if you can get there. Only cost 10 Cyp and she will do whatever lining you like, and can make it in a day! I'm currently on my third from this source as some thieving git keeps pinchin them! (That is the tailors shop opposite the front of SHQ - there are two in Akrotiri)
Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,153
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From: Brit living in Malaysia
Bought my first and only Chip Bag from Au Wai Lam Tailors in Hong Kong (Kai Tak) in early 80s. Made to measure in a day and cost about a fiver.
Dont ever remember any being nicked though. Standards chaps, Standards!
Dont ever remember any being nicked though. Standards chaps, Standards!
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 8
From: The Road to Nowhere
Fire 'n' Forget
I'm thinking of Pink Taffeta and duck down - this should keep my balding head warm AND reduce the chance of it being nicked; mind you, knowing our lot...
Then again, if no-one comes up with a number for the hatter at St Mawgan, it simply won't happen.
Rej - where? Agree regarding the SD hat though.
STH
I'm thinking of Pink Taffeta and duck down - this should keep my balding head warm AND reduce the chance of it being nicked; mind you, knowing our lot...
Then again, if no-one comes up with a number for the hatter at St Mawgan, it simply won't happen.
Rej - where? Agree regarding the SD hat though.
STH
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
From: England
Gieves and Hawkes of No.1 Saville Row do a superb Forage Cap but you pay for the quality!!!!
Just search on Google for their website and look in the military section.
Much better quality than any others I've seen anywhere.
Just search on Google for their website and look in the military section.
Much better quality than any others I've seen anywhere.
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 596
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From: Several miles SSW of Watford Gap
SIF at RAF Cosford do some cheap forage caps. They are good for traveling (saves crushing you SD hat in your luggage - I note that Gieves and Hawkes's is only £190). Especially as berets are not an option in blue for mere mortals; unless, one belongs to the Corps (that's RAF Regt not Air Training).
Fashion tip - don't wear it (the forage cap or (as I have seen) the SD hat) with combats - especially in the company of the Army - it just makes you look a complete tw*t. Dig out the beret they issued at Cranwell or hang the expense and by one with a decent badge.
Fashion tip - don't wear it (the forage cap or (as I have seen) the SD hat) with combats - especially in the company of the Army - it just makes you look a complete tw*t. Dig out the beret they issued at Cranwell or hang the expense and by one with a decent badge.