I loved the remark by the little girl at around 57:39 when the kids realised the model pilot was James May and she said 'I know who that guy is from Top Gear, he's the really stupid one!' and I love how James May didn't have that edited out!
The thing that always gets me rewatching this is the look of utter joy on the face of the chase pilot. I mean the dude is actually flying a helicopter in real life, a significant feat of real world aviation and engineering. Yet the inner child looks at the toy glider soaring free and feels the magic of flight. "This is so cool." It's a sense of wonder we should all strive never to lose.
What a beautiful sight to see. And what an achievement! As someone who fixed helicopters in the US Army and has loved aviation all my life I say well done!
Not everyone likes the trio, but such genuine enthusiasm from James cannot be faked. A superb effort and fantastic aerial filming. Wonderful! The spirit of wonder, childhood dreams realized as an adult, and waking that from all of us as we watch is infectious. Believe it or not, back in August 2003, a model aircraft actually made a Transatlantic crossing! Called TAM-5 or The Spirit of Butts' Farm, it flew from Cape Spear in Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland in 38 hours, 52 minutes, and 19 seconds! The aircraft was built by a team led by Maynard Hill, a retired metallurgist. Before this feat, Hill had previously set 25 model airplane records and was inducted into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame in 1977. Simply put, anything is possible if you still believe!
james may really is just a big child. he embodies what all want to be, younger again. even though this was a full decade ago, and he’s older, more dulled down, it’s amazing to see a time where he was accomplishing what every young kid wanted to do, and i think everyone can smile at a grown man, being excited about an oversized children’s toy.
To be able to recapture exquisite joy as in youth is a rare thing. I last felt it as I rode my new motorcycle home. I certainly did share in his joy, seeing the beauty of a boy's dream in flight.
This has to be one of the most beautiful, heartwarming, and inspiring films I've ever seen. Hats off to everyone who had a hand in making the record attempt possible, and the creators who produced this wonderful story!
@2:50 G-WACG, the plane I went solo in, about 24 years ago! A little later, I flew the channel in a slightly bigger Cessna, and while uneventful, it certainly made me appreciate the bravery of Bleriot and other early pioneers. This is almost the perfect TV show, for me. Please make more James!
In my teens I attended a plane modeling club where we built balsa wood models ourselves, from scratch. And I do mean from scratch because every bit, maybe apart from the fuselage we had to sand down to proper size, dimensions. Build wings etc. from that. Then cover them with special fabric. And those models weren't only for show. We attended and competed in events across the country on old airfield hauling the models up in the air, letting go of the line at a specific moment and then the judges would count the time it stayed in the air. Great memories and that show brought it all back. Thanks! As the Supreme Leader, thankful you said, “This is so British!” That’s exactly what I was thinking. Then, somehow, the uncooperative French made this video even MORE British! 😂😂😂 “Liberté! Fraternité! Absurdité!”
That is not a toy glider... That is a piece of aviation history. Respect! Next step is to fit it with a prop and paint it with PV paint. Over to you James for another first...!
4:13 😂 the sound of the helicopter crashing into the hangar as James turns and walks away had me laughing for a solid 2 minutes 😂 the fact that is was off screen, and unacknowledged by James, made it even funnier…
@Sam Holdsworth Neither of those were really toys. First was a Blade 120SR, which while old is a hobby grade model from Blade/Horizon Hobby, and the plane was a Parkzone Ultra Micro J-3 Cub, also a hobby grade micro RC. The radio was a (also old) E-Flite DSM radio, and certainly can connect to both of those DSM models and actually came with the Ready to Fly combos for both of them. Funnily I actually had both of those models myself back when I first got into RC in 2011-2012. If you scroll back far enough you can see the 120SR in the first video I ever posted on Clip-Share.
@Jimmy Whitlow yeah, but not these toys 😂 I am very well-versed with building RC aircraft. And anyone who is would know that you couldn't fly two toy RC with one toy RC controller...just saying
Seeing James's inner child spark was beautiful, the sheer passion from himself and those involved and the music, the journey was all just incredible and emotional to watch, I felt like part of it, thank you team.
It's great to see the nostalgia that James May's show brings back to viewers of similar ages who also played with similar toys. The episode is enjoyed by many, particularly the Meccano bike.
Seemingly trivial, (and costly) - but such a GREAT achievement. I loved this video. Also much of the photography both of the aircraft and from the aircraft was beautifully compiled. And yes - for those of us who have echoed J.M.'s boyhood pleasures and dreams, you have encapsulated a few joyfully reminiscent moments, around the globe, for your like-minded brethren. WELL DONE TEAM!
I am so impressed. Totally riveting and exciting. Cheering from desk as it flew. Awesome how everyone comes together again to pull off an incredible feat.
The most mind blowing part about this was the paper aircraft and darts found in the old school. The one James May found and flew had been sat there for at least 100 years, flown by a child long since dead and he casually flies it again. Just think about that for a moment. It had the same design we ourselves used. Decades before planes would look anything remotely like that. Potentially even a century or more. What a mind blowing moment.
That absolutely blew my mind as a child in third grade making paper airplanes are designs haven’t changed at all and that just blew by bite also that The paper dart plane was Decades ahead of its time
i watched this ten years ago when it was first shown, and found myself, once again, lumpy-throated and utterly joyful. It was the 'victory laps' that ultimately got me. Wonderful, wonderful television, and bravo to the producers for, presumably, greenlighting a budget-exploding gamble so that last flight was possible. i can't wait to show this episode to my infant son one day.
That was an awesome video. It really got me invested. I'm so glad you were able to do the final flight, that really was beautiful. I generally prefer aircraft that have their own thrust, but that was really beautiful. The church find was really amazing. I just assumed that the paper airplane design was made by children mimicking aircraft. I never imagined that it was the other way around. I guess there's just something embedded in humans, that lets us see how to do particular things. Instinctual things making us want to fly.
I'm so glad I didn't go back outside when it hit the water. I downloaded. On a bleak depressing day I'm so glad I stumbled onto this presentation. Thank you all everyone for your shared adventure and kudos for the chopper guys for managing to return to git it done next day. I was interested then intent then nervous and finally elated. Great job all you guys. You really made my day. Have a good life Kudos from a dreary snow bound day up in the Washington state mountains. Dandahermit
This video took me back to my childhood memories and I watched the full video like a kid hanging on to a chocolate bar. I watched James May go on a U2 spy plane and that was thrilling to watch. But when I watch this video, the U2 spy plane became a toy and this glider became a hero! Thanks so much for creating such an inspiring video!
This is my favorite video he’s ever done - because he made every little/grown boy who’s ever made a model plane (or flown RC) come true. Ticked every box.❤
I had a glider and one day found an autopilot on eBay for rc glider so we set it up got the glider realy high then turned the rc radio off and watched the glider fly on its own it was mindblowing it went out of sight to my horror but a few seconds later it flew over me circled then landed great memories
@plamenpeychev as is customary in the UK. They use a hybrid method of metric and Imperial. It’s odd, but most men of James’ age will still measure in imperial.
A fantastic idea in this time where not everything is peaceful that comes from the sky. Anyone could have had this idea, but you guys rocked it. Awesome. I think the idea is what makes this video great, but also the professional execution and enthusiasm of all the people are involved. I didn't skip anything in the video, because every moment is a delight. Too bad the French didn't play along. Thanks guys, for this brilliant video, you deserve an award. ...Christian / Berlin
@Jere Lull Thank you Jere, I do believe you are right. I'm 72 now and kinda stopped flying after I sold my Cessna 310., due to a move from Belgium to Canada's West coast. Thought of a floatplane but that never materialized. Although I am almost about 20 years out of it I could still easily pass my medical (daily 5km runner), I should perhaps take your advice and drop the "ex".
Hey, I sympathize: You're a Multi-IFR aviator who just hasn't exercised that license lately. I'm about 40 years out of bi-annual medical or flight currency, but still am a pilot at heart.
WOW! Simply loved it! As a modeler myself this was monumental, and I am glad you were able to get that second chance. Life is full of surprises and you sir have made a big one!!! Thank you.
This is the type of TV programme we need to see more of. There's currently too much garbage on TV because it's a quantity over quality game. And of the ex Top Gear trio, James by far does the best solo programmes and Clip-Share videos. Always authentic.
Absolutely beautiful. A dream of any child 10 to 100 years old :) Also - if you never been on a glider - do it! It is amazing being in the sky without any noise.
What an utterly utterly wonderful programme. I'm sitting here both crying and cheering with joy at the same time. We are all big kids at heart. Look at that glider go! Go on glider, you can do it.....
Completely, I found myself really emotional as the failure of the cloudy day turned into a second attempt with clear skies.. not something I was expecting
Hands down my favourite video from "Toy stories" and one of the best videos I've ever seen. Educational, inspiring and fun. Well done Mr. May! Superb job!
The combination of the music, the clear skies, the toy glider gliding and Tom saying so cool at 51:56 made me cry for the first time in a long time, leaving me wondering if there is anything I'm doing wrong with my life.
So many like me who see all the dreams we had in childhood. So emotional! Tears in my face... James represents so well those emotions and feeling from those who know what pionneerism and aviation is all about. That planes from children made back 150 years ago. Man! Shivers... This video is amazing. One of best things I have seen so far...
In my teens I attended a plane modeling club where we built balsa wood models ourselves, from scratch. And I do mean from scratch because every bit, maybe apart from the fuselage we had to sand down to proper size, dimensions. Build wings etc from that. Then cover them with special fabric. And those models weren't only for show. We attended and competed in events across the country on old airfield hauling the models up in the air, letting go of the line at a specific moment and then the judges would count the time it stayed in the air. Great memories and that show brought it all back. Thanks👍
Repent to Jesus Christ “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NIV h
There are very few people making 1 hour videos like this. There are even fewer people that can hold my attention on a video like this for more than 10-15. But James May is one of those very rare people. I don´t even really care about model planes, but somehow he keeps me entertained and my interest peaked all the way through.
I built a balsa glider myself when I was 12. After weeks of building and painting I trough it in the air and it crashed badly. I never built another one. So, thank you for this video. I was with you the whole time.
Maybe my 2 favorite things on this are: the prototype got its own flight on the test of the "coffin" and did beautifully (almost flying back to their feet) and the pilot Tom's honest reactions when he was tracking and releasing the glider. We all turned back into little boys throughout this episode. Thank you.
At last - James has grown up. It is about time. Kudos to the build team. May they prosper in their chosen field and reach great heights. We need all the young people like these we can get to ensure the ongoing survival of society.
It's heart-warming to see James' genuine delight with all these old toys, things that children these days don't care about. I think I'd have a lot of things to talk about with Mr. May, even though there's quite a few decades between us.
@fraggsta did it serve any purpose other than for a bit of fun? Sure it might be advanced, but it's a toy all the same.. adults can have toys too you know! 😉
@beebo my Dad took my brother and I to see Gliders in flight. They were stunning. Agree that if you want to see how the magic works, you have to see the full-size gliders in flight
Fantastic video. Gives so many positive feelings. The narration is also so good. The Idea, the comments, the fun the helicopter pilot is having, the build up of the video, the music., it is all a perfect match and perfect editing. I LOVE IT ALL. Thank you all for the hard work to create this.
This was a fantastic watch! Very uplifting bright spot and a real triumph! Thank you for creating and sharing something like this that we can all, at least vicariously, experience the joy, wonder and thrill of well earned accomplishment. I'm really grateful to have borne witness and been on the journey!
This is a cracking video and well done James and the crew ,what an achievement !!love seeing the enthusiasm of the Brunel guys and it just shows despite the underfunding of aviation that innovation is still alive and well ,great job !!
After finding this show randomly, I am now convinced that James May is actually the heart and entertainment of his 3 man team. Richard and Jeramy where just lucky to be around him when they where 😂.
Do you know James may is the brother of Brian may from QUEEN the rock group?? James has a musical background he studied it in university,He's is also a mechanic and a pilot and best of all *CAPTAIN SLOW*
Your RC helicopter at 4:08 reminded me of how I got into aviation in the first place. My first RC aircraft looks a lot like that toy helicopter. It worked for a few weeks and then the motor overheated :( It was so fun while it lasted. Then A while later I got a small (like size of your hand small) RC plane, but it worked better as a glider, especially once one of the microscopic motors gave out. Then I got a bit larger plane (a little bigger than your red piper) and it crashed into a few trees before the elevator rod fell out, making it impossible to control pitch, and therefore couldn't fly, but it lasted much MUCH longer and I'd buy it again if it wasn't for the next one I got. So far, these were all just actual toy aircraft that could fly in your back yard and only in less than 5 mph wind, but then I got an actual large RC trainer plane that hobbyists like me fly. Takes up the entire trunk of the car on the way to the airfield that you legally have to fly at. (well, almost. There's lots of legal restrictions on where it can fly and stuff, like not around crowded areas or above 400 ft or in airspace around airports, etc.) Now I'm on my way to getting a pilots license eventually.
My grandfather used to build, fly and absolutely obliterated model aircraft. The excitement of watching that glider clear over 35km and land safely reminds me of the excitement I used to feel taking model planes up to Westbury and Heddington to fly them and occasionally get involved in a demolition Derby dogfight. Just a shame we never made the machine guns a reality (he even had an airsoft gun he planned to modify before he died, absolute madman).
The thing that amazes me the most about flight is that something like a hang glider is literally 4 long poles, a bit of rope and some canvas and yet this simple arrangement eluded early pioneers for centuries.
Been a real 'fan' of Captain Slow for ... well damn, decades, at this point. One of the smartest and most 'interesting' of all the Top Gear/The Grand Tour presenters. His choice of 'off season' shows, has always been very watchable, informative and fun. I hope he bounces back once again after Jeremy (once again) kills off yet another top/popular series.
@RocketVlogs well, obviously, if he was a well-known known celebrity with a huge voice, then no one would care as much 😂 that's obvious. Amazon is looking at it from a business perspective, and Jeremy's of the cusp remarks can be extremely damaging to the shows and how people view amazon. Some may view amazon as in support of what Jeremy said if they had not acted. Any time someone has a large platform, it is obvious that their voice will be heard more and, therefore, silenced more. This is just logical.
@steamsearcher indeed.. but so did Brexit. In the end it's quite apparent Jeremy is a bit of an arse. Sure he can be funny but he tries sooo hard to be. His humour is still very much at a schoolyard level
I wish my grandfather could see this! He grew up building his own RC airplanes in Indiana, USA back in the 1940s. We have a very cool news paper clipping from his local town showing him, at 14, holding a flying saucer RC plane that he built and which had been spotted by the people in town who of course freaked out, took photos, and even got the local police to chase and monitor it. Imagine their surprise when the saucer lands like a normal airplane (because it basically is) and a 14 year old boy with some radio equipment is the "alien pilot" who was flying it!
I loved his bit of commentary about being a kid at the top of a very tall hill because it's so relatable. I loved riding down the biggest hill when I was a kid with my sister and friends and you always wanted one just a little taller.
Man even tho I’m only 19 years old but I used to build gliders and rubber band powered gliders a lot. When he talked about how he felt when his plane glide majestically through the air, I felt that too. I miss the days when I wasn’t busy with the university all the time. Seeing his plane made me miss my old planes so so much. Good old james may. Love this man so much.
Amazing video, and even though none of my finger bits were stuck to that glider, i got quite emotional too when i saw it soar gracefully over that island. Thank you mr. May
When James May is involved I can't help but feel like a 10yr old once again! He has that way about him, a true reminder of those feelings and memories of being a kid again. Thank you James for taking me back 46yrs! This was epic and you and your fabulous team including those University students should feel very proud of this great achievement. Congratulations! 👍 👌
I don't think anyone could of presented this peace better than James, he's like the comical version of David A. Really enjoyed this from beginning to end - Flight of the swallow is in history forever. ;) The difference between woke and true genuine humility is night and day, quite refreshing.
He makes a lot of points around 4:30, about how tricky R/C used to be. You also had only ONE way of learning, the hard way, which meant many broken aircraft before you got good! But now there is a relatively cheap way to learn to fly R/C and involves no broken airplanes: on your comp with "Real flight" program plus an R/C transmitter emulator for $30.
Im studying for my Degree in Mech Engineering some days i just feel like giving up or somehow lost the passion for it due to my results. but watching this video some how reminds me the feeling of those times and moments when I researched and developed engineering designs for months and finally getting it to work!! Thank you!
This was amazing to watch. The whole crew did great job. The episode is such a great thing to watch, especially when you used to build and make planes with someone, you loved so much and you miss so much these days. Thanks James!
Bravo! An uplifting (pun intended) story w a good ending! Well done James May....anyone that has even built a balsa plane before understands your excitement! This would have been a great high school science project.
Repent to Jesus Christ “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NIV ht
Who said that age of the exsentrics has over? The same emotions accompanied me when I watched a film dedicated to the first rises of the creators of the British Solar One...solar powered glider. The situation presented here is also unique especially for lovers of modeling!
I always enjoy watching you fly... most people don't say anything and just enjoy watching. I never commented before, keep it up your entertaining and your flying speaks for itself.
Very inspirational and great to watch with the kids. Pieces like this can help drive young people into very rewarding careers by igniting something that may otherwise have remained dormant. Both my kids (son 12 and daughter 10) were awestruck and are planning some similar adventures in their next holidays (perhaps at a smaller scale...). My son and I have already scratch-built and flown RC planes and it's exciting that my daughter is showing interest! Great work and JM is a wonderful host. (A few less F-bombs may have been more appropriate). Cheers from Sydney - Dave
That was absolute gold to watch. Probably better than anything I have seen in a very long time. Long live the child like spirit in all of us. Thankyou to all involved in this epic adventure. Deno.
Loved this video! It brings back childhood memories of putting a rocket in a Trans Am model. I thought a straw glued on the bottom would allow it to track along kite string nailed down in the grass would work... 1 totally charred king palm, 2 firetrucks and 1 policeman later, I found out I was wrong. That puppy hit a bump and went flying! 🤣
That was just bloody cool! A boys dream realized. I found they 100-150 year old delta wing paper airplane absolutely astonishing! sometimes wish I was born with a british accent. Always fantastic for story telling.
Could have done some slope soaring above those cliffs before landing, could have extended the distance flown by who knows. 😉 Regardless this is an awesome video, a fantastic idea and execution!
The thing that changed my rc plane experience over the years more than anything else is ammonia. Yes the chemical that burns your nose. With a little bit of ammonia you can warp, twist ,bend balsa into any shape you want without it snapping. It's like magic. The number of designs I could never make without adding glue weight jumped by multiple orders of magnitude after discovering that one thing.
This is VERY intriguimg to me as, someone who hasn't built an RC Plane for a few decades but have been thinking to get back in. What percentage of Ammonia are we talking about? Like, Windex amount (3-4%) or Jewelers Ammonia (25-28%)? Very interesting, thanks!
The Boeing Museum of Flight in Seattle, Wa has a hobby scale model that flew across the Atlantic by itself. I can't remember the exact specifics, but I believe it was one of the first flights guided by GPS completely.
The small segment which featured the ex-school circa 1910 was truly fascinating when James spoke about children making "darts" of sorts in the hope they'd fly through the air not long after the Wright Brothers.
I like your style! As a paraglider pilot I understand your pain, and your victory! Also, we pilots don't call them ascending spirals, we call them thermals- or more colloquially- CORING LIFT and not for the feint of heart! Only real bird brains can do it with proficiency. Adiabatic processes are bliss, or terror, depending on your own personal perspective and your ability to choose when to Switch to Glide. Those victory turns, vs scraping in, are a hard earned badge of courage. Let's see the design Core thermals with some raptors, the only 1% crew left on the planet- been there and done that!
I loved the remark by the little girl at around 57:39 when the kids realised the model pilot was James May and she said 'I know who that guy is from Top Gear, he's the really stupid one!' and I love how James May didn't have that edited out!
@JP dJ I am sure that was a set up they had a film crew with sound probably all pre planned .
@INSANE COMMANDER You did not just say the words "nob head"... **sigh**
The thing that always gets me rewatching this is the look of utter joy on the face of the chase pilot. I mean the dude is actually flying a helicopter in real life, a significant feat of real world aviation and engineering. Yet the inner child looks at the toy glider soaring free and feels the magic of flight. "This is so cool." It's a sense of wonder we should all strive never to lose.
This is my life
I thought the same thing. He looked so happy to be there and be a part the glider flight.
He probably never ever got to experiment the helicopter limits, 9900 feet up, heck of a trip.
Seeing things Air to Air is always special, whether it it be birds, or other aircraft
Very well said!
The beautiful thing about this is... James' enthusiasm and joy is 100% real! making this video so much more wholesome and lovely.
What a beautiful sight to see. And what an achievement! As someone who fixed helicopters in the US Army and has loved aviation all my life I say well done!
I fixed them for the US Coast Guard, and as one mech to another, I agree with your comment 100%.
Our British government can be as corrupt as hell but bonkers Englishmen like James May can still make me smile 😀 See?
Not everyone likes the trio, but such genuine enthusiasm from James cannot be faked. A superb effort and fantastic aerial filming. Wonderful! The spirit of wonder, childhood dreams realized as an adult, and waking that from all of us as we watch is infectious. Believe it or not, back in August 2003, a model aircraft actually made a Transatlantic crossing! Called TAM-5 or The Spirit of Butts' Farm, it flew from Cape Spear in Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland in 38 hours, 52 minutes, and 19 seconds! The aircraft was built by a team led by Maynard Hill, a retired metallurgist. Before this feat, Hill had previously set 25 model airplane records and was inducted into the Model Aviation Hall of Fame in 1977. Simply put, anything is possible if you still believe!
I swear you are everywhere
I honestly love how passionate James always gets. Having someone who is this invested as a presenter makes the whole thing so enjoyable to watch.
@FOOL ON THE HILL Plus, he really had skin in the game!
Plus he's a PILOT so he knows his sheeeit..
james may really is just a big child. he embodies what all want to be, younger again. even though this was a full decade ago, and he’s older, more dulled down, it’s amazing to see a time where he was accomplishing what every young kid wanted to do, and i think everyone can smile at a grown man, being excited about an oversized children’s toy.
Goddam it is a decade ago, geez time really flies like the Swallow
As friends of mine maintain:"It's never too late to have a happy childhood."😇
we all are big children
Why should someone give up his dreams? Sometimes you need master degree in mechanical engineering to fulfill your child dreams.
To be able to recapture exquisite joy as in youth is a rare thing. I last felt it as I rode my new motorcycle home. I certainly did share in his joy, seeing the beauty of a boy's dream in flight.
This has to be one of the most beautiful, heartwarming, and inspiring films I've ever seen. Hats off to everyone who had a hand in making the record attempt possible, and the creators who produced this wonderful story!
@2:50 G-WACG, the plane I went solo in, about 24 years ago! A little later, I flew the channel in a slightly bigger Cessna, and while uneventful, it certainly made me appreciate the bravery of Bleriot and other early pioneers. This is almost the perfect TV show, for me. Please make more James!
In my teens I attended a plane modeling club where we built balsa wood models ourselves, from scratch. And I do mean from scratch because every bit, maybe apart from the fuselage we had to sand down to proper size, dimensions. Build wings etc. from that. Then cover them with special fabric. And those models weren't only for show. We attended and competed in events across the country on old airfield hauling the models up in the air, letting go of the line at a specific moment and then the judges would count the time it stayed in the air. Great memories and that show brought it all back. Thanks!
As the Supreme Leader, thankful you said, “This is so British!” That’s exactly what I was thinking. Then, somehow, the uncooperative French made this video even MORE British! 😂😂😂 “Liberté! Fraternité! Absurdité!”
That is not a toy glider... That is a piece of aviation history. Respect!
Next step is to fit it with a prop and paint it with PV paint. Over to you James for another first...!
This was just so cool to watch. It looked so beautiful in flight. Imagine how much further it could've gone had it not needed to set down on land. :)
4:13 😂 the sound of the helicopter crashing into the hangar as James turns and walks away had me laughing for a solid 2 minutes 😂 the fact that is was off screen, and unacknowledged by James, made it even funnier…
I wonder if the remote controlled plane was the same one Richard Hammond used in planning the Reliant Robin Rocket Launch.
NGL, I almost cried in laughter too 😂😂
@Sam Holdsworth Neither of those were really toys. First was a Blade 120SR, which while old is a hobby grade model from Blade/Horizon Hobby, and the plane was a Parkzone Ultra Micro J-3 Cub, also a hobby grade micro RC. The radio was a (also old) E-Flite DSM radio, and certainly can connect to both of those DSM models and actually came with the Ready to Fly combos for both of them. Funnily I actually had both of those models myself back when I first got into RC in 2011-2012. If you scroll back far enough you can see the 120SR in the first video I ever posted on Clip-Share.
@Jimmy Whitlow yeah, but not these toys 😂
I am very well-versed with building RC aircraft. And anyone who is would know that you couldn't fly two toy RC with one toy RC controller...just saying
@Sam Holdsworth you can program controllers to operate many rc craft or vehicles.
Seeing James's inner child spark was beautiful, the sheer passion from himself and those involved and the music, the journey was all just incredible and emotional to watch, I felt like part of it, thank you team.
I will never get tired of seeing how excited James get's when things go correctly, like when the test plane drops successfully.
It's great to see the nostalgia that James May's show brings back to viewers of similar ages who also played with similar toys. The episode is enjoyed by many, particularly the Meccano bike.
Oh yeah manccano loved that and brings up a lot ofgood memories..
Seemingly trivial, (and costly) - but such a GREAT achievement. I loved this video. Also much of the photography both of the aircraft and from the aircraft was beautifully compiled.
And yes - for those of us who have echoed J.M.'s boyhood pleasures and dreams, you have encapsulated a few joyfully reminiscent moments, around the globe, for your like-minded brethren.
WELL DONE TEAM!
I am so impressed. Totally riveting and exciting. Cheering from desk as it flew. Awesome how everyone comes together again to pull off an incredible feat.
The most mind blowing part about this was the paper aircraft and darts found in the old school. The one James May found and flew had been sat there for at least 100 years, flown by a child long since dead and he casually flies it again. Just think about that for a moment. It had the same design we ourselves used. Decades before planes would look anything remotely like that. Potentially even a century or more. What a mind blowing moment.
@Dirk Van Dijk
Love the reply .
@Austin528 gum.
@James Sveinsson It's "OUR" designs.
If you want your mind blow Read te previous comments!
That absolutely blew my mind as a child in third grade making paper airplanes are designs haven’t changed at all and that just blew by bite also that The paper dart plane was Decades ahead of its time
@Dirk Van Dijk
Summer child?
No, more like born at the end of January
i watched this ten years ago when it was first shown, and found myself, once again, lumpy-throated and utterly joyful. It was the 'victory laps' that ultimately got me. Wonderful, wonderful television, and bravo to the producers for, presumably, greenlighting a budget-exploding gamble so that last flight was possible. i can't wait to show this episode to my infant son one day.
i can just tell you are good people. i too hope to show my young daughter such wholesome things one day.
That was an awesome video. It really got me invested. I'm so glad you were able to do the final flight, that really was beautiful. I generally prefer aircraft that have their own thrust, but that was really beautiful.
The church find was really amazing. I just assumed that the paper airplane design was made by children mimicking aircraft. I never imagined that it was the other way around. I guess there's just something embedded in humans, that lets us see how to do particular things. Instinctual things making us want to fly.
I'm so glad I didn't go back outside when it hit the water. I downloaded. On a bleak depressing day I'm so glad I stumbled onto this presentation. Thank you all everyone for your shared adventure and kudos for the chopper guys for managing to return to git it done next day. I was interested then intent then nervous and finally elated. Great job all you guys. You really made my day. Have a good life Kudos from a dreary snow bound day up in the Washington state mountains. Dandahermit
This video took me back to my childhood memories and I watched the full video like a kid hanging on to a chocolate bar. I watched James May go on a U2 spy plane and that was thrilling to watch. But when I watch this video, the U2 spy plane became a toy and this glider became a hero! Thanks so much for creating such an inspiring video!
An honest, fun and great feat of engineering - Well done boys! I'm sure all involved were just as thrilled! Great maiden flight!
This is my favorite video he’s ever done - because he made every little/grown boy who’s ever made a model plane (or flown RC) come true. Ticked every box.❤
Some girls, too. :P
I had a glider and one day found an autopilot on eBay for rc glider so we set it up got the glider realy high then turned the rc radio off and watched the glider fly on its own it was mindblowing it went out of sight to my horror but a few seconds later it flew over me circled then landed great memories
You said it dude
I love how the "cool guy" helicopter pilot even was rooting for it. You know damn well he had the same dream we all did as kids.
@plamenpeychev as is customary in the UK. They use a hybrid method of metric and Imperial. It’s odd, but most men of James’ age will still measure in imperial.
A fantastic idea in this time where not everything is peaceful that comes from the sky. Anyone could have had this idea, but you guys rocked it. Awesome. I think the idea is what makes this video great, but also the professional execution and enthusiasm of all the people are involved. I didn't skip anything in the video, because every moment is a delight. Too bad the French didn't play along. Thanks guys, for this brilliant video, you deserve an award. ...Christian / Berlin
Fantastic. As an ex Multi-IFR aviator I almost got a bit teary eyed. Well done James and crew.
@Jere Lull Thank you Jere, I do believe you are right. I'm 72 now and kinda stopped flying after I sold my Cessna 310., due to a move from Belgium to Canada's West coast. Thought of a floatplane but that never materialized. Although I am almost about 20 years out of it I could still easily pass my medical (daily 5km runner), I should perhaps take your advice and drop the "ex".
Hey, I sympathize: You're a Multi-IFR aviator who just hasn't exercised that license lately. I'm about 40 years out of bi-annual medical or flight currency, but still am a pilot at heart.
WOW! Simply loved it! As a modeler myself this was monumental, and I am glad you were able to get that second chance. Life is full of surprises and you sir have made a big one!!! Thank you.
This is the type of TV programme we need to see more of. There's currently too much garbage on TV because it's a quantity over quality game. And of the ex Top Gear trio, James by far does the best solo programmes and Clip-Share videos. Always authentic.
Absolutely beautiful. A dream of any child 10 to 100 years old :) Also - if you never been on a glider - do it! It is amazing being in the sky without any noise.
It's on my bucket list just done a tandem skydive and it was a experience I'll never ever forget..
What an utterly utterly wonderful programme. I'm sitting here both crying and cheering with joy at the same time. We are all big kids at heart. Look at that glider go! Go on glider, you can do it.....
The little glider that could -- and DID
@Sian Warwick definitely
Completely, I found myself really emotional as the failure of the cloudy day turned into a second attempt with clear skies.. not something I was expecting
The shots of the glider just flying on its lonesome over the water are wonderful. That is some good good shooting and editing
Hands down my favourite video from "Toy stories" and one of the best videos I've ever seen. Educational, inspiring and fun. Well done Mr. May! Superb job!
The combination of the music, the clear skies, the toy glider gliding and Tom saying so cool at 51:56 made me cry for the first time in a long time, leaving me wondering if there is anything I'm doing wrong with my life.
@DirtySleazy huehue
Noist? More like moist!
So many like me who see all the dreams we had in childhood.
So emotional! Tears in my face...
James represents so well those emotions and feeling from those who know what pionneerism and aviation is all about.
That planes from children made back 150 years ago. Man! Shivers...
This video is amazing.
One of best things I have seen so far...
Congratulations to you and your team behind to do this outstanding effort.
The Idea to release the glider with a Helicopter is simply brilliant!👍
That is an amazing achivement 😮 People may say its a toy, But for those of us who fly model aircraft, that was briliant!!
This was a dream to watch. So much dedication and ingenuity. Congratulations to all the team. Wonderful.
@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ - No.
@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ And the need or context of your comment here, was of no relevance
In my teens I attended a plane modeling club where we built balsa wood models ourselves, from scratch. And I do mean from scratch because every bit, maybe apart from the fuselage we had to sand down to proper size, dimensions. Build wings etc from that. Then cover them with special fabric. And those models weren't only for show. We attended and competed in events across the country on old airfield hauling the models up in the air, letting go of the line at a specific moment and then the judges would count the time it stayed in the air. Great memories and that show brought it all back. Thanks👍
Repent to Jesus Christ “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14 NIV
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There are very few people making 1 hour videos like this. There are even fewer people that can hold my attention on a video like this for more than 10-15. But James May is one of those very rare people. I don´t even really care about model planes, but somehow he keeps me entertained and my interest peaked all the way through.
I built a balsa glider myself when I was 12. After weeks of building and painting I trough it in the air and it crashed badly. I never built another one. So, thank you for this video. I was with you the whole time.
Maybe my 2 favorite things on this are: the prototype got its own flight on the test of the "coffin" and did beautifully (almost flying back to their feet) and the pilot Tom's honest reactions when he was tracking and releasing the glider. We all turned back into little boys throughout this episode. Thank you.
At last - James has grown up. It is about time. Kudos to the build team. May they prosper in their chosen field and reach great heights. We need all the young people like these we can get to ensure the ongoing survival of society.
So uplifiting. Really keeps the dreams alive. Thank you James and all of the production team.
It's heart-warming to see James' genuine delight with all these old toys, things that children these days don't care about. I think I'd have a lot of things to talk about with Mr. May, even though there's quite a few decades between us.
@fraggsta yeah but a plane can be a toy, a car can be a toy etc
@Jim Startup Whatever its purpose was, it has wings, it flies. It' s a plane.
@fraggsta did it serve any purpose other than for a bit of fun? Sure it might be advanced, but it's a toy all the same.. adults can have toys too you know! 😉
@Formes bordem?
@beebo my Dad took my brother and I to see Gliders in flight. They were stunning. Agree that if you want to see how the magic works, you have to see the full-size gliders in flight
Fantastic video. Gives so many positive feelings. The narration is also so good. The Idea, the comments, the fun the helicopter pilot is having, the build up of the video, the music., it is all a perfect match and perfect editing. I LOVE IT ALL. Thank you all for the hard work to create this.
This is absolutely spectacular! Way much better than the Baumgartner space jump. Kudos to all who made this wonderful experience. 👍
Could not imagine Clarkson having the patience, or let’s face it, the technical ability to present this. Well done, Mr May…..and technical team.
This was a fantastic watch! Very uplifting bright spot and a real triumph! Thank you for creating and sharing something like this that we can all, at least vicariously, experience the joy, wonder and thrill of well earned accomplishment. I'm really grateful to have borne witness and been on the journey!
This is a cracking video and well done James and the crew ,what an achievement !!love seeing the enthusiasm of the Brunel guys and it just shows despite the underfunding of aviation that innovation is still alive and well ,great job !!
for once, a re-publising on another channel, doesn't mess up the audio. Absolutely perfect guys!
That was fantastic, you couldn't do anything more rewarding, well done to everybody involved
Crazy how beautiful I found this, fantastic film work, and great engineering effort from everyone! This was a great watch!
After finding this show randomly, I am now convinced that James May is actually the heart and entertainment of his 3 man team. Richard and Jeramy where just lucky to be around him when they where 😂.
Do you know James may is the brother of Brian may from QUEEN the rock group?? James has a musical background he studied it in university,He's is also a mechanic and a pilot and best of all *CAPTAIN SLOW*
Great , just beautiful to se James and crew doing this things about flight . Childhood dreams and innovation all together.
Powered flight, gliders, flying models always makes my heart beat faster. Thanks for the video!
This is the British spirit so many have lost over the years. Amazing to see it coming back
@Stu b The only French spirit that exists is Cognac!
@Rob Ashton but it does nullify the "see it coming back" of the original comment.
And that was the French spirit, still in tact.
@Epic that doesn't matter! It's still just so brilliant!
This episode is over a decade old.
Your RC helicopter at 4:08 reminded me of how I got into aviation in the first place. My first RC aircraft looks a lot like that toy helicopter. It worked for a few weeks and then the motor overheated :( It was so fun while it lasted. Then A while later I got a small (like size of your hand small) RC plane, but it worked better as a glider, especially once one of the microscopic motors gave out. Then I got a bit larger plane (a little bigger than your red piper) and it crashed into a few trees before the elevator rod fell out, making it impossible to control pitch, and therefore couldn't fly, but it lasted much MUCH longer and I'd buy it again if it wasn't for the next one I got. So far, these were all just actual toy aircraft that could fly in your back yard and only in less than 5 mph wind, but then I got an actual large RC trainer plane that hobbyists like me fly. Takes up the entire trunk of the car on the way to the airfield that you legally have to fly at. (well, almost. There's lots of legal restrictions on where it can fly and stuff, like not around crowded areas or above 400 ft or in airspace around airports, etc.) Now I'm on my way to getting a pilots license eventually.
This video put a huge smile on my face, it is indeed exactly the thing every young child thinks about when making your first model plane
A M A Z I N G! Big thanks for one hour with a big smile on my face to you and your great team!
My grandfather used to build, fly and absolutely obliterated model aircraft. The excitement of watching that glider clear over 35km and land safely reminds me of the excitement I used to feel taking model planes up to Westbury and Heddington to fly them and occasionally get involved in a demolition Derby dogfight. Just a shame we never made the machine guns a reality (he even had an airsoft gun he planned to modify before he died, absolute madman).
The thing that amazes me the most about flight is that something like a hang glider is literally 4 long poles, a bit of rope and some canvas and yet this simple arrangement eluded early pioneers for centuries.
Been a real 'fan' of Captain Slow for ... well damn, decades, at this point.
One of the smartest and most 'interesting' of all the Top Gear/The Grand Tour presenters.
His choice of 'off season' shows, has always been very watchable, informative and fun.
I hope he bounces back once again after Jeremy (once again) kills off yet another top/popular series.
@RocketVlogs well, obviously, if he was a well-known known celebrity with a huge voice, then no one would care as much 😂 that's obvious. Amazon is looking at it from a business perspective, and Jeremy's of the cusp remarks can be extremely damaging to the shows and how people view amazon. Some may view amazon as in support of what Jeremy said if they had not acted. Any time someone has a large platform, it is obvious that their voice will be heard more and, therefore, silenced more. This is just logical.
@Rocket Vlogs I think most sane people would have had a problem with it.
GOD SPEED CAPTAIN SLOW!
@steamsearcher indeed.. but so did Brexit. In the end it's quite apparent Jeremy is a bit of an arse. Sure he can be funny but he tries sooo hard to be. His humour is still very much at a schoolyard level
@robducky they are going to dump the Farm series? It's probably ready to air. Going on air Feb 10
I wish my grandfather could see this! He grew up building his own RC airplanes in Indiana, USA back in the 1940s. We have a very cool news paper clipping from his local town showing him, at 14, holding a flying saucer RC plane that he built and which had been spotted by the people in town who of course freaked out, took photos, and even got the local police to chase and monitor it. Imagine their surprise when the saucer lands like a normal airplane (because it basically is) and a 14 year old boy with some radio equipment is the "alien pilot" who was flying it!
33:22 "it's just remarkable, I thought I'd rang up the telly"
How James goes about phrasing certain things gets me every time
I loved his bit of commentary about being a kid at the top of a very tall hill because it's so relatable. I loved riding down the biggest hill when I was a kid with my sister and friends and you always wanted one just a little taller.
Patience suspense,Thrill, A flight full of fantasy i enjoyed every moment of this video Hats off to you James A New World Record 👍👍👍❤️❤️
Man even tho I’m only 19 years old but I used to build gliders and rubber band powered gliders a lot. When he talked about how he felt when his plane glide majestically through the air, I felt that too. I miss the days when I wasn’t busy with the university all the time. Seeing his plane made me miss my old planes so so much. Good old james may. Love this man so much.
Can you imagine clarkson and Hammond achieving this , I don’t think so , may has always been in my book thee intellectual one ❤
To be fair clarksons farm show is extremely educational as well and fun, they were still the best team together.
clarkson and hammond would of done it in half the time, and be far more entertaining, while doing it...failure or otherwise
True, but he tends to overthink things, which is part of the gag.
This was fun to watch! Brought back those days of those toy planes. Awesome! Thanks for the great memories and great project.
What an awesome feat of model aviation and james mays kidlike wonder makes it totaly watchable and somehow magical 🤘
Amazing video, and even though none of my finger bits were stuck to that glider, i got quite emotional too when i saw it soar gracefully over that island. Thank you mr. May
A wonderful piece of engineering for those students as well. The guidance system worked wonderfully.
Well done all!
11:37 im seriously impressed how well it flew
When James May is involved I can't help but feel like a 10yr old once again! He has that way about him, a true reminder of those feelings and memories of being a kid again.
Thank you James for taking me back 46yrs! This was epic and you and your fabulous team including those University students should feel very proud of this great achievement. Congratulations! 👍 👌
An incredible achievement. Well done everyone involved.
I don't think anyone could of presented this peace better than James, he's like the comical version of David A. Really enjoyed this from beginning to end - Flight of the swallow is in history forever. ;) The difference between woke and true genuine humility is night and day, quite refreshing.
Wow guys. What a film. I actually applauded when it landed! It's not just a toy glider! It's victory!
He makes a lot of points around 4:30, about how tricky R/C used to be. You also had only ONE way of learning, the hard way, which meant many broken aircraft before you got good! But now there is a relatively cheap way to learn to fly R/C and involves no broken airplanes: on your comp with "Real flight" program plus an R/C transmitter emulator for $30.
Im studying for my Degree in Mech Engineering some days i just feel like giving up or somehow lost the passion for it due to my results. but watching this video some how reminds me the feeling of those times and moments when I researched and developed engineering designs for months and finally getting it to work!! Thank you!
This was amazing to watch. The whole crew did great job. The episode is such a great thing to watch, especially when you used to build and make planes with someone, you loved so much and you miss so much these days. Thanks James!
40:38 it's impressive how quickly that plane stabilised
I loved rubber and then nitro powered Guillows kits...I did not expect to see a hundred year old paper airplane fly...again. Fantastic production.
Bravo! An uplifting (pun intended) story w a good ending! Well done James May....anyone that has even built a balsa plane before understands your excitement! This would have been a great high school science project.
Really enjoyed that, well done James and team, excellent viewing, excellent achievement.
This is an amazing achievement!!! Love to J and to the lads.
How happy the helicopter pilot is getting to do this really makes me happy
He looks like he's just turned 16yo..
I think he was the spotter, not the actual pilot but nevertheless his excitement was clearly visible.
Repent to Jesus Christ “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14 NIV
ht
Who said that age of the exsentrics has over? The same emotions accompanied me when I watched a film dedicated to the first rises of the creators of the British Solar One...solar powered glider. The situation presented here is also unique especially for lovers of modeling!
I’m actually staggered. And also found myself willing the glider on. I couldn’t help but smile when it made it to Lundy. Fantastic.
I always enjoy watching you fly... most people don't say anything and just enjoy watching. I never commented before, keep it up your entertaining and your flying speaks for itself.
Very inspirational and great to watch with the kids. Pieces like this can help drive young people into very rewarding careers by igniting something that may otherwise have remained dormant. Both my kids (son 12 and daughter 10) were awestruck and are planning some similar adventures in their next holidays (perhaps at a smaller scale...). My son and I have already scratch-built and flown RC planes and it's exciting that my daughter is showing interest! Great work and JM is a wonderful host. (A few less F-bombs may have been more appropriate). Cheers from Sydney - Dave
Thank you for airing this marvelous adventure and record 🏆 setting flight success. Congratulations to you all.
That was absolute gold to watch. Probably better than anything I have seen in a very long time. Long live the child like spirit in all of us. Thankyou to all involved in this epic adventure. Deno.
Loved this video! It brings back childhood memories of putting a rocket in a Trans Am model. I thought a straw glued on the bottom would allow it to track along kite string nailed down in the grass would work...
1 totally charred king palm, 2 firetrucks and 1 policeman later, I found out I was wrong. That puppy hit a bump and went flying! 🤣
That was just bloody cool! A boys dream realized. I found they 100-150 year old delta wing paper airplane absolutely astonishing! sometimes wish I was born with a british accent. Always fantastic for story telling.
Could have done some slope soaring above those cliffs before landing, could have extended the distance flown by who knows. 😉
Regardless this is an awesome video, a fantastic idea and execution!
Loved this. The spirit of flight is alive and well.
Seen this so many times, never gets old!
The thing that changed my rc plane experience over the years more than anything else is ammonia. Yes the chemical that burns your nose. With a little bit of ammonia you can warp, twist ,bend balsa into any shape you want without it snapping. It's like magic. The number of designs I could never make without adding glue weight jumped by multiple orders of magnitude after discovering that one thing.
@Potvin Suks well window cleaner works.
Hot water does the trick too
This is VERY intriguimg to me as, someone who hasn't built an RC Plane for a few decades but have been thinking to get back in.
What percentage of Ammonia are we talking about? Like, Windex amount (3-4%) or Jewelers Ammonia (25-28%)? Very interesting, thanks!
The Boeing Museum of Flight in Seattle, Wa has a hobby scale model that flew across the Atlantic by itself. I can't remember the exact specifics, but I believe it was one of the first flights guided by GPS completely.
The small segment which featured the ex-school circa 1910 was truly fascinating when James spoke about children making "darts" of sorts in the hope they'd fly through the air not long after the Wright Brothers.
I like your style! As a paraglider pilot I understand your pain, and your victory! Also, we pilots don't call them ascending spirals, we call them thermals- or more colloquially- CORING LIFT and not for the feint of heart! Only real bird brains can do it with proficiency. Adiabatic processes are bliss, or terror, depending on your own personal perspective and your ability to choose when to Switch to Glide. Those victory turns, vs scraping in, are a hard earned badge of courage. Let's see the design Core thermals with some raptors, the only 1% crew left on the planet- been there and done that!