Old Warden '87
— Alex Imrie
The site and events
Most aviation buffs know Old Warden both as the home of the Shuttleworth Collection, a famous group of historic airplanes kept in flying condition, and as the venue of sundry model-flying meets on the annual British calendar. Situated on the Shuttleworth estate, 40 miles north of London, the small grass aerodrome takes its name from a nearby picturesque village of thatched-roof houses. The site was used in the 1930s as the private flying field of a Shuttleworth family son, an aviation buff who also founded the museum with historical aircraft he had acquired and restored. (Editor: See Col. John A. de Vries' Giant Scale column in this issue.)
Three main events, run by Argus Specialist Publications, the well-known publishing house for UK model magazines, are scheduled each year at Old Warden. These are:
- Scale Weekend (20–21 June 1987)
- Golden Era Day (12 July 1987)
- Vintage Weekend (15–16 August 1987)
The events are generally low-key, fly-for-fun affairs. Although some activities are competitive, even these don't approach the pitch and intensity of U.S. flying competitions.
Flying focus and restrictions
The focus at Old Warden is clearly on radio control (RC), both scale and vintage. RC models are favored with the most desirable flying area, where the short-cut grass permits easy maneuverability. Strict RC frequency control is maintained.
Free Flight and Control Line events are confined to their respective assigned areas—with the Free Flight area determined by wind direction—and are expected to keep well away from the RC fliers. Adherents of the many styles of Free Flight usually have to fend for themselves at these meets.
Because space is limited and there are a number of trees in the vicinity, competition power models are a minority. Enthusiasts who do fly such space-hungry models tend to keep the power down and employ short engine runs, so the field is far from ideal for Free Flight power. The restricted choice of models could be termed the "Old Warden Effect."
The museum and modeling
Old Warden is one of the few sites within easy reach of London; as a result the meets are well attended. The museum, an added attraction, displays different types of full-size aircraft that can be examined at close quarters. Over the years nearly all the exhibits have inspired modeling subjects; the wealth of detail in the full-size aircraft encourages modelers to copy actual three-dimensional prototypes. Modelers generally do an authentic job, not merely working from photographic evidence.
Atmosphere and attendance
At major Old Warden meets the car park fills up early; fliers unload models and drift toward the areas of activity. Socializing is an important part of the gatherings: renewing acquaintances, consummation of trades previously negotiated by phone or letter, or just plain chin-wagging makes the day invariably delightful. The notoriously unpredictable British weather adds spice and variety. On really poor days, when wind and rain hold sway, numbers are understandably down and time is spent jawing rather than flying.
As a modeling reporter, I enjoy the opportunity to catch up with what the builders have been doing—something that I find next-to-impossible when Old Warden is at full boil.
Records and foreign attendance
Fortunately, we were generally blessed with good weather this year, and the numbers—especially at the Vintage Weekend—were record attendances. The sheer amount of activity that one is forced to miss in such a situation is a source of personal frustration: I want to be everywhere at once, in on all the action, listening to all the gossip; but the best I can manage is just a personal view of a small fraction of the happenings.
Foreign attendance at the Old Warden meets has increased, and for the last few years we have been honored with sizable U.S. contingents. If you're among those who have yet to join us, we have a treat in store for you. Might we enjoy your company there in 1988?
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
