Old monoplane overhead, any ideas what gives?

[Loose_Cannon]

Yesterday I saw what looked like a very old single engined monoplane overhead at mid afternoon, travelling slowly north to south over Durham city. Flanking it either side were two much smaller and more modern monoplanes which looked to be having a good time ducking and weaving about. Unfortunately I was out walking the dog, so by the time I got back home Flightradar gave no clues.

Well 5 mins ago while washing the car the same old plane came overhead, this time south to north but with only one "wingman". I could see it better this time, it looked dark blue with British roundels under each wing, and may have had exposed radial pistons. Feeling smug that flightradar would reveal all I didn't bother to take a picture, unfortunately there was nothing showing at all when I just looked. Does that mean it's military?

Sorry for no pics but does anyone have any ideas, some kind of display but where would they be going right now?

Edited by Loose_Cannon on Monday 8th March 15:55

[dodgepot]

I believe there has been a little bit of aerial filming going from Eshott airfield near Morpeth.

From what I recall the older monoplane may have been an evans vp1, but they do have a number of old aeroplanes up there

[dodgepot]

Just doing a bit of digging and I believe it might have been an old Morane-Saulnier that they acquired last year, not a vp1

[Loose_Cannon]

Thanks for that. I feel such an idiot for not taking a snap when I had the chance but thought Flight Radar was the font of all knowledge. Why would they not appear on that then?




The older monoplane, I forgot to say was a high-wing design, so your suggestion of the Morane-Saulnier looks spot on, in fact this (with French roundels not GB) might be the exact plane;





The 2 chase planes were absolutely bloody tiny, and very much like your suggestion of evans vp1 (also appeared yellow too).

[demic]

Taylor Monoplane? There were a pair and a helicopter at Church Fenton (Leeds East) the other day

[Simpo Two]

Loose_Cannon said:

Thanks for that. I feel such an idiot for not taking a snap when I had the chance but thought Flight Radar was the font of all knowledge. Why would they not appear on that then?

I guess the a/c needs to carry the appropriate electronic gubbins to show up, and something that old doesn't have it or it's not needed.

[Speed 3]

No transponder on anything that age not offering passenger service so nothing for FR to track.

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aircraft-building/intro-to...

[Loose_Cannon]

demic said:

Taylor Monoplane? There were a pair and a helicopter at Church Fenton (Leeds East) the other day

Could well be. A bit far away but appeared to have an enclosed cockpit. Very boxy wings..