NEWARK AIR MUSEUM - News Release
Film set replica re-assembled
Since the departure of the Auster J/1 Autocrat G-AGOH in April 2007 volunteers at the Newark Air Museum have used the space generated to refit and re-rig the wings to the impressive Lee Richards Annular Biplane Replica BAPC.20.
Based on an original pioneering design, which featured a remarkable annular [circular] wing the Lee Richards Annular Biplane Replica was built as a non-flying replica for the 1965 film Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines, where it was one of the ‘aircraft flown’ by the character Harry Popperwell, played by the late-comedian Tony Hancock.
The excellent restoration work on the replica was undertaken by members of the Shoreham Airport Historical Association.
Some small amounts of work still have to be completed on the replica’s undercarriage and museum is also looking to locate a replica engine. Once this work has been completed a general tidy up of the surrounding display area will be completed in preparation for the return of the General Aircraft Monospar VH-UTH from Innsworth later in the summer.
