' Early Birds Lelystad'

[Ferry_vO]

Went to visit the Early Birds foundation at lelystad today; I've seen some of their aircraft at different flight shows but never visited their home. They have a small hangar and 20+ aircraft, ranging from a 1910 Blériot replica to a 1948 Nord 1011 ' Noralpha', most of which are crammed in their hangar but a few are in different locations.

This 1929 Gipsy Moth was built by De Havilland Australia and is currently the oldest flying Dutch aircraft:

Their Fokker D.VII replica which has an original Mercedes engine:

The warranty on the engine expired in 1919!:

Pietenpol Aircamper:

Kinner 5-cylinder radial of a Fleet 7:

Luscombe 8A silvaire:

 

[Ferry_vO]

1945 Tiger Moth:

The Nord 1101:

The hangar doors were open as it was a beautiful day today, which allowed me to walk outside for a bit:

Their Fairchild 24R Argus doing an engine test:

 

[Ferry_vO]

A few hangars away the foundation is working on the restoration of P-51D Mustang (Serial number 44-74923) from a former 'Reno racer' to WW2 form:

Gear testing:

While we were looking at the hangar the neighbours fired up the Yak-3U so everyone went outside for a look:

Also outside, this Pitts:

And this modern Diamond DA-42 Twin Star:

On the other side of the street in a hangar with an open door we found these two Stearmans: a VN2S-2 with the N2S-3 'Old Crow' behind it:

And finally a few random shots:

 

[Moses03]

Cool Ferry. Always appreciate your "roving camera reporter" posts!

 

[Ferry_vO]

Thanks Moses!

On days like these my camera always comes with me so I can combine two hobbies.

I am looking for ways to help those guys out in the future, not just by taking photos at shows but maybe in the hangar too. They sure are an enthusiastic little group and I can hardly think of a better way to spend a free Saturday!