This crashed Sopwith Pup was a full-size static model of Shuttleworth's N5180, built especially for the film by Skysport Engineering in just five weeks.

This month's slightly off-beat (for us at least) front cover was taken by DAVID HIGGS, the begoggled chap sitting in the front seat of the Stampe. masquerading as Biggles during shooting of the film of the same name.

A shot from the spectacular low-flying chase sequence with Stuart Goldspink in the Stampe being pursued by John Jordan in the Boeing Stearman - the wingtips of which are just visible on the left.

Von Stalhein's view of Biggles' gunner.

Biggles, played in the film by Neil Dickson, stands by his trusty aeroplane - Stampe G-BXNW, modified to carry a Scarff-type gun ring. Relatively modern aircraft were chosen for the flying sequences, with First World War types from the Shuttleworth Collection lending authenticity in ground scenes.

A second look at our cover photograph. The evil von Stalhein, alias stunt pilot John Jordan in his Stearman G-AROY, chases Biggles, alias (in this case) photographer David Higgs.

Stuart Goldspink in the Stampe being hotly pursued by John Jordan over the wintry Bedfordshire countryside.