Rigging Thomas The Tank Engine balloon, Shape Spectacular at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Recently it was requested I get a detailed look and view of how a special shape balloon like Thomas is prepped and rigged for flight, your wish is my command. It should be noted that were it not for the dedication of Liam Whitelock and Dan Whitelock of Bristol Balloon Collectors and Matt Joyce at MJ Ballooning AND their crew these shapes would probably still be locked away and never seen again.
So far in their shape inventory they have:
Thomas The Tank Engine G-BXND
BBC 90s ident globe balloon G-IBBC
Lloyd's TSB tablet G-LTSB
The first Kubicek shape (unknown reg)
and countless round balloons all now retired from flying!
Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023 will be known as the year the shapes of the 90s returned! It was utterly amazing to have assisted and witness their return to perhaps the most iconic institution in England that is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Go check out Bristol Balloon Collectors on Facebook and give them a like and follow to see more of what they will be saving in the future!
You can also check out MJ Ballooning's channel here on RUclips, posting videos of balloon launches as they happen in Bristol and more of what he intends to save alongside Liam and Dan!
It truly is incredible what these 3 young lads are doing and I hope they have many more shapes to save!

[@shayleneleigh281]

every year i love the balloon fest but this year was sad when many events got cancled :(

[@ginnielacy170]

Does this Thomas the train hot air balloon still fly?

[@suzannerawlins2292]

Hi Rob you might remember me at Bristol balloon fiesta I had curly hair and my dad was talking to you about a model hot air balloon burner and the guy who makes them

[@REP-Ballooning]

Sure I do! Gabriel wasn’t it? Hope you’re well!

[@user-zh5pu5lt5f]

yes it is! first time i have ever met a youtuber😃😁