Childhood Fascination with Aerospace: From Comics to Real Aviation

My interest in aviation began in the early 1960s, long before the advent of modern commercial airlines. As a schoolboy, my curiosity was sparked by various means: reading comic books like Eagle, assembling Airfix model kits, and seeing impressive aircraft flying over my village. Here’s how my fascination with aircraft and aviation started and evolved over the years.

The Spark of Interest

Back in the 1960s, my passion for cars and trains was also intense, yet I simultaneously harbored a deep interest in aviation. This was ignited through multiple channels of exposure, including comic books, model kits, and real-life aircraft observations.

Comic Books Airfix Kits

The comic book Eagle was a source of inspiration for me. Its detailed cut away drawings of modern aircraft, depicting their intricate workings, captivated my imagination. One particularly memorable illustration showed the Vickers later BAC 111 "One-Eleven" airliner in a detailed cutaway view. These comics opened a window into the future of aviation for me.

I also had the opportunity to assemble a few Airfix kits, often purchasing them from Woolworths stores in small towns. Although these kits are still available today, they were significantly more popular during the 1960s and 1970s. I remember buying kits for classic World War II fighters like the Spitfire and the Messerschmitt Me 109. Another memorable purchase was a kit for the Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber, and forgo all others, I vividly recall the model of the English Electric Lightning, one of the most impressive aircraft of its time, capable of supersonic speeds.

Hawker P1127

One of the most memorable items I bought was an Airfix kit of the Hawker P1127, a prototype of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. This model was indicative of the cutting-edge technology of its time and foreshadowed the famous Hawker Siddeley Harrier, a truly remarkable aircraft in the aerospace industry.

Aviation Highlights

The county of Nottinghamshire, where I lived as a child, was home to several RAF airfields, and the neighbouring Lincolnshire county had even more. This proximity to military aircraft meant that I had regular sightings of planes flying overhead, ranging from jet trainer models to the more impressive Avro Vulcan bombers. The Avro Vulcan, known collectively with the Vickers Valiant and Handley Page Victor as the "V"," bombers, was a particularly striking aircraft with its distinctive delta wings. Its visual impact was augmented by its deafening, deep rumble, and it served as a constant reminder of the Cold War and the potential for nuclear conflict.

During a day trip to RAF Finningley near Nottingham, I saw these bombers lined up on the runway in a state of readiness. This base, notorious for the Vulcan fleet, was a vivid reminder of the constant tension of the Cold War. Nowadays, this area has transformed, with the former RAF base now known as Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

The First Flight

Despite my fascination with aviation from a young age, my first actual flight only occurred when I was 26. In May 1980, I travelled to Paris for a weekend and back, flying from East Midlands Airport on a British Midland Airways Vickers Viscount turboprop airliner.

A Look Back: Aviation in the 1960s

My recollections of the 1960s, particularly in regards to aviation, are a blend of nostalgic and educational. Aviation was an exciting field back then, with constant technological advancements and the prospect of a promising future. Today, aviation is even more advanced, with ongoing innovations and even more impressive aircraft entering service. However, the roots of this fascination can be traced back to the models I assembled and the aircraft I saw fly overhead as a child.

These experiences laid the foundation for my interest in aerospace engineering and aviation. Aviation has been a lifelong passion for me, and the seeds of this passion were planted long ago, amidst cutaway comic book illustrations and model aircraft kits. As the field of aerospace continues to evolve, these early experiences remain a significant part of my journey.