The Few Go Camping!

They say the longest journey starts with a single step, and my puppet film project has it's first completed filming miniature!

While researching RAF airfields, I came across a photo in the Imperial War Museum archives.

It was a civilian caravan that had been painted in camouflage and was being used as a Dispersal shack by Hurricane Fighter pilots.

It seemed odd and yet perfect, so I researched more deeply. I shared that information with my co-worker and fact checker, intending to get an approval before I built it Old School style using cardboard and a steel ruler. Taking a break from building a 1/3 scale Spitfire cockpit, he drew up and laser-cut a 1/12 scale prototype kit from MDF before I knew it!

Perfectly following my specifications, it eased my workload, but still allowed me a bit of Old School cutting joy on the window frames!

Then I airbrushed the camouflage and got into detailing and weathering. Because my film will be shot in 4K resolution, I've had to be very subtle with these effects. My old chemical film resolution techniques are too coarse for today's technology. What the eye sees, the camera now sees...

The old motto "You'll never see it" no longer holds true.

The 1940s style cartoon is a story point, where the established pilots make fun of our heroine because of her short stature.

The Squadron crest is a Hedgehog and the Latin motto roughly translates as "Beware the pricks" something she is acutely aware of!

Oh, Derek Meddings! The life you made me follow!

Looey

Oz Base

Toys: A Short Film by Roman Kroitor and Colin Low

 https://www.nfb.ca/film/toys/

This is an unusual and old film with a macabre spin on Action Man/ GI Joe toys from the National Film Board of Canada. Looking at the date, 1966, it was made when the toys were first out in the shops.

No doubt you'll decide for yourself what you make of this if you watch it.

I understand the debate about military toys generally and its one I have come across often having a grandson. 

All I can say is that personally my own Sixties and early Seventies childhood was completely filled with Action Man and I loved every minute of it. I reckon I turned out more or less OK too now I'm in my Sixties.

Aircraft Recognition Training - including Viewmaster

I just found this video on You Tube. A look at the various methods of aircraft recognition training, mainly in WW2.

From three-view silhouettes, on cards, in books and magazines, or printed on clear plastic for projection. Some were even printed on to playing cards, and used in various board games.

Models of various types in wood, plastic, plaster, and cardboard. Many of these were made by established model aircraft companies putting their peacetime experience to use.

Even the wartime role of the Viewmaster stereoscopic viewer is covered, and a military example is shown. These used the same type of reel as the normal 'toy' version so many of us are familiar with. See what you think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgdECjU8Gio

Paul Adams from New Zealand

WAR POST

 With sombre D-Day celebrations having taken place in Normandy yesterday I thought I'd dig out a few mementos from my late Mum and Dad, who both fought in World war II; Mum WAFs, Dad Navy.

Here's an old 1940's Christmas card.

To my Dad, I don't know who the sender is.

Here's another Xmas card possibly by the same sender. The motif on the front says Per Ardua Ad Astra. I assume its the RAF.

A similarly motifed card, this time with a photograph of an unknown plane.

A photograph of an unknown lady riding a military motorcycle of unknown make. I guess she was a friend of my Mum's in the WAF.

The taller chap was the husband of my Parents' old friend Peggy, who emigrated to the states after the War I think. I think this is an American airfield but I don't know the plane.

Post-War excitement blossomed with the Festival of Britain in 1951 in London. At the left hand side you can see the tall spear-like Skylon. I wonder what happened to that Fifties icon? Did you or your parents visit the Festival?

Leaving the Forties and Fifties behind here's me being fed something by my Dad at Butlins circa 1961 with Mum looking on and explaining something to me!

Everyone got white rolls. I still love them!

Around the same time, here's my older brother holding me up with his hands full, a packet of unknown sweets and an unknown toy soldier. I think my brother has a mouth full too!