Pint-sized planes wow at International Model Air Show

http://youtu.be/HDSMJkwpHR0

Pint-sized planes and mini-motors thrilled the crowds when the annual International Model Air Show returned to Weston Park.

The two-day show, which finished in the grounds of the landmark attraction yesterday, gave fans the chance to see heart-stopping aerobatics and the build and launch their own rocket.

There were bumper crowds at the event, near Shifnal, as more than 6,500 people attended the second day, and around 10,000 in total across the weekend.

Members of The Wrekin Model Flying Club staged the weekend celebration, which gave fans the chance to see daredevil aerobatics and to have the chance to build their own rockets.

Organiser Steve Bishop, who flew a quarter-scale BAE jet at the show, said: "We had a record number of people through the gates, with about 10,000 people attending over the weekend.

"We had the biggest Sunday gate ever, more international acts than ever, and we had more caravans than ever too.

"Considering the weather, which was horrendous on Saturday, it went really well and it brightened up on Sunday so it was great."

Microlights, light aircraft, a craft fair, fun fair, model car racing track, boating pool, beer tent, refreshments and more than 100 trade stands were also in attendance.

The weekend event saw a non-stop flying programme organised by the club, which featured the internationally famous Red Hawks and Ali Machinchy, and featured flyers from Sweden, Germany, Italy and all over the United States.

Also a hit with fans was the Dawn Patrol, a WWI scale aircraft from 95 years ago, and the Battle of Britain pyrotechnic display.

Model helicopter flyers also put on displays of aerobatics and the flying school gave aspiring flyers the chance to take to the skies.

The crowd were also treated to full-sized planes flying past on their way to the nearby Cosford Air Show.

Mr Bishop said: "We worked closely with Cosford and we got to see a few of the planes flying past, including the Red Arrows which was nice for everyone."

Mr Bishop also added that the event, which opened for campers on Thursday, had already been booked in again for next year.