The Aircraft That Conquered The Atlantic | Vickers Vimy [Aircraft Overview #29]

Though it arrived too late to serve as a heavy bomber in World War One, the Vickers Vimy would go on to earn immortality during the interwar period. Though it was operated by numerous RAF squadrons, its service life was uneventful, however two Vimys would break several endurance and distance records that would prove the viability of long-distance air travel.
One example flown by John Alcock and Arthur Brown would complete the first non-stop crossing of the atlantic - a considerable feat in 1919! Another Vimy, flown by Ross & Keith Smith, would become the first aircraft to fly from England to Australia. The Vimy would also form the backbone of the Middle Eastern section of the new air mail routes as the Vimy Commercial and Vickers Vernon. In the space of just a few years the Vickers contributed much to the "shrinking of the world" that was made by aircraft.
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Producing these videos is a hobby of mine. I have a passion for history, and personally own a large collection of books, journals and other texts, and endeavor to do as much research as possible. However if there are any mistakes, please don't hesitate to reach out and correct anything :)
Sources:
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[@RexsHangar]

F.A.Q Section Q: Do you take aircraft requests? A: I have a list of aircraft I plan to cover, but feel free to add to it with suggestions:) Q: Why do you use imperial measurements for some videos, and metric for others? A: I do this based on country of manufacture. Imperial measurements for Britain and the U.S, metric for the rest of the world, but I include text in my videos that convert it for both. Q: Will you include video footage in your videos, or just photos? A: Video footage is very expensive to licence, if I can find footage in the public domain I will try to use it, but a lot of it is hoarded by licencing studies (British Pathe, Periscope films etc). In the future I may be able to afford clips :) Q: Why do you sometimes feature images/screenshots from flight simulators? A: Sometimes there are not a lot of photos available for certain aircraft, so I substitute this with digital images that are as accurate as possible. Feel free to leave you questions below - I may not be able to answer all of them, but I will keep my eyes open :)

[@dpswets]

If you ever need video material of Dutch aircraft. A lot is free to use from the NIMH (National Institute of Military History).

[@ruirebelo1893]

Will you do the Saunders Roe SR177?

[@Kilo12117]

I'd love to see a vid of the Handley Page V/1500 since it's a big part of RAF Bircham Newtons beginning in 1918 and I am Chairman of the Heritage Centre there :) it has an interesting story! We had the Vimy there also after First World War into the Interwar period!

[@Aengus42]

Love the longer content! I hate this drive to shorter & shorter videos. For me, anything less than an hour is considered a trailer!

[@warhawk4494]

How about a video on the different pursuit aircraft of either the RAF and RAAF,RCAF/commonwealth and US Army Airforce aircraft in between the wars in this longer format. Or a video on RAAF aircraft in between the wars or in ww2. I've seen a few videos on the subject but I know you would do a good job. Oh and a video on the Walrus. The flying boat on some royal navy ships or just a video on obscure flying boats. Thank you for your great work. I share your stuff all the time.

[@tonywatson987]

Well done Rex, I really enjoyed this one, great research into the history of one of the great biplane twins. No problem with the length of the video either, more room for good stuff.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

The development history of this plane has some very Monty Python energy. "Listen, lad. I built this kingdom up from nothing. When I started here, all there was, was swamp. Other kings said I was daft to build a castle on a swamp, but I built it all the same, just to show 'em. It sank into the swamp. So, I built a second one. That sank into the swamp. So, I built a third one. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp, but the fourth one... stayed up! And that's what you're gonna get, lad: the strongest castle in these islands."

[@rockharvey5787]

About 20 years ago there was a team that re-created the Smith brothers’ flight to Australia. They built a replica Vickers Vimy and followed the original route. I remember National Geographic doing an article about it.

[@timothyjamieson1282]

I remember seeing this too. Was a great program. I think they used small block Chevrolet motors for power, set up for aircraft use.

[@DarrenWalley]

I've just watched that one & it led me to this. 😊

[@nomadpi1]

I can not imagine a GM engine that would last that long. My experience with GM engines has always resulted in failures after short periods. Yhe reason I switched to Mopar 318s and 360s..@@timothyjamieson1282

[@hadial-saadoon2114]

It was constructed at the former Hamilton AFB in California. There is an excellent hard-cover coffee table sized book on its flight. One of those Chevrolet engines blew in Indonesia and the story of its replacement is fascinating.

[@johnreed8336]

Thank you for remembering the Vickers Vimy - definitely part of Britain's aviation heritage.

[@OldieBugger]

Thank you for this story. And about the length: use whatever time that suits the topic. I enjoyed this video very much.

[@SephirothRyu]

Indeed, some aircraft have more info than others after all. Since people like to bring up Drachnifel, he does various lengths from ship guides that are ACTUALLY about 5 minutes, to ones that are over 30.

[@jamesharmer9293]

I've seen the one in the Science Museum. It's remarkably small. They had a lot of courage flying one across the Atlantic.

[@vansongs]

Courage somehow seemed more real back then.

[@1bert719]

That is the actual aircraft used by Alcock and Brown, Vickers rebuilt it after it's crash. Mad to think they flew the Atlantic in such a flimsy looking vehicle.

[@DarrenWalley]

Are they, they look massive on video. 📹 I'm going to look up the dimensions. 😁

[@timgosling6189]

Nicely researched, a rarity on the internet! For anyone interested there is also a replica Vimy available to see at the Brooklands Museum. It was built in the 1990s to re-enact the famous record breaking routes, which it did very successfully, but has now been retired.

[@russellwaterson3304]

The Vimy at Adelaide is having some well needed maintenance and restoration work done as it is being moved to a purpose built display section of the Airport.

[@gz3zbz]

That's G-EAOU. My father told me it was known as God 'Elp All Of Us.

[@deltavee2]

Rex, it would be a delight to have 20 minute videos more often. I thoroughly enjoyed this one on the Vimy. I enjoy your current length vids but they are so interesting that they always seen to end just after they started which you can take as a tribute to your research and excellent period photographs. I don't know what your constraints are but 10 minutes as the norm with the treat of 20 minutes on a quasi-regular basis would certainly be welcomed here. Failing that, anything you choose to post on your channel will always be welcomed I am sure by all 37.5K of us! Cheers from E. Ontario!

[@timothyjamieson1282]

Agreed

[@patjohnson3100]

I have heard the Vimy name many times, but never knew much about the aircraft. This video is packed with fascinating information about a pioneering aircraft. Thank you. Your videos are never too long.

[@paulhaynes8045]

Excellent! Really interesting - I like this longer format, more to get your teeth into. Could you do a whole episode on the Australian competition? It would be good to know what happened to the other contestants. Good to hear Weybridge and Brooklands mentioned too. My dad worked at Vickers (although not at this time!) and the Brooklands racetrack was my playground (although, strictly, that was trespassing!). We used to play on the banked bits of the old race track, which were incredibly steep - far too steep to run up (or even down - except by sliding from one tree to another!) I also remember the Vickers factory, although all I remember clearly was one hanger which was full of full-sized wooden models of aircraft - built (apparently) as design and production tests. I will admit to wondering if I really do remember this, as they might just have been normal wooden planes, but I'm reasonably sure I am remembering correctly because by then Vickers made jets (my dad worked on the VC10 and the early Concorde) and I'm sure production versions of those planes were never made out of wood!

[@IndianaDel1]

Loved the deep dive in to the history. The added time is a good innovation I think

[@stevenlowe3026]

It was my privilege to encounter the replica of the Smith brothers' aircraft at Mildura (Australia) airport in the 1990's. It had a small patch of canvas from the original aircraft incorporated into the fabric covering the fuselage.

[@sweepsp8468]

It was not until you said it was a longer post that I realised it, really good, very interesting. Keep up the good work.

[@TheRAFlemingsMr]

I found the longer format very good; though I admit to less interest in the details of design and more to the exploits of the plane. But it was very good and informative. I thoroughly enjoy your channel and look forward to each new posting. Thanks for your hard work and keep up the great material

[@RTD1947]

Absolutely!! Complete is preferred!! Outstanding video

[@Insanitypants80]

Definitely liking a longer runtime.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

A video is neither too long nor to short. It is precisely as long as the subject deserves.

[@jacuswoczega9180]

No problem with such length, when content is interesting

[@mebymyself2816]

Thank you Rex, that was great, the extra length allowed for a much more in depth coverage from which I learnt a lot..

[@rolanddutton4723]

Really enjoyed the longer format.

[@BaronVonHobgoblin]

Here's a vote for longer content.

[@davidgapp1457]

Excellent, excellent summary of the Vimy. Many thanks!

[@johnparrish9215]

I didn't even notice how long the video was, it was that interesting. Well done Sir.

[@davidmackie8552]

Always informative. Thankyou!

[@mustang5132]

Love the longer more detailed videos! They’re great

[@rc.remedy]

Used to love visiting the Vimy at Adelaide airport, watching this makes me want to go see it again

[@davidrobinson4553]

Liking the longer videp's Rex, Great Content as always 👍👍

[@zippy5131]

I actualy have photographs that my Grandad took in 1928 in Egypt on the record breaking mail run, he stood just to the left of the offical RAF photgrapher and took his photo, also the nutter doing parachute jumps from a Vimy and being photographed by a chase plane as he and his mate walked along the wings and then let go. Apparently all in the name of science. Great vid please more, I'm really enjoying these.

[@trooperdgb9722]

"Pull off" parachute descents from many different aircraft were quite routine at the time...

[@davidb6576]

Longer-form videos are very welcome! Thanks for the insights into the Vimy.

[@donjones4719]

The length of this video is fine, it matches the quantity and quality of the info conveyed. In fact, I had to pause a couple of times to digest a section. There's no padding at all. Otherwise - man, that commercial version made me sit up when it popped onto the screen. Such an advance over the bomber fuselage.

[@Nicolasgusso]

A longer video is very welcome!

[@alanrogers7090]

YES! Longer content is prefered to "skiming" the subject. Thanks for the offer. Was impressed by the Smith Brothers achievement, especially in 1919.

[@robkunkel8833]

19:50 The passengers were enclosed but the pilots wanted fresh air and visibility. Love to meet one of those pilots.

[@Rincypoopoo]

I drive a Morgan three wheeler. No roof, aero screen. In the wind when it is cold I close the helmet visor. Then I feel that I can't see and it feels stuffy so I open it again.. I understand those guys. Up to 120 it is very nice, but I would want a closed full face helmet for 200+

[@sergeipohkerova7211]

Wikipedia has a nice article on the Vimy. The guppy-like Airline model with the chubby fuselage is awesome and there's a nice interior photo of the old fashioned cabin.

[@jasonshull3106]

Rex take all the time you need, we'll watch.

[@loddude5706]

Excellent, again another first class job, well paced & relevant throughout.

[@jasonz7788]

Thank you Rex great work Sir

[@fate3071]

I personally very much enjoy longer videos that I can turn on and do work/chores listening to

[@m.i.andersen8167]

Thanks for another exciting video. I have always been interested in aircraft, so I get very happy every time you launch a new one and your interest in old aircraft only makes it even better. Your videos are the most serious and best produced I have seen on KZbin The longer format really fits this video, it only makes it more interesting! I will look forward to your next (long maybe?) Video. Mike. Sound engineer.

[@TXGRunner]

Excellent. Proper length vid.

[@densealloy]

Absolutely phenomenal video! Really enjoyed the longer content. Thanks

[@oiartsun]

I enjoyed the longer runtime, so you could do the history of the aircraft justice in full detail.

[@HarborLockRoad]

My uncle passed away in the 1990s and i inherited a huge cache of models, some boxed, others mixed up in bags. Recently, i found an old 1960s (?) Kit of the vimy in 1/72 representing the transatlantic model. Took a while to find all the parts, but, in the end, came out nice.

[@Ben-zc9gl]

These videos are brilliant and very informative. Love your work. The longer format is far better!

[@Kefuddle]

Can you imagine what an incredible adventure that trip to the Antipodes must have been back in the day. Epic!

[@Simon_Nonymous]

The extra length was definitely worth it - thank you sir.

[@robertoeduardoquintela4192]

Excellent video. Thanks from all old airplanes lovers

[@SP190Tanner]

Thanks for doing the longer piece! I've heard of the Vimy for years from the transatlantic flight, but I didn't know more. Thanks again!

[@duncangrainge]

Excellent content. Length is perfect if information and content not waffle or padding. Thanks gain for these I really enjoy them.

[@CodyDockerty]

Thank goodness for subtitles. I thought I misheard you when I heard Maori. I had no idea there was an engine line called that

[@RushTheDPoint]

Rex, I've been watching your videos for about a week and I've gotta say I am absolutely impressed. Subbed.

[@Daniel_cheems]

This channel is gold!

[@somerandomguy___]

10:00 - 11:20 man this here is a really good example of how dangerus flying sometimes was back then. Open top cockpit that exposes you to the wind and the cold, perhaps unstable controls (broken trim in this case since slower moving planes where generally less stable in a flight where nothing is touched) and having to deal with bad weather all while being concidered lucky to even have a radio on any plane at those times Good thing they had seatbelts to save them :)

[@kooperativekrohn819]

Take as much time as needed! I love a long video

[@michaelpielorz9283]

Really a great time .great planes and stunning crews. on my first trip to Ireland i visited the actual landing site and not just the monument.

[@AlekseiKrylov]

Cool! This is a great pleasure to watch such a great quality longer video! Thanks a lot!

[@mpersad]

A terrific video - the Vimy certainly deserved the extra time devoted to it!

[@YourOldUncleNoongah]

I did indeed enjoy this video! Heck, who am I kiddin' I enjoy ALL your videos! Thanks for the Great Content friend!

[@philipdove6987]

The 20 minutes flew by, more this length please.

[@dubyacwh7978]

Thank you very much for the video I like the longer format you are a pleasure to listen to I especially thought that the comment about getting their face is ripped off at 130 miles an hour was hilarious keep up the good work

[@angusclark8330]

A great study at an appropriate length. Cheers!😊

[@mashbury]

I saw the last flight of the replica Vimy at Goodwood some years ago and i have to say they sit in the air exactly like a brick .. amazing aircraft to watch..

[@davedarling4316]

Definitely a good length of video! Long enough to cover the subject, but not so detailed it makes me want to fast-forward through it!

[@teddyduncan1046]

The more minutes the better. Keep them coming!

[@robbudden]

Great work mate

[@JackClayton123]

My grandfather was a Royal Navy engineer in WWI, after which he emigrated to Canada and found work at the Vickers shipyard in Montreal. As there were few airframe mechanics, he ended up working on aircraft mostly. Among those, the Vikers Vedette, which he made some specialized modifications to some. It was such a new field at the time, he talked about how they had to figure out and build the modification, then call the drafting department down to draw and document the engineering. I do believe one of the planes he worked on was the Vikers Vimy. Though I can’t find record of a failed attempt, he mentioned a plane that did the first Atlantic crossing west to east. He worked on it after the first attempt failed and I now have some parts from the plane kicking around somewhere. Small parts that is, no engine or props! LOL!

[@vansongs]

Longer if needed is great. Good videos, thanks.

[@ziggurat-builder8755]

Awesome, longer videos are great for me. Thanks again!!

[@yes_head]

Nice job on this one. And a longer video for such a historic aircraft seems perfectly justified.

[@markrowland1366]

That was splendid. All I knew was covered in three minutes.

[@RocketmanS2K]

I, for one, absolutely don't mind the extra video length. If there is extra material to cover, please do!

[@zebop917]

You couldn’t tell the full story without the detail of those record flights so the longer format was helpful.

[@patrickcardon1643]

Oh yeah more content is always appreciated! Keep them coming. Great work

[@drstevenrey]

2:23, note the hole in the ground to accommodate the big thing in the small hangar. Great idea and probably cheaper than building a new hangar.

[@metricstormtrooper]

A great video, the length wasn't a problem, in fact it was nice to sit down for a bit longer than normal.

[@hondaxl250k0]

Long videos are wonderful as long as the content is as good as this!!👍🏻👍🏻

[@grandcrowdadforde6127]

well done ! its a treat seeing these obscure planes && how strange some of them look to the modern eye!

[@lynnmorton7544]

I remember reading an old publication (which I found online) from the first half of 1919 of how the crossing of the Atlantic would happen one day soon. It was horribly bad luck for Alcock & Brown to land in a bog, which looked like a firm green field. If I remember correctly, they planned to take off again and land on the UK mainland at a proper airfield!

[@charliemessenger6537]

Love the longer format. Another great vid!

[@spacecase13]

I am totally up for longform videos from you, feel free to knock it out of the park! Your subject matter is always interesting, and your presentation is easy on the ears!

[@pushbikeman]

Well done Rex the results of your research is without equal and this one on the Vimy might be the best yet as the aircraft would achieve so much post the great war.

[@bmasontv]

Great video, keep up the great work

[@nickyoung4799]

Excellent video thanks Rex. The longer the better when they are this good 👍

[@adrianrutterford762]

Good Evening Everyone

[@ZacLowing]

I would love a long version on the B-58 Hustler. Like a Dart with 707 engines...

[@worthymartin4008]

splendid video, thanks!

[@julianneale6128]

The idear of the longer videos sounds great.

[@gerardhogan3]

Bloody good job Rex.

[@Attofoxy]

Was it a longer than normal video? Didn't notice; too interested! If a plane has an interesting history, please take as long as you need.

[@trattoretrattore8228]

Great video, I love your subtle sense of humour.

[@kommandantgalileo]

I like this longer video format

[@11Kralle]

These 20min would seem to me as 10 minutes the most - time flies when one is entertained.

[@garrington120]

Thank You Rex , your videos and the excellent content . Your presentation is so refreshing aftr enduring the boring monologues of Greg !!!

[@Squirel]

Great video and where deserved, a more in depth video such as this one is just what is needed.

[@danepatterson8107]

Great content, definitely do it more often!

[@andrewhotston983]

Thanks - very informative.

[@sau002]

Well done.

[@ianbell5611]

Thank You for another excellent video. Next time I head over to Adelaide to see family I'll check it out

[@ssmrmgb]

Yes. longer videos would be appreciated.