Switzerland filming trip

Hey all,

As announced we went to Switzerland to film two great aircraft of WW2, the Bf-108 and the TBM-3 (seen above). 

I got to say, it was magnificent. The weather was fantastic and while many planes flew around (which complicated the recording due to the relevant audio issues somewhat), we had an absolute blast. 

The Bf 108 is a German all-purpose carrier, light transport, recon, trainer aircraft that also influenced the development of the Bf 109. This is seen most prominently via the slats and the tail section. This aircraft might not look like much but back in the 1930 it was revolutionary. As a refined, no-nonsense plane it broke multiple records, lovingly dubbed 'Taifun' by Elly Beinhorn, one of Germany's forgotten female aviators. 

The TBM-3 (previous designation: TBF) is an American torpedo bomber substituting the TBD Devastator. The Avenger was a modern, robust, longe-range Torpedo-bomber, outperforming its contemporaries with relative ease. However, the problematic nature of the Torpedo-bomber also put it at the mercy of Japanese AA and fighters. With credible yet limited success in big fleet actions, the Avenger was later on redeployed as a light transport, recon, CAS and liaison aircraft, last seeing action in American hands in Korea.  

Filming these birds was amazing. The TBM actually took me by surprise, it was huge, a lot bigger than expected (the picture might give you a good sense of the scale, for reference, I am 1.9m/ 6ft 2-3ish). I knew it's dimensions, I had seen photographs but nothing compares to standing next to this beast. We filmed the exterior and interior, safe the pilot seat (my agreement with the owner was that I had access to everything but that I would not climb into the pilots position). I had so much fun in this aircraft, that they essentially had to drag me out of it kicking and screaming. Obviously, after returning home I realized I had missed a shot I wanted of the TBM (a panning short of the actual aircraft aka. the most obvious thing needed...), but that's ok. We can work around it and if this is the only thing I missed, I am happy. 

As bonus, I also sat in the pilots (or rather 'trainee' position) of an AT-6 Texan. There's another fantastic aircraft no one gives credit to. 

A big thank you goes to AMPA and Elliot at this point, they invited me to Lausanne, Switzerland and esp. Elliot made sure that we could film everything.

A massive thank you also to all of you that made this trip possible. Without your financial support via Patreon, I would not have the money to buy my flight, hotel and equipment. 

Stay tuned for more!

o7,
Bis