ELC SHOW IN LONDON STARTING 17th of NOV. Who is going?

[Tommy-VF51]

Went today, have come to the realisation that I actually NEED to get myself an Eastman's G1 and can't see myself buying an A2 elsewhere? The quality of the leather on the G1 made me realise as much as I love my Ralph Edward's G1 that it either needs to be sold or relagated to beater.

 

[Tommy-VF51]

Did buy a USN sweater and a VF3 patch, was tempted by Buzz Rickson's Chukka's, but I need to start putting the pennies aside for the BuAER 55J14...

 

[rocketeer]

Hi jacket junkies,

Really enjoyed the ‘pop up’, it was a real treat to meet the guys and have a full complement of jackets to try on.
Problem is, now my wish-list is even longer.
Had some pics taken, unfortunately most were blurry So, apologies if your fav is not incl. had to incl my RW1401
So, after trying on almost everything, some humble impressions…

HLB and Werber are interesting options. Unique history behind these, but I do prefer my RW1401, which was great to compare with all the stock jackets.
RW27752. Have had a number of these and still really like the contrast with the seal warhorse & olive drab stitching. Classy.
Great Escape RW is incredible. Looks just like Hilts’ jacket. Photos do not do it justice, has to be seen in person. Worth the £££$$$? Yes, if you have it I prefer the version without the name tag.

The guys were clearly enjoying themselves, even though I am sure it was a looong week
Thanks to all involved. Hopefully, they will be back next year.

View attachment 61041

Great you had a good time, me too
With ref to the Escape jacket though, I do think it looks fake. Not as bad as those tumbled jackets from the 1980s but like old furniture, you just can't fake Patina. personally I would buy a russet coloured jacket and spray it with dark brown leather dye like I did with mine. That way it wears off evenly.
Definitely a jacket you would need to look at in the flesh rather than on a computer screen in my opinion. Glad you liked it though.
What did people think of the collector jackets 'Hell's Angels' an 'Umbriago'? Not really wearable(though it is physically possible) as what if you came across another enthusiast wearing the same? Also it's a bit like having a print of the Mona Lisa, very nice but not quite the real thing.
Just my musings.

 

[Tommy-VF51]

I partly agree with you Rocketeer that I'd rather put my own spin on my jacket. I had a good chat with Nigel who does a lot of the Timeworn, work. He showed me a bit of what he does and it is pretty convincing in my eyes. He also spent quite a lot of time with me helping me work out fit on jackets and helping me make notes on what I wanna later invest in. I could see why someone would go for the kinda Timeworn stuff, but I would want to mould my own jacket to my own shape and make the marks my own.

 

[rocketeer]

I partly agree with you Rocketeer that I'd rather put my own spin on my jacket. I had a good chat with Nigel who does a lot of the Timeworn, work. He showed me a bit of what he does and it is pretty convincing in my eyes. He also spent quite a lot of time with me helping me work out fit on jackets and helping me make notes on what I wanna later invest in. I could see why someone would go for the kinda Timeworn stuff, but I would want to mould my own jacket to my own shape and make the marks my own.

My sentiments exactly, well almost. Apart from my Battersea contract Aero A2 I have only ever worn in my jackets from new. No fake patina , wet moulding or scrunching up. My only concession is a little RWT because I am not taking my jacket off till I am in the dry.
Nigel's a great guy, known him for years but not seen each other for must be nearly 12-14 years, and he recognised me immediately.
If folks want fake patina, personally if its fake I don't class it as 'Patina' then why not if it brings in the cash.
They were certainly working hard the day I popped in, up and down the stairs talking, advising etc. A different smell to Aero though.
Wish I had a closer look at the re designed Luftwaffe/Ostermann though(Not the Hartman) Anyone here got one to show?
Cheers, J

 

[Brettafett]

Just wanted to update a few pics from the last pop up. Both these jackets were size 42, but there were no 40s... Good for a try-on though.
RW1401 23FG Elite
HLB 75FS Tiger Sharks

 

[s4rmark]

Yep, I definitely think your a 40.

 

[GregGale]

Thanks for the pics! Agreed, size 40 fit you better. I'm slightly taller than you (6 feet, 75 kg) an I spent 2 hours trying on a Star 40 and a 42, but went for the 40 at the end, because the 42 was too baggy in the shoulders and torso. Slightly more comfy, but not the way I imagined it should look. Out of curiosity, I'll visit them this summer at the Flying Legends airshow in my by-then-broken-in size 40, and will try on a 42 just to see

 

[Brettafett]

Me too. Flying Legends is a blast... Lets try co-ordinate Greg... I'm sure there will be a few guys visiting.

 

[GregGale]

Definitely! I'll be there on Saturday in officers' pinks and my A-2 The lack of P-51 Mustangs on the official website is starting to worry me though.

 

[Brettafett]

Great. Hey, all you need is one. One Merlin purring by is enough to warrant the trip up, but there will be dozens there.. But theres still time...

 

[Flightengineer]

Me too. Flying Legends is a blast... Lets try co-ordinate Greg... I'm sure there will be a few guys visiting.

If I succeed, I will too.
I have the true antiphase for these days, but I will try. I will be glad to see you not on the screen, but at the airfield, guys.