Skies the limit at the first Miss Red Thunder pinup pageant

If you live for planes, pinups and the hot rod lifestyle, the “Red Thunder Air Show” is everything you have asked for, the only two day aviation event set in stunning scenery in Queensland’s South Burnett Region at Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield, Australia.  
Whether you are a pilot, aviation enthusiast or a family wanting a great day's entertainment, Red Thunder is dedicated to showcasing vintage military aircraft, along with the thrills of modern aviation thanks to James Crockett and Gill Vardy. The show included Warbirds, Jets, Helicopters, Aerobatic Displays, Skydiving, Military Vehicles, Hot Rod, Live Music and of course the first Miss Red Thunder pinup pageant.

Cherry Red
Jolene La Rouge
Bunny Lulu
Miss Miranda Page
Lipstick Bombshell
Miss Mutiny
Ruby Alabaster
Ruby Rayne
Victoria Spitfire


Vivien Victory
Our 13 pinups took the stage in their finest military themed outfit, with props galore including a suitcases, aviation maps, an old fashioned telescope and vintage magazines!  The strong sense of comradery could be felt throughout the day with the pinups helping each other with hair and makeup, and cheering each other on.  Each pinup expressed their military them in different ways, from flight attendants, to outfits honouring grandparents, army, navy, and even fabulous plane print dresses.
But there can only be one (well three) winners, newcomer Madame La Vie took out the title of Miss Red Thunder 2018 with her outfit motivated by the women who have fought for womens rights, Runner up was Citrine Velvetine in an outfit inspired by her Great Uncle Wild who served in WWII as a navigator, and 2nd Runner up – Cheree Velvet – in an air force inspired skirt suit that she made herself.
Winners - Cheree Velvet, Citrine Velvetine and Madame La Vie

Three esteemed judges were chosen, Miss Kelly “The flying pinup” and face of Red Thunder 2018, Mark Greenmantle from Retrobomb magazine (who was also a sponsor) and Mrs Crockett, wife of organiser James Crockett, and representative for the Red Thunder Air Show.  With the hot rod show filled with custom rides and classics plus tunes from West Texas Crude, the Haymakers and Swingabilly Ray, organised by Lori from Robot Productions (who bring us Greazefest and Redlands Rockabilly Revival).
I was honoured to be asked to host Miss Red Thunder as I am passionate about creating opportunities for pinups in Australia.  If you look back over ten years ago, the words pinup and Australia just weren’t used, there was no avenue for ladies who loved the culture to express themselves.  Now Queensland is well known for producing some of the most sought after pinup titles, with pageants held almost monthly.

Pinup is not just about loving the aesthetic of a bygone era (because pinup don’t live and practice the negative stereotypes of women in this era), it’s about empowering women, building confidence, meeting likeminded people and forming lifelong friendships.

It doesn’t matter if you’re into authentic vintage or reproduction, if you love rock and roll or rockabilly, there’s always a place for you on the stage so why not give it a try, because this pinup culture is here to stay.

Congratulations to all our entrants for their incredible efforts on the day, and a huge thank you to Phill's Kustom Photography the official event photographer who took all the wonderful  photos featured.

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