An Appointment in Samara...
A week in Samara became two. It happens. Much like my time on Adak, it becomes surreal and Ground Hog day, each inching forward but strangely the same. The Russians, or more specifically, the Samarians, have been wonderful hosts. I’ve all but had the run of the pilot house next to the runway on the small Krasny Yar airfield, about 30 minutes out of Samara. Natalie the hostess of the house swings by each morning with food and supplies, then I’ve had a far bit of time, between tweaking and finishing jobs on the plane, Darren’s visit to put her on Australia rego, and the pursuit of a perfect complement of paperwork!
Part of the preparations has been setting up some cameras, I have one out on the wing again, but this new one offers a whole lot more detail - and interactivity - check it out.
Dmitry has had many of the team down here, and while I speak all but no Russian we’ve managed to get by… Refueling with MOGAS is typically a drag. Samara’s greatest claim to fame may be that it is the town that built the rocket that took Yuri Gagarin into space, (and hundreds since) but across Russia it’s name is worn on one of the true workhorse people’s cars of the Nation.
The Lada Samara is pretty utilitarian, and was our steed as we headed off in style to fetch a boot load of fuel. I am a big fan of cars that offer the basics, that perform A to B in the simplest way - my beloved mini Moke back home a wonderful example, and admired the simplicity of the Lada as we drove the several hundred metres down the road. Buying the fuel, like many things, was entertaining simply because I don’t speak Russian, and no one here needs to speak English - so they laugh at my gesticulating and drawings to explain…
Then, as I got back in the car, a penny dropped, a revelation appeared! But wait - I’ve seen those smoke grey panel warning lights on the dash before!
Yes, the very same, I’d admired what an elegant warning light panel they were in the plane and how fancy they seemed - now I know Lada have used MILLIONS of them! Bravo, I really like Russia. Well, except for the paperwork…
Now, as A may well say, enough “faffing about’, yes indeed - to the mission at hand!
It’s time for the first National Geographic session of Et Nova et Vetera.
The March 1921 National Geographic is dedicated to a thorough account of the Vickers Vimy flight, with most of Sir Keith Ross’ book reprinted, with many of his own photos along with some Nat Geo stock images that suited the story - of which some say a fair bit about the period… but more on that another day. The first two photos, above, depict refuelling of the Vickers Vimy in London before departure, and the mechanics Wally Shiers and Jim Bennett. Let’s see how recreating those images goes?
Vickers Vimy (VV) and Southern Sun (SS) both refuelling - 100 years later - and we are still using cans!
This one was a bit tougher, but then end result I’m much happier with! Dmitry and Slava were a tad reluctant to get in the photo, but then a comb mysteriously appeared! All good fun.
Samara, you’ve been good to me, SeaBear Л65 Southern Sun is a magnificent plane and testament to the unique aeronautical industry by the banks of the River Volga. Oh, and thanks for the double root canal, a memory I’ll always treasure…. Niet!
Tomorrow, it’s farewell, onwards and upwards! Don’t forget she can be tracked when flying on the website here.
Southern Sun, standing by…