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An after-hours Heritage Wings shoot with the YAM's stunning Handley Page Halifax "Friday the 13th", featuring French & RAF aircrew!
Join us on Saturday 9th May for another stunning Heritage Wings recreation of WW2 history as we bring the YAM's very special (one off!) Handley Page Halifax II to life at night.
Uniquely, this shoot will feature scenes with aircrew re-enactment of French Air Force and RAF personnel, with the opportunity to shoot both sides of the aircraft in different markings, as well a special opportunity to shoot inside this amazing heavy bomber.
Here's the history of the aircraft at Elvington...
The Museum’s Halifax reconstruction is based on a section of the fuselage of Halifax II, HR792, which crashed on the Isle of Lewis in 1945, after the undercarriage was retracted too early, before the aircraft was airborne. A crofter, Mr McKenzie, purchased the fuselage section for use as a hencoop. The outer wings were supplied by Henry Potter, the centre section and intermediate wings came from Hastings TG536 at RAF Catterick. The reconstruction is named “Friday the 13th” in honour of Halifax, LV907, which completed 128 operations with 158 Squadron, and is representative of all examples built.
The Halifax I and II aircraft were powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin engines and the Halifax III was powered by Bristol Hercules engines. Apart from the role as a heavy bomber, the Halifax III and later versions also served in Coastal Command and in paratrooping and glider towing roles with the Airborne Forces. Halifax production totalled 6,178, the bomber versions flying a total of 75,532 sorties in the Second World War.
Yorkshire was the home of 4 and 6 Groups Bomber Command and three Halifax Squadrons were based at Elvington, first 77 Squadron, then two French Air Force Squadrons, 346 (Guyenne) and 347 (Tunisie).
Our team of re-enactors, hailing from The Irvin Squadron, are travelling from France & Belgium especially for this unique event with COAP.
The shoot will take place during the YAM's "We'll Meet Again" weekend of festivities, and will become exclusive once the musuem closes to the public on 9th May
Over Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May, the "We'll Meet Again" event is being held at the Yorkshire Air Museum. This separate two-day event celebrates the 1940s in style and is part of the museum's normal ticket admission (available on the day), so why not make a weekend of it?.
Saturday 9th, 1600hrs: COAP photo shoot attendee arrival (unless you want to visit the whole museum for the day, in which case it opens at 1000hrs).
1700hrs: Briefing in the museum "Cafe 77".
1715hrs: Shoot starts. Outside with the French aircrew (346 Squadron, French AF markings, starboard side).
1900-2100hrs: RAF scenes, including aircrew boarding the aircraft, and then photographers entering the aircraft with aircrew in flight positions enhanced with smoke and lights.
2100hrs: Aircrew leave, aircraft on its own under the lights (note that there will be a special 1940s jazz singer performing in one of the museum buildings until 2200hrs)
2200hrs: Close.
A full set of joining instructions will follow ahead of the event.
If you are only attending the shoot, then please arrive from 1600hrs. Free car parking on site at the museum.
Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU, United Kingdom
Latest finish 2200hrs.
The access inside Halifax is tight and restrictive and may not be suitable for non-agile photographers.
The shoot inside the aircraft will be strictly timed to allow everyone a chance (as we did with the Victor and Nimrod at YAM last year).
Standard night shoot planning applies, with the usual advice of bringing suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as are tripods/support for the night period. Flash photography is not appropriate, work as a team throughout and adhere to the briefings.
It is open to all levels of photographers and help and advice will be given as requested if you are not sure of settings etc.
The cafe will be open until late into the evening, with food and drink available to purchase.
