Hawk 2008 display livery for the DSB Hawk.

[Kevin Farnell]

I agree completely, Dave

I would much rather see an aircraft in its true squadron markings than something that has been painted specially for a display, even if it is dirty and faded. Come to think of it, they look better when they are dirty.

Regards

Kevin

[Tranquil]

I think you must have missed my post further above as mentioned i did this paint as soon as it came out, one for the UKMIL hawk and one for the DSB

[Quixoticish]

Well.. there was a 'Solo' Hawk at Duxford for the final show of the year and it wasn't that one so why bother ;-) I think there's a misconception about 'Display' aircraft.. in general. They really don't need a 'Cat' paintwork to be the 'Black Cats'.. however nice it is. The singleton Hawk doesn't need an individual 'one off' livery to be the annual display aircraft. The Tincan.. the Tornado.. etc.. etc. I honestly think they're more 'attractive' to the general public when they turn up 'as-is'. Of course, there ARE exceptions.. the Reds for one but otherwise.. I think that 'Joe Public' would much rather see what is supposed to be an 'In Service' aircraft.. one that works from day to day WORKING than one with a 'Special' paint job which somehow, detracts from the reality and intention of the actual display and is wheeled out for just such an occassion ;-)

I could be wrong but I AM 'Joe Public' at such events

ATB

DaveB :tab:

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you Dave. Every airshow I've been to the average punter that makes up 90% of the audience at an airshow (not the enthusiasts mind you, there is a difference) can't get enough of display paints or special tails. There are always far more people clamouring for pictures of the aircraft with the attractive paint jobs than the "standard" grey ones, in fact the only special paint scheme I've ever seen that went down poorly with the public is the 19 Squadron anniversary Hawk this year, because most people just saw it as "boring" camouflage rather than painted in (what the public see as) special colours!

Incidentally you aren't Joe Public; the very fact that you're hear posting on this board and you know what you're talking about with a great deal of authority puts you firmly in the enthusiast bracket. No insult intended with that comment by the way; I know some people can get rather tetchy when referred to as "enthusiasts" but I think it's probably the least offensive term for someone-who-has-a-keen-interest-in-aviation.

[Garry Russell]

Enthusisats are OK ...............as long as it is realised that is different from a plane spotter

Garry

[DaveB]

Well.. thanks for not lobbing me in with the 'Anorak' brigade Enthusiast.. yes, Anorak.. certainly not. I see those in their collective thousands 4 times a year at Duxford and once every couple of years at Fairford. They have the biggest cameras and lenses, the biggest ladders, the biggest camera equipment bags (often carried on wheeled carriers!) and importantly.. the little black book in which each airframe is duly noted and logged. THESE would appreciate the 'Display' paints for sure

I just go to see stuff fly ;-)

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Garry Russell]

And of course from later that night all their identical pictures appears on the net.

Garry

[Quixoticish]

Well.. thanks for not lobbing me in with the 'Anorak' brigade Enthusiast.. yes, Anorak.. certainly not. I see those in their collective thousands 4 times a year at Duxford and once every couple of years at Fairford. They have the biggest cameras and lenses, the biggest ladders, the biggest camera equipment bags (often carried on wheeled carriers!) and importantly.. the little black book in which each airframe is duly noted and logged. THESE would appreciate the 'Display' paints for sure

I just go to see stuff fly ;-)

ATB

DaveB :tab:

It's funny, that's probably the first time I've heard anyone say "I just go to see stuff fly". I tried explaining the concept to some folks on UKAR not too long ago and received what you might expect, mountains of abusive PM's and various flame posts on the forum. I just don't see the attraction of living your life through a camera lens when you could be enjoying the sight and sound first hand. If I come away with memories I count that as far better than the perfect shot.

It appears that most number crunchers and atypical "spotters" have now bought DSLR's and all post mediocre pictures identical to everyone elses rather than swapping tail numbers. Admittedly the pictures are technically perfect but they've missed a huge part of what makes photography an art form; there's no passion, no sense of place. Again I tend to get flamed on UKAR for complaining when people do things like crop the crowd or the barriers out of shots, they seem to have this bizarre idea of the "perfect" aircraft image in their minds and they've got it woefully wrong and they are reducing an art-form to paint by numbers, if you excuse the analogy.

Affordable DSLR's have really spoiled photography for those of us that gave a damn back when all we had were SLR film cameras, now everyone considers themselves a "photographer" and the reality is they haven't got a clue about composition or how to make a photograph come alive. It's not just airshows that suffer, at Leuchars this year I noted every other person with a DSLR fighting their way past the barrier and standing in everyones way so they can take photographs. And it's not just at airshows, the last time I went to Alton Towers every other muppet was walking around with a DSLR and documenting the day rather than enjoying themselves. Exactly the same the last time I visited Castle Howard. Fair enough if you want to have some fun with the happy snapper, but cheap DSLR's is leading us down the "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" road where everyone considers themselves an expert. In fact I've seen far better shots from someone not trying too hard with cheap happy snapper than someone trying to be a photographer with a DSLR. Photography is an art, and like painting or music or any other art form you've either got it or you haven't. It's a talent that you're born with, not a skill you can learn, and even the most technically perfect shots will always lack integrity when lined up with technically average shots from someone with a keen eye for photography.

And yes, enthusiast is the only real way to be. But I digress, apologies for dragging us off topic! I shall step down from the soapbox now!

[DaveB]

I like that ;-)

Yes.. I've taken thousands of shots over the years but the bottom line is that they're for 'me' as a permanent memory (as I'm sure you've all realised that my memory is complete pony these days) Sometimes, they come in useful for reference (grief.. you should see my 'project' shots.. severely anorak-like) but by and large they're for my own amusement rather than to seek kudos from a wider audience. I'll never take the 'perfect' shot by design as I'm not skilled enough. Camera on 'P' then point and squirt

There's no denying I'd dearly love to have even half of the kit some of the semi-pro looking guys have but in the end, it's the event that hit's my buttons. The beauty of some of the aircraft.. the admiration to those who've worked so very hard to build and prep them.. watching a Derry Turn and wishing every time that I was in the front end not some very lucky b*stard The sights, the sounds, the smell. My pictures capture a lot of that for me because I took them then I hear a shout 'Dave.. your beer delivery is here' and bump.. back to reality

My apologies for prolonging the off topic road this thread has deteriorated down James ;-) Your wish is answered though as you'll see there IS an '08 paint available for the DSB Hawk

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Garry Russell]

Dave

How come you never forget you have a bad memory??? :think:



Garry

[DaveB]

That fact must now be stored in my 'non-volatile' memory bank along with my name Of course, I DO still forget I have a bad memory.. only to be reminded of it when I've forgotten something again

ATB

DaveB :tab: