Film Archive
This section provides links to a variety of films and video clips related to Kingston aviation.
Film Archive Playlist
A century ago the Sopwith Aircraft Company made history in front of Turks Boat Builders with their famous aeroplane, the Tabloid. In September, with the support of Creed-Miles, Kingston Aviation celebrated this landmark moment in Britain’s race to the skies by building an accurate replica of Sir Thomas Sopwith’s floatplane, the first British aircraft to win an international air race.Many preparations went into readying the scene for the big event. And it was only appropriate that the re-enactment of the test flight would take place directly in front of the same historic building where the original Tabloid had earned its wings, known today as the Albany Boathouse. The biplane arrived in pieces, requiring that a crack team of aviation enthusiasts piece her together prior to positioning. No expenses were spared in building an accurate replica, to the extent that Tommy Sopwith, who was on hand for the event, commented that the workmanship was “bloody marvellous” and that his old man would have been immensely proud.Finally, the replica Tabloid was ready to go to the water’s edge. To mark the historic occasion, Creed-Miles presented Tommy, the son of Britain’s famed aviation mastermind, with a limited edition print of the historic Turks Boat Builders building.There was then time for photo opportunities with the fully assembled craft and for Kingston Aviation to unveil the historical marker and commemorative plaque. It was a great day for everyone involved and we were thrilled to have been given the chance to pitch in and participate in a very special day for Kingston upon Thames.
This short video shows parts of the old Richmond Road factory just prior to demolition in 1993. It was built as National Aircraft Factory No. 2 during the First World War and was used by Sopwith Aviation. The factory was taken over by Leyland Motors in 1920 but was bought back by Hawker Aircraft in 1948. The frontage was completely rebuilt in the late 1950s and the building became a Kingston landmark. It became part of British Aerospace when the aviation industry was nationalized in 1977 and was finally closed in 1992.
<p id=”description_video”>You Are There! We finally got things sorted out on the Sopwith Snipe, and it was time to take her up on her maiden flights at Fantasy of Flight. I figured why not throw a Kermie Cam on and take you along. Parts 1 and 2 feature an in depth pre-flight, warm up and taxi, including a singing wire to deal with… and then its up and away in Part 3. Hope you enjoy the ride. – Kermit Weeks (20130811)
For more information on Fantasy of Flight, and other aircraft in Kermit’s collection, visit… http://www.fantasyofflight.com
Subscribe to Kermit’s videos… http://www.youtube.com/user/KermitWeeksBlogVideo
Follow Kermit on Facebook… https://www.facebook.com/KermitWeeks</p>
You Are There! We finally got things sorted out on the Sopwith Snipe, and it was time to take her up on her maiden flights at Fantasy of Flight. I figured why not throw a Kermie Cam on and take you along. Parts 1 and 2 feature an in depth pre-flight, warm up and taxi, including a singing wire to deal with… and then its up and away in Part 3. Hope you enjoy the ride. – Kermit Weeks (20130811)
For more information on Fantasy of Flight, and other aircraft in Kermit’s collection, visit… http://www.fantasyofflight.com
Subscribe to Kermit’s videos… http://www.youtube.com/user/KermitWeeksBlogVideo
Follow Kermit on Facebook… https://www.facebook.com/KermitWeeks
You Are There! We finally got things sorted out on the Sopwith Snipe, and it was time to take her up on her maiden flights at Fantasy of Flight. I figured why not throw a Kermie Cam on and take you along. Parts 1 and 2 feature an in depth pre-flight, warm up and taxi, including a singing wire to deal with… and then its up and away in Part 3. Hope you enjoy the ride. – Kermit Weeks (20130811)
For more information on Fantasy of Flight, and other aircraft in Kermit’s collection, visit… http://www.fantasyofflight.com
Subscribe to Kermit’s videos… http://www.youtube.com/user/KermitWeeksBlogVideo
Follow Kermit on Facebook… https://www.facebook.com/KermitWeeks
Kermit Weeks takes the Sopwith Snipe up for its first flights at Fantasy of Flight. This beautiful reproduction was built by The Vintage Aviator Limited in New Zealand, but is powered by an original, vintage Bentley engine. Enjoy some take offs, landings and flybys from the ground in this two day, two part series… then go over to Kermit Weeks Youtube channel and watch from the cockpit in the three part Sopwith Snipe Kermie Cam.
Kermie Cam – Sopwith Snipe – Part One… http://youtu.be/fUQCqSw-Yds
For more information on Fantasy of Flight, and other aircraft in Kermit’s collection, visit… http://www.fantasyofflight.com
Subscribe to Kermit’s videos… http://www.youtube.com/user/KermitWeeksBlogVideo
Follow Kermit on Facebook… https://www.facebook.com/KermitWeeks
Kermit Weeks takes the Sopwith Snipe up for its first flights at Fantasy of Flight. This beautiful reproduction was built by The Vintage Aviator Limited in New Zealand, but is powered by an original, vintage Bentley engine. Enjoy some take offs, landings and flybys from the ground in this two day, two part series… then go over to Kermit Weeks Youtube channel and watch from the cockpit in the three part Sopwith Snipe Kermie Cam.
Kermie Cam – Sopwith Snipe – Part One… http://youtu.be/fUQCqSw-Yds
For more information on Fantasy of Flight, and other aircraft in Kermit’s collection, visit… http://www.fantasyofflight.com
Subscribe to Kermit’s videos… http://www.youtube.com/user/KermitWeeksBlogVideo
Follow Kermit on Facebook… https://www.facebook.com/KermitWeeks
