Issue 257: Muscle Biplane

Flying Pip Borrman’s Pitts Samson replica

It has a presence standing proudly on the tarmac with the general public staring in awe at it sheer size and spectacular lines. It reeks of the bygone Barnstorming days. It has that air of nostalgia about its very presence BUT beyond the facade it is a

Muscle Bi-plane

Immediately I settled into the cockpit I felt at ease even though there was no forward visibility over the cowling housing the large radial engine. I was now sitting in a F1 cockpit which to me said let’s get going and I will show you what I can do. Starting the radial grabs every ones attention. It has that distinct nostalgic sound of the past as the radial coughs and splutters into life, clearing it’s ‘throat’ as it blows out a volumous amount of smoke in the process before settling down into a low deep sounding growl as it warms into full life.