IT SEEMED LIKE A TOY more than a plane when I discovered this lovely contraption on the floor of a South Surrey mall recently. It was transported there from the Canadian Museum of Flight located several miles away in Langley, BC, and was under the watchful eye of volunteer veterans.
Possessing charm reminiscent of a vintage car, the Sopwith Camel seems too vulnerable to have soared in turbulent times. Yet the original plane (similar to this pictured replica) was flown regularly by fighter pilot and squadron leader Raymond Collishaw during World War I. All the brave pilots that took to the skies with weaponry must have felt like easy targets, despite their skilled maneuverings described as waltzing or dogfighting in the air.
Although battle was a significant motive for developing bigger and better airplanes, the wonder of flight propelled the imagination and eventually enabled everyday adventurers to take wing purely for pleasure.To view more sights from around the globe visit Our World.
Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms
Wow, a Sopwith Camel. Haven't thought of that name in years. Nice replica. Wouldn't want to have an original in a mall, would they?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing your world soon!
K
What marvellous planes! Gorgeous shots.
ReplyDeleteI love the way those old planes look. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how small they were!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI haven't thought about the Sopwith Camel in years either!! I do love those old planes! And what a colorful one this is! Terrific captures for the day! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Yes, the old planes certainly had charm...but I'd feel safer flying in a more modern one. :))
ReplyDeleteNice shots. I love airplanes, in fact I was at an aviation museum a couple of weeks ago and have a bunch of shots to post from that. They even had an X-wing fighter (from Star Wars)!
ReplyDeleteSuch old beauties! Great collection.
ReplyDeleteThese are charming old airplanes. “....the wonder of flight propelled the imagination and eventually enabled everyday adventurers to take wing purely for pleasure.” I agree with you. Talking of early airplanes, I remember my favorite French aviator and author Antoine de Saint-Exupery.I imagine the souls of the pilots who pioneered the early aviation, who lived to their full potentials, challenging the power of nature and the primitive machine, being set free to the air.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, the pilot was so vulnerable! And, he flew absolutely alone! Your post was fascinating, and inspired me to check out this link. Thanks, Penelope!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to go to the Langley museum. Wayne and I love planes and airshows. Years ago we used to go to the Abbotsford Airshow. That was the best. - Margy
ReplyDeleteI have hardly ever been so sick as when I went for a flight in a plane like that. I really thought I'd have to open the window and spew out over the unsuspecting people below. It's always at the back of my mind when I see those cool planes even though I love them :) !
ReplyDeleteThose are lovely pictures of the old planes. They look elegant as many do from days gone by. Thanks for sharing these.
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