Global Aviation Magazine : 60 Years of the Hercules

[CoffmanStarter]

For those interested ...

The latest free edition of Global Aviation Magazine contains some great articles featuring iconic images of Royal Air Force aircraft past and present as well as articles on the RAF's No1 School of Technical Training based at RAF Cosford and 60 years of the Hercules.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/2a1a40fe605348b68d41bee0584f6dc8_zps0176cf41.png

Image Credit : Global Aviation Magazine

On-Line edition ...

GAM Issue 23 (http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2014/04/18/global-aviation-magazine-issue-23-april-may-2014/)

[ancientaviator62]

Coffman,
thanks for the link. Ah the memories of the 'K' ! Nice cover pic of the RAF 25th anniversary scheme. Been to a few airshows in that one.

[MPN11]

Excellent link ... thanks for that. Great photography too.

[ExAscoteer]

Oh yes 292.

Flew her in that scheme on many occasions, happy days.

I believe she is now flying with the Austrians.

[gopher01]

When 292 was painted up for the 25th anniversary of the Herc in RAF service I was selected as the GE to go with the aircraft to visit Lockheeds at Marietta on a little jaunt master minded by OC 30 Sqn, Wg Cdr Main ( also known to many as the Fat Controller ). We took a random selection of bods from round the station on the trip to represent the people who supported the Herc operations but didn't get much recognition.
Whilst at Marietta we had a tour of the plant, a briefing on the future of the Herc , mainly to do with the HTTP frame they were trialing things on,( leading edge slats for one ) and a burst of air to air photography with a B25 Mitchell as the photo plane. Trying to get the Herc in frame over the plant was a bit of a struggle until the captain, (Paul Obourne if I remember correctly ) told the guy flying the B25 to fly straight and level and we would do the positioning. The B25 had had the tail fairing removed so the photographers could shoot out the back and Oby tried to give them so real good close ups by getting the probe within about 15 feet of the B25.
During the trip we took the airframe to Denver to pick up some Marines back from an exercise and then brought everybody home.
I also went with 292 to the Royal Review where we were fortunate as although it was raining we lined up to meet Her Majesty and Prince Phillip under the tail of the aircraft in the relative dry, a bonus that was appreciated by more than just us judging by Prince Phillips comments at the time.
I often wondered why I got selected to go on these trips and thought it might have been that I marshalled the first Herc onto the Farms dispersal at Thorney Island way back in 1967, you never know.

[Wander00]

Is my maths bad, or is that not more than half the period of powered heavier-than-air flight. Amazing.

[1.3VStall]

gopher01,

I did a UAS summer camp at Thorney Island in 1969 and had my first trip on a "K" to Gib and back. Seems like yesterday!

[smujsmith]

Gopher, you had some luck with 292. My records show me "accompanying the frame" on a couple of air display days, Waddington being a real treat. A Deci Sched or three and that was about it. I'm sure we may have overlapped as GEs but 21st anniversary would have been 87 ? A year before I did my course. The K was the "bees knees" though, can't imagine what they see in these new jobbies:rolleyes:

Being an Ex Halton Apprentice, 1 S of TT has only one meaning to me, but then, I'm a philistine !!!!

Smudge:ok:

[ancientaviator62]

gopher01,
I was on 30 when W/C Tony Main was the boss and the anniversary a/c was his idea brought to fruition with the assistance of, I think,
OC B Line. As I recall the cargo compartment was set up with a display of the 'Labours of the RAF Hercules' . I did not go to Marietta (wonder who I sent !) but did lots of UK airshow trips in it. May even have done one with yourself or smudge.

[smujsmith]

Ancientaviator,

I suspect my time as a GE may have been a bit late (88-95) but I certainly went to a couple of displays in 292. Most of my time as a GE the "Air Display" frame was XV210

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/248949054b148eb7a5d022fd3daaa47c_zps9670136e.jpg

An A Line frame I believe, but we may well have done an Air display or two :ok:

[ancientaviator62]

smujsmith,
the entries in my logbook are for XV 292 as the anniversary a/c as is my pic. I must learn how to upload pics and bore everyone ! I was on Hercs from 1968 until 1997 so our paths will have crossed. I have all the 'Alberts' logged.
Very nice pic of 210. Do you have anymore ?

[smujsmith]

Ancientaviator,

Unfortunately, that's not one of mine, but a shot taken and uploaded to airliners.net, copyright Gareth Horne, which I "borrowed". I've a few good Albert shots from my days as a GE, but not many to do with Air displays. I could bore the pants off most with Albert photographs. I started my RAF career, out of Halton in 1971 on the aircraft, was injured in a flying accident during GW1 in an Albert, and was employed to my medical discharge date on Albert. I regard myself as lucky in working on a great aircraft, with seriously professional crews and top ground support. Only people who have experienced a long time on the RAF Hercules fleet will know what I mean. Oops, perhaps a tadge sentimental. Here's one of mine;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/image_zpseff6f2a9.jpg

Winter deployment Norway, many moons ago. The big tall bloke is the boss of Hereford. He's talking to our small Captain, who was a giant in his own way. Me, I went to get warm in the tower, hence the snap.

Smudge:ok:

[smujsmith]

A second fave shot. XV200, after ops in to Sarajevo, having a rest at Falconara (Ancona). this aircraft was a real workhorse. I did many trips and routes in it, and had very few snags. Note the MAROC pods on the wings. I understand that MAROC simply stands for MARshalls (as in MARshalls of Cambridge) Orange Crop, stolen from the Vulcan, as was the refuelling probe. Perhaps someone ex V Bomber fleet could confirm that for me. Certainly, during the Sarajevo airlift we carried an AEop and heard lots of funny sounds on intercom.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/image_zpsc123feb0.jpg

I wish I had straightened the No4 prop better though.

Smudge:ok:

[TheWizard]

Isn't that XV200 in the photo above??:confused:

[smujsmith]

Apologies Wizard, the perils of a good evening and posting on an IPad. I've corrected my mistake, and thanks for your observation.

Smudge:ok:

[TheWizard]

No worries, I too have both in my log book so suspect our paths have crossed at some point :ok:

[smujsmith]

Happy days (or daze) Wizard. I'm sure we probably have.

Smudge:ok:

[ExAscoteer]

Smuj,

The probes were ex V-force (as were the probes on Nimrod). MAROC/Orange Crop on the other hand wasn't. Orange Crop (Racal MIR-2) was originally fitted to the Navy's Sea kings.

[CoffmanStarter]

Great pics Smudge :ok:

AA62 ... Would you like some help with pic uploading ? ... I'm sure we'd all love to see some of your collection :)

[ancientaviator62]

CoffmanStarter,
thank you for your kind offer. I have been reluctant on 'will I bore the readers grounds' and and also to 'learn' how to upload pics to some third party site, which I believe is the only way to do it. Perhaps it is time I got a grip and did it.

[Arclite01]

I'm sure we'd all love to see them

Upload !!

Arc

[pbk]

GOPHER01
Were you at the Thorney reunion on saturday (10th)?

70 ex Thorney personnel turned up at the sailing club for our 3rd annual reunion and talk dirty about when we were 18 and falling over on the Big E pub crawl, and lots of El Adam, Luqa, Akrotiri night flying dets due to the restrictions at TI.

Mostly Linies and covering around 67-74ish, but also a sprinkling of other ex Thorney Islanders from Bevs, Argosies etc.

We had a very moving ceremony in the adjacent churchyard when a lovely lady laid a wreath in memory of her brother, tragically killed in a Bev accident in Singapore in 1967 aged 25 and buried at Thorney; made everybody think a little.

The (former) Nuffield club is not in great condition, doesnt seem a great deal of interest in the place. best bar on the island and a facility most camps would have dreamed of, but getting rather tatty.

The farms dispersal is long gone and they dont seem to know what to do with the airfield in general.

Restricted night flying, short night shifts; the Thorney Flyer at 10 old pence each way, left the station 10 minutes after closing time 7 days a week. legging off into Sussex to get the extra 1/2 hr boozing, window cleaning, apple picking, sprout picking (all in season) then off onto night shift and into the Coal Exchange (Coal 'Ole) for 9'clock.

Considering the forecast, the weather was great, sunny but breezy but as we all know, it never rains at Thorney.

Us youngsters never realised what a holiday camp the place was, and to get posted out to a place where someone on the tannoy kept saying things about a bloke called Michael Finn came as a bit of a shock.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/383e881fde844dd587ee149f1956f2a9_zps527b9e27.jpg
With the expert assistance of CoffmanStarter I have ventured into the black art of posting pics. Hopefully this will encourage others to contribute. First the small print. Almost all of the pics will be my own work. However should an intruder appear then I beg forgiveness from the copyright holder. Due to the decay of some of the original slides some pics are better than others. Not all are of the Herc so if the thread drift is too great I may have to decamp. First pic is of a 48 Sqn Herc on the approach to Changi. (sigh)

[CoffmanStarter]

Well played AA62 ... :D:D:D:D

My pleasure to help ... :ok:

Update ...

Just PM'd AA62 to help recover the pic ...

[ancientaviator62]

I did not remove the pic ! So I know not what happened. Will try again later.

[CoffmanStarter]

AA62 ...

I've just had a look at your original Image Link above ... it appears to have corrupted somehow.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/9c81ec81-3848-482f-82bc-07cc990652d2_zps92c59079.jpg

I have ventured into the black art of posting pics. Hopefully this will encourage others to contribute. First the small print. Almost all of the pics will be my own work. However should an intruder appear then I beg forgiveness from the copyright holder. Due to the decay of some of the original slides some pics are better than others. Not all are of the Herc so if the thread drift is too great I may have to decamp. First pic is of a 48 Sqn Herc on the approach to Changi. (sigh)

So I've had a go at repairing it for you :ok:

We are all looking forward to seeing more of your pictures :)

Best ...

Coff.

[Brian 48nav]

Sorry to disagree, but that's not Changi - Flt Eng' in KD though (naughty boy!). I remember one of our skippers having a big fall-out with a nav' who insisted he would fly in KD - as the nav' was a Flt Sgt the skipper won!

[smujsmith]

Keep at it AA, meanwhile, I offer a prod in progress, en route to MPA from Ascension, mid 80's (taken from the cupola). As an aside it was actually the Captains birthday, he achieved the refuel in one attempt, and we had a proper party with jelly, cake and all the other party stuff in the following 10 hours to MPA thanks to a very well organised Loady;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/image_zps864cfa4e.jpg

Keep putting them up there AA.

Smudge :ok:

[ancientaviator62]

Brian,
you are right it is not Changi, for too many bumps ! One of my problems is that most of the pics were of slides which have not all stood the test of time.
So I had them copied to disc and alas during this process the captions and the order were corrupted. My struggles with the uploading made me careless about the location. I shall try harder in future but one or two will be 'where on earth'.
CoffmanStarter, thanks for your help once again. I may have to consult my 4 year old grandson in future (count to 100 in three languages, capitals of the world etc) He is positive proof that the intelligence gene can skip a generation.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/b6983f68-116b-499f-a814-9d60d9e82d05_zpsaa46e4c4.jpg

Hopefully this will appear correctly, after a major computer crash . I do know where this is do you ? Any future pics may appear in a less than chronological order . Nice pic smudge, you must have some more ?

[smujsmith]

AA62,

Looks like a shot from a VC10 (no prizes there then) and the Herk next to the RAF Albert, looks to have the RAAF camo scheme. Where it could be is another matter, but the RAF Albert looks to be in standard finish for 80/90s. Hope that helps AA.

Meanwhile, mid 90s and the conclusion to a fighter affil session in Norway. This very obliging F16 pilot pulled alongside for a photograph. After the G's he had put us through, I'm surprised I could hold the camera;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/b412c4cc2b3874dbeaffd7842e0c78c3_zps368f1863.jpg

Another shot from the same trip. A nice flight up the fjords taking in the sights from the Port Para Door ;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/3594c68032bf5789dcdd556700a10c36_zps11b03f93.jpg

Smudge :ok:

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/RMAF_0000004A_zps51b31a2a.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/RMAF_0000004A_zps51b31a2a.jpg.html)
smudge,
excellent pics. Here is on more clue to the location of the two Hercs !

[smujsmith]

Sorry AA,

Missed your post there. I will bite at Easter Island ? Seems we have this thread all to ourselves. Meanwhile, another Albert on another Airfield, no quiz this, its Ciampino circa 1990;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/95bd896b2fe77996d2f2922fedf897cc_zps22d60363.jpg

A bit of a story, we were heading home from places East (from memory a trip to Madagascar) and our last nightstop was Rome. We get to the aircraft the next morning, and duly B/F it. The "front end" were taking their time arriving and we watched as the Thai B747 loaded, taxied, aborted and returned to the pan. Once the pax were offloaded, blimey don't they carry a lot :rolleyes: my fellow AGE and myself sauntered over to see what their problem was. The Flight Engineer was very chatty and explained that they had a hydraulic leak on one of the engines, and would have to wait for engineering support from base. All those passengers in hotels, crikey did they have a problem. Would he mind if we open the cowling ? A quick look showed that the hydraulic pump coupling had vibrated loose, allowing it to leak. Spanners, a clean up and then get the captain back for a quick engine start to prove the fix, were we happy AGE's, you bet. When we got back to Albert, our drivers had arrived, we shared all our illicit spoils with the crew, Thai Airways Card packs, and other marketing paraphernalia. The B747 got away, less than an hour after its abort, the company saved a lot on hotel bills, and I still have my pack of cards. I often wondered if I could have been useful to a civvy airline.

Smudge:ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

Great photos chaps ... keep em coming :ok:

[smujsmith]

OK Coff,

Not strictly one of mine, but surely, for those of us old enough to remember, the iconic paint job;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/06f85e560da25c04a19814e475ca887b_zpsab958f6c.jpg

I had a Morris Oxford in exactly the same colours in the early 70s.

Smudge:ok:

[smujsmith]

The end of the K's;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/9a660b5b380c9a65bab478d3fbda506a_zps2636db3c.jpg

Stacked and awaiting sale at St Athan. What a journey these aircraft went through. I bet there are some great stories out there of operating this aircraft in the RAF. I've been lucky to have followed Albert from 1971 to 1997 as a mere techie. Come on gentlemen, I have only one question of the "drivers", didn't you find the rudder a bit on the heavy side ?

A final pic just for Ex Ascoteer, 292 in all its glory, Prestwick 1992;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/754ff0da348576f530c339fe4f3275c7_zpse1eedd69.jpg

Smudge :ok:

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/BILLTHEHERCCO_zps40029f8c.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/BILLTHEHERCCO_zps40029f8c.jpg.html)

smudge,
great tale and super pics. This pic is from the very early days of the 'K' as those in at the start may recognise. Unusable autopilot no anti skid etc and the G/E for the Herc had yet to be invented.
As you say we seem to have this thread to ourselves but I do not think Coffman Starter who set it going would mind,

[500N]

You might have then thread to yourself with posts but I am thoroughly enjoying the photos and stories you post.

Keep up the great job.

[CoffmanStarter]

And DECCA Moving Map Navigation :eek:

[ancientaviator62]

The Decca Moving Map system did not last long as I recall. Lane jumping, restricted coverage etc. We once did a blind drop trial through cloud, not a success. The paras landed well away from the DZ. Thankfully without injury.
Smudge forgot to mention that you are correct in respect of the pic. T'is Easter Island !

[bunta130]

What great memories this thread provokes.....

On the fleet from '85 until 2003; I suspect I know you both....and indeed 'worked for' AA62.

Happy days!

[smujsmith]

AA62

That's interesting that they arrived without a working autopilot. I only started my association with the Aircraft at Colerne in 1971. Someone once told me that the autopilot, like other bits, were "scavenged" from the Vulcan fleet, perhaps you could confirm that. Nice to see some pics of the inside of the aircraft for a change, mine tended to be of the outside.

Smudge:ok:

[ancientaviator62]

Smudge,
I think you may be correct in your assumption ref the autopilot. It had not been cleared by Boscombe before the 'K' entered service and this was the way it was for almost a year. So the pilots had to hand fly and down the route this became tiring. So we all had a go in the co's seat. As I already had a PPL this was fine straight and level but landing would have been 'interesting'. Later on I did several 'arrivals' but only in the sim.
The UK's insistence on replacing the US avionics with UK kit did cause a few problems. I recall looking at an ADF receiver on an early 'K' and it had BOAC stickers on it. And of course the fire warning coming on when we transmitted on certain frequencies on the HF. This could also cause the Doppler to unlock.
Will will not mention the CCWR will we ?

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/7292fa10-d1cf-4afe-8591-3badbe0b5282_zps3545c0d5.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/7292fa10-d1cf-4afe-8591-3badbe0b5282_zps3545c0d5.jpg.html)
This is Raf Changi during my time on 48.
The Hastings pic is from a postcard at the now defunct Skyfame museum at Staverton, Tg 528 now resides at Duxford in Berlin Airlift markings.
When the young chap was showing me around 528 at Staverton, I put my hand down behind the soundproofing in the galley and pulled out a stick of paper cups and a pad of trim sheets . He was speechless.
A sadder note was that the standard trim fixed to the inside of the crew toilet door was signed by the AQM who was killed in the crash of XV 180.

[smujsmith]

Ex Ascoteer,

Steve Ryle was kind enough to let me post this shot of your display Herk XV292.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/6f0b96b1b74bbc13597596139d05a149_zpsdb9825bd.jpg

Taken at Fairford IAT 30 July 1994. I suspect no GE would have done that trip, Inthink they used to take a couple of Lineys! Nice Photo Steve, and thanks for the permission.

[CoffmanStarter]

Do any of you guys know if XV208 Snoopy is still flying ? I believe she was converted back from a W2 to a K ... may have done some service with the Dutch AF and then engine trials for the A400M with Marshalls at Cambridge ... saw her in the air once ... quite an impressive sight :ok:

Am I right in thinking XV208 served on 48 Squadron before she was converted to the W2 Met Snoopy.

http://www.qsl.net/g3tso/images/Aviation/Snoopy.jpg

Image Credit : Met Office

[ExAscoteer]

Snoopy went back to Marshalls and was used as the test airframe for the Airbus A400 engine:

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/Debs24_photos/Aircraft/SnoopyE.jpg (http://s203.photobucket.com/user/Debs24_photos/media/Aircraft/SnoopyE.jpg.html)

Sadly the airframe is now being broken up. I believe the wings are being sold to one of the European herc operators. A pity really, such a unique aircraft should have gone to a museum.



PS. Yes Snoopy was an ex 48 Sqn 'frame.

[ExAscoteer]

XV187 at Asi.

Strangely enough I flew this frame more than any other:

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/Debs24_photos/Aircraft/img_0037.jpg (http://s203.photobucket.com/user/Debs24_photos/media/Aircraft/img_0037.jpg.html)

[CoffmanStarter]

Many thanks ExAscoteer ... what a shame ... a sad end for poor old Snoop :(

[Wander00]

Where was Snoopy based as a W2, and how crewed, from one of the transport squadrons?

[ExAscoteer]

Initially at Farnborough and later at Boscombe Down

The flight deck crews were drawn from the Met Research Flight (MRF), however there were no dedicated Co-Pilots so Snoopy generally flew with 2 Herc Captains, one acting as Captain the other as Co.

On occasions where people were on leave then MRF would drawn on the main sqns at Lyneham to provide the Co.

It was this way that I managed to achieve so many hours as a Co on Snoopy. :ok:


http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/Debs24_photos/Misc/MRF20Flying20Badge.gif

[smujsmith]

I don't know why, but I always suspected Fergineer was involved with Snoopy. If you are awake down there Fergie, am I right ?

Smudge:ok:

[Kengineer-130]

I spent 11 happy years on the Herc, had some fantastic trips & flights on them as a mere SAC techie "erk"... My best memories were flying down "starwars valley" in Canada low level, spending a fair amount of time flying around the Falklands doing air to air refuelling & low level training, and my last ever flight on a herc, which consisted of being intercepted by a Typoon up in Scotland, then flying back to Lyneham low level all through Scotland, into wales and down over the Elan Valley dams. Stunning weather as well, was a fitting end to my RAF service. XV200 was always my favourite aircraft, it was the workhorse of the SF fleet & always seemed to soldier on, despite taking a beating nearly every flight!

Out of interest, does anyone have a link to the tribute to the Hercules RAF video, it had U2 playing beautiful day as the sound track? I can't find it anywhere on line anymore? :ugh:

[RAFEngO74to09]

Kengineer-130,


I couldn't find the video you referred to but I thought you might like this one made by the RAF Museum - it includes several people giving first hand accounts from the earliest days in RAF service. I wasn't aware of the JATFOR exercises referred to which involved 36 x C-130K flying low in close formation - must have been impressive.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaUVhEaK_OE

[CoffmanStarter]

Just a small side question ...

Did we ever consider using JATO on the Herc in RAF service (I know the Americans and Israelis did) ?

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/48SQNHERCOVERJUNGLE_zps547ba62a.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/48SQNHERCOVERJUNGLE_zps547ba62a.jpg.html)
CoffmanStarter,
I never came across any proposals for JATO use during my time on the a/c. It should really be RATO as the augmentation uses rockets.
Perhaps it was suggested for SF use at some time but never used. We did have a Herc gunship but that's another story !
This is an 'official pic' of a 48 Sqn a/c complete with 'sun hat'.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/Misc_0000062A_zps4cb66bab.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/Misc_0000062A_zps4cb66bab.jpg.html)
Just to confirm XV 208 is in my log book from my time on 48 in Changi. First trip in her was the Honour Guard changeover to Korea via Kai Tak and then home via various places in Japan.
Pic of mount Fuji taken on the climb out from Yokota AFB. Known as 'Scenic Departure one !'

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/4ba15ec6-d07c-4860-ad05-ffc469d1fb3c_zps515e3539.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/4ba15ec6-d07c-4860-ad05-ffc469d1fb3c_zps515e3539.jpg.html)

Found this poster of the 1994 Fairford IAT

[smujsmith]

Kengineer 130,

I also had the C130 YouTube tribute, it seems it's been deleted. As you enjoyed your low level through Wales, check out this nice bit of low level Albert (J though) using the "Mach Loop". A few other nice aircraft, but Albert at start and finish are best IMHOP.

http://youtu.be/gL-KV79UkQ

Smudge:ok:

[ExAscoteer]

Did we ever consider using JATO on the Herc in RAF service (I know the Americans and Israelis did) ?

I don't think so.

However the airframes were certainly fitted for it in terms of the wiring and switchery.

[pbk]

The RAF did actually use JATO, but possibly only once. The 'cans' that were used were in one of the sqdn crew rooms at Rompers (dont ask which one, the sqdns were just a blur to Linies).

The auto pilot wasnt in use in the 1st year or so, think it might have been short of the locking unit. It wasnt scrounged from the Vulcan, it was merely a different version of the Smiths Mk 10 series,Vulcan, Victor, Argosy(?) used MK10A, Albert used MK10B (IIRC).

Always wondered why they didnt use MFS instead of C12, HSI etc, MFS seemed to me to be more reliable than the American fit except maybe for the MFS Beam Compass;I certainly spent more time changing C12 and MD1 gyros on the Herc than the MFS vertical and azimuth gyros on Vs. I spent 3 years at 30 M.U. stripping and rebuilding C12s and MD1s at 2 per week each and only changed a couple of azimuth and vertical gyros in 9 yrs working on the line at Waddo, Scampton and Marham. Smiths stuff was definitely better quality and could be paid for in stirling rather than greenbacks which was definitley a huge issue at the time.

MFS was fitted to Argosies and SFS to Britts as well as the Vulcan/Victor 2s, so was still an up to date system when the Herc was ordered;perhaps someone can explain the C12/HSI, MD1/ADI fit on Albert?

[pbk]

Previous post may give the impression that SFS was fitted to Vs. It wasnt, only to Britts, but you already knew that, just making sure you knew that I knew that................etc etc.

[fergineer]

Smuj I was indeed associated with Snoopy and had many happy times on her. The operating crew airframe were indeed drawn from squadrons as a posting which I unfortunately did not get. I was flying Snoops when I came back from Oman till I went back to mainline although I did fly her when on the squadrons. The Engineer and Loady were both Engineers. Manned down the back by Met research flight and maintained by civvy engineers.

[smujsmith]

Fergineer,

I just seem to remember some bar, somewhere, having that conversation with you. That's why I mentioned it. Meanwhile, an Engineer doing Loadie stuff ? Gracious, I never met and Eng who could put a tea bag in a paper cup :eek: certainly not whilst airborne.

Stay well mate

Smudge:ok:

[DCThumb]

Ahhhh, the opening lines from the flight engineer when looking at the F700: Decca Nav inop, TAC 1 loss of range lock....like sweet music :)

XV203 was my favourite, just cos we did 4 months in MPA together :)

[ancientaviator62]

fergineer,
were you ever on that famous palm tree squadron at Lyneham ?

[ancientaviator62]

pbk,
ref the JATO use by the RAF. When I was a member of the HEART there was nothing in the 'paper trail' to even suggest that JATO use had eveR been contemplated. I suspect the 'cans' you saw were souvenirs from the USAF.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/4c5035b9-2ec2-4c47-902e-acb809c2ec65_zps4f1ce330.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/4c5035b9-2ec2-4c47-902e-acb809c2ec65_zps4f1ce330.jpg.html)

Latest pic. this (hopefully will be one of s sequence of three). Taken whilst on 48 Sqn at Changi. I am trying to put them in chronological order but happy to deviate to suit the thread.

[smujsmith]

I have to say AA, there really is something about Albert in the Light Stone/Dark Earth colour scheme. What a cracking picture. Unfortunately, by the time they decided to pay a Junior Technician enough money to afford himself a colour camera, they had posted me to Akronelli. I remember 70 Squadron being there during my time (73-75) with a combination of Whistling Tits and Alberts. Anyone have any photographs from those days ? Keep them coming AA, they take years off me.

Smudge:ok:

PS, I suspect Fergineer operated with most of the residents at Lyneham, he always looked a bit weather worn to me :ouch: As a current resident of KiwiLand he will probably take a few hours to respond.:rolleyes:

[fergineer]

A62 I sure was

[fergineer]

Whats with the weather worn smuj.....skin like a babies bottom!!!!!!

[Brian 48nav]

Just come back from visiting the 'Off-spring' at Toulouse ( he works for Airbus) so a bit late with my input.


When 48 started with the Herc' we had XV 198-209 inclusive; I recall the first replacement to arrive was 307, can't remember which airframe it replaced.


Re auto-pilot; when we took the a/c to Changi they were without them but I think it wasn't as long as a year before they were fitted - we have a 48 reunion on June 21st I'll try to remember to ask if anyone can remember.


That atmospheric picture of XV179 flying along the coast looks like it the east coast with maybe Pulau Tioman in the distance.


Re ADF; The receiver IIRC was behind the port main under carriage and we had no end of problems when rained poured into it. I think it was a 'No-go item' on long sea legs with limited aids.


The only time I used Decca for real was when detached from 30 to JATE in 72-3 and it was great for dropping stand-off para' from 25000' - we ran in to the release point on a Decca line using BZN Tacan and a radar fix from LATCC MIl' to get a accurate check for 'Red-on, green-on'.


JATFOR- hmmmm! One of the reasons a few of us left at our 8-year points. The thought of flying around in 36 ship formations assisting the pongoes in resisting the Russian hordes as they swept through Germany was not as appealing as good old route trips!


Crikey, all this was more than 40 years ago!!!


Brian Wildey

[nimbev]

The thought of flying around in 36 ship formationsJATFOR and 36 ship formations were OK when the weather was good - it was when you ran into bad weather and had to abort the low level that things became scary. I remember incredibly convoluted penetration and scatter plans all of which involved 36 aircraft suddenly popping up on Mil Radar and asking for assistance. Mind you that was nowhere near as hectic as having 3 separate streams of aircraft, Argosy, Hastings and Beverley all flying at different speeds on different routes and (in theory) slotting in one behind the other at an initial approach point. It was quite normal for the Beverleys to arrive at the IAP while the Hasting stream were still going past and having to do an orbit prior to slotting in behind them.

[ancientaviator62]

fergineer,
I was on 30 from 1988-1996 and 'in the chair' next door. If this is your timescale then we are certainly know each other.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/Misc_0000031A_zpsdf8e0c22.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/Misc_0000031A_zpsdf8e0c22.jpg.html)

Glad everyone seems happy with the pics. I too liked the original colour scheme best and there are a few more in this coat to come. Brian48Nav did you recognize Mount Fuji ? I am relying on you to keep me on the straight and narrow in respect of the 48 Sqn pics !
Ah JATFOR ! I have spoken at length on another thread about my Bold Guard and Deep Furrow experiences.

[fergineer]

A62 that would be me then, left Palm trees to go to Oman for a few years!!!!!

[ancientaviator62]

Thought it might be you Fergie. I can still hear your voice !

[Brian 48nav]

Love the pictures and fully agree the original colour scheme took some beating.
I did see Mt Fuji when on a N Pacific trainer in '69 but had given up taking pictures from the Herc' after a couple of self-made cock-ups. At Saigon I took about a dozen shots from the a/c before the skipper, John Cheshire , bollo**ed me. Then found I had forgotten to wind the film on!
Then on a Kathmandu trip, we flew right up close to Everest, I took a few snaps and on processing found that the flap of the camera case had obscured half the frame! At least, by way of compensation, I became a Dad that day :ok:.


Very same off-spring when on a Tokyo trip with Virgin, about 5 years ago, led a group from the crew up Mt Fuji.


When were the astrodromes removed from the aircraft?

[500N]

Berian

Re this,

"At Saigon I took about a dozen shots from the a/c before the skipper, John Cheshire , bollo**ed me."


May I ask why he "bollo**ed me" ?

[GreenKnight121]

I believe the RAF weren't supposed to be anywhere near the Vietnam theatre of operations, as the UK was officially staying out of that mess.

[500N]

Ah yes, of course !

Thanks.

[upgently]

Now there's a thing. So the pictures of Saigon, Tan Son Nhut airbase and as a result of a night stop the scenes of downtown Saigon didn't happen. What a relief, didn't want to get into trouble after all this time.

Incidentally ref JATFOR I was on the weather aircraft for many of these sorties and took a mass of cine from 1000ft whilst the formations formed up, executed the impressive taxi plan etc and as the only aircraft airborne at the time I guess they are unique. Alas they are on Super 8 format and with no way of playing them they remain part of the loft collection. Seems a shame as they are part of the fleets history.

Enjoyed reading the preceding pages, great memories of a wonderful period in our formative years.

[CoffmanStarter]

For those involved with JATFOR ... this article from Flight June 1974 might be of interest :ok:

Tactical training in the transport support role is centred on the UK JATFOR, to which up to 37 Hercules are committed at any one time.

In Support of RAF Strike Command : UK JATFOR (https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1974/1974%20-%200861.html)

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/Misc_0000032A_zpsb9f47492.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/Misc_0000032A_zpsb9f47492.jpg.html)

Third in the trilogy of this sequence but plenty more to come provided that they are still of interest. There may also be a slight thread drift now and again but today's excuse will be if it was not for the 'K' I would not have been in a position to take the pics ! Hope the originator of this thread and the 'mods' understand and I promise to regain track at the earliest opportunity.
We went into Saigon on a regular basis taking in embassy supplies and the like.
One time we went in we were warned that a Skyraider had just been shot down in the circuit. Rather concentrated the mind !
Brian, the observation domes were removed some time in the 70's. Some were replaced on the tanker and certain SF frames. There will be some pics of the Himalayas along in due course.

[ancientaviator62]

Coffman,
thank you for the interesting link. In due course if you can all stand it there will be pics of the JATFOR stream forming up at Lyneham.

[CoffmanStarter]

Go for it AA62 ... :ok:

Best ...

Coff.

[Brian 48nav]

I think it was more that John didn't want some explaining to do if I had been seen by a military cop. I do recall a crew member almost being arrested at RAF Akrotiri when using a camera on the pan - perhaps there was a U2 there?


Mind you the next time I went to Tan Son Nhut the skipper was wandering all over dispersal and the terminal building camera in hand - 'no names,no pack drill' as he's a pruner :=.


All through '68/9 48Sqn had 2 or 3, occasionally more, trips to Saigon every week, ostensibly with Red Cross supplies and beer for the embassy - they either had a lot of staff or some seriously heavy drinkers!


In Jan' 68 one of my fellow Plt Off navs was on his first 'big boy' trip and the a/c went u/s in TSN and they spent a couple of nights in a hotel downturn and were able to watch all the action from the hotel roof-top bar. Their aircraft was parked in a remote part of the field where the VC managed to infiltrate one night, IIRC there were some bullet holes in the tailplane.


On another occasion I was on a flight from Kai Tak and listening in to HF we could hear one of the squadron co-pilots trying to pass details of his a/c's fault from on the ground at TSN to FEAFOC. The poor operator just couldn't understand Ron Jeffrey's Belfast accent when he was saying 'fire wire'! We, of course, were wetting ourselves up at FL 260.


It is difficult now to understand why there were 'sensibilities' about RAF aircraft on the ground at TSN, when you consider that both the RAAF and RNZAF were operating there and to a casual observer, especially from a distance, their roundels looked the same as ours. Talking of NZ, on another occasion we took a wounded Kiwi soldier all the way back to Whenuapai.

[Brian 48nav]

I managed to blag an invite to Cosford last year for the formal handover of 202 to the RAF Museum, because I had been part of the crew that took her out to Changi late '67. The invite extended to the pilots, Sqn Ldr Alan Colman and ( then ) Flt Lt Pete Sedgwick - sadly Alan had a double booking.


If I could get the hang of posting pictures here, I have a couple with Pete and I with the afore mentioned off-spring, who was CTP at Marshalls at the time. For an ex-single seat guy I couldn't believe how excited he got when flying a K model on an air test for the first time, particularly when he sat in 'my seat'.


I was very surprised at how poorly attended the event was, having expected to see loads of old-timers like me - the only people I recognised were Ian Corbett and Geoff Collins.

[CoffmanStarter]

Brian ... Check your PM's for help with pic posting :ok:

There are some cracking pics on-line by Gavin Weaver of XV202 arriving at Cosford for retirement ...

Hercules XV202 retirement - RAFM Cosford - 12.08.2011 ? FighterControl ? Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast (http://fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=39436)

[ancientaviator62]

Brian,
the dedication event alas coincided with our being out of the country otherwise I would have gone. I have seen over 202 since the arrival at Cosford and was pleased to note that it (and all the others) still leaked !
It is a pity that it is being left outside whilst the Belfast is snug inside the Cold War hangar. Did you notice that there was an MSP heavy drop platform in the Belfast ?

[ancientaviator62]

Brian,
when on 48 I did the annual SEATO visit to the USAF bases in Thailand with lots of 'brass' in the back of the Herc. I took a few pics at the various bases we visited which will be along in due course. I too was reluctant to upload my pics on the grounds that I did not wish to bore anyone. Coffman very kindly pm'ed me and then talked me through the procedure. I would love you to join me and any others so that it does not become a photo monologue from me.

[pbk]

A62
Re: your#67,
The Jato cans did have a connection with the Sqdn at the very least. I was at a beercall as the 79 Rodeo team was put together (XV210) and they were specifically pointed out to me then.
It may well be that they they were off an american kite, but an RAF pilot was definitely involved in their use. If IIRC they were donated by that pilot, but cant say more than that. I certainly havent seen any footage or photos to back this up.
Wonderful photos of XV179, Brown, Shiney and NEW!! Always thought that I hadnt seen such a grotty load of a/c as those on the ramp at Rompers, especially as I came towards finishing. There was more activity at Thorney Island washpan in 68 than there ever was 22 years later in sunny Wiltshire.

[500N]

This thread is getting better every day with each daily installment :ok:

Keep it up guys !

[crashtest]

Couldn't help thinking about The Boys when I saw those pics. :sad:. Nice to see Her in a previous life though :).

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/scan0034_zpsdc63ad21.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/scan0034_zpsdc63ad21.jpg.html)

Yes XV 179 in her original coat and in happier days. I served through all the losses except 179 by which time I had retired. I was sent pics of the wreckage XV 180 (which I do not intend to show) by someone unknown and without a covering note. My first instinct was to destroy them but they are a part of the 'K''s history and 'there but for the grace of god' and a salutary reminder that it was not all skittles and beer.
This pic is connected to the Herc thread because the Herc replaced it in RAF service and provided a quantum jump in capability. It was taken at Palisadoes Airport in Jamaica where we stopped after taking some of the Belize garrison to Grand Cayman for R and R. We hired the Minor convertible( have you seen how much they cost these days ?) to tour the island. It was far ahead of its time as it had slick tyres long before they got to F1. Inevitably we had a puncture just outside a village in the Blue Mountains. As we were changing the tyre two local Rasta chaps came up to us. Trouble we thought. During the rather terse conversation one of them asked if we were RAF . We confessed to this fact and the mood changed immediately. He had lived in the UK and had served his National Service in the RAF !. Not only that he had been stationed at RAF Yatesbury where I had completed my Air Radar Fitters course. So whist the rest of the crew changed the wheel my new found friend and I discussed life at 'Stalag Luft' Yatesbury. Job done we went on our way.
It was a small world even then.
Pleasantly surprised that others seem to be enjoying the pics and the tales.

[ancientaviator62]

pbk,
the JATO 'cans' may well have been brought back by a pilot who had been on exchange with the USAF. Unless anyone has proof to the contrary I still think that they were never used by the RAF on the 'K'.

[CoffmanStarter]

This thread is getting better every day with each daily installment

Keep it up guys !

Seconded :ok:

PS. Just been in touch with Upgently ... hopefully some pics to come from him next week :D

Just waiting to hear from Brian ...

[Brian 48nav]

I've replied to your PM; will have a sort out and see what I've - bound to be slides.


Brian

[smujsmith]

Upgently needs help with posting his pics. Perhaps one of the experts could gently guide him to fruition. I've advised on a PM, but suspect my expertise in this is a bit short. Hopefully someone can help.


Meanwhile, the Bullet on Ground Runs;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/77aac5600e633a8c5aaee6f5e588da8b_zps5d5930dd.jpg


Smudge:ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

No worries Smudge old chap ... already made contact with Upgently ... pics next week when he's back with us :ok:

[500N]

Smudge

The Easiest way is to use www . tinypic . com


No membership, upload photo and cut and paste link into the thread
and photo will appear.

If you need any more help, just ask.

[smujsmith]

Thanks 500N and Coff,

I'm sure Upgently can make good use of that. Meanwhile, back to Albert, and a little Clint Eastwood.

Load Em Up;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/631ab43c69524c5fb04d99bf43cb6e63_zps83fed0f6.jpg

Ship em out;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/9a4695c3e47f70ad0440b707bb18f925_zps07779de3.jpg

Yee haaaaa;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/image_zps7b3d04c4.jpg

Smudge:ok:

[500N]

OK, question re that last photo of the Herc over the container with the bloke
diving to one side which I believe was taken in the Falklands.

It looks very very close to the container, how do you as a pilot, sitting higher and
forward of the undercarriage know when doing such a low pass that you aren't
going to hit the containers ???

[500N]

Can anyone post Herc related photos ?

I found a couple of interesting para load follow photos from my old unit which although I didn't jump are interesting all the same as the WO Amphibious who taught me was on the original trials for doing this and the metal pallets used.

Let me know if OK to post.

[smujsmith]

500N,

I believe that this "photograph" is photoshopped and never actually happened (I believe :hmm:) . It purportedly comes from the Stanley Det (mid 80s), but I suspect has a rather later date of production. I only included it as it fits the "Yee haa" bit nicely. Of course, you make a valid point reference the pilots eyeline etc, particularly with reference to the tragic accident at Hullavington at a later date. If anyone finds it offensive, I will of course, delete it. I see no reason why any C130 related shots can't be posted mate, this thread is to celebrate the aircraft and it's many achievements.

Smudge

[ExAscoteer]

It's not photoshopped, photoshop didn't exist when that photo' was taken!

That photo is posed and the result of lens distortion.

I happen to know who the Co was and when it was taken.

[500N]

Happened to be looking at my unit's association photos and came across these. This would have been 1987 a year or two before I joined the unit. Am pretty sure this is RAAF base at Laverton - ? RAAF Williams ? - just west of Melbourne and a 10kms due north of RAAF Point Cook (where the RAAF Museum is).

The WO Amphibious who taught me Water Ops was on the original trials for getting Zodiacs out of the Herc and onto th water in one piece, although from his stories it didn't always happen that way :rolleyes: - they had at least one double spear in.

This is one of the few photos I can find of the metal pallets used which were damn heavy.

Still trying to find a photo of the boats inside the aircraft.

I'll look up what Squadron it was, got to find my old folder !




http://i61.tinypic.com/2aj0ui0.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/sqtg2g.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/5cn05e.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/2mdos4y.jpg

[smujsmith]

Ex Ascoteer,

I bow to your knowledge on this one, perhaps you could give us the lowdown on this "posed" photograph.

500N,

Good shots mate, are we looking at the Australian equivalent of Navy Seals with these shots? I know a funny, "real" story, about US navy seals based at Machrihanish that might make you chuckle. Keep them coming blokes, there must be some more great pictures and stories from 60 years of service.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/image_zpscc056ac8.jpg
I believe this is a Canadian C130 doing the flare spectacular. A nice example of the art.

Smudge:ok:

[500N]

No, afraid not at that level, a Commando unit. The Cadre staff of the Unit like the WO's and OC were from the "sandy" side.

This was just one of the insertion techniques for raiding.

[Top Bunk Tester]

Smudge

South Cerney not Hullavington

[smujsmith]

TBT,

I stand corrected sir, South Cerney it certainly was. Thanks for your correction.

Smudge

[ancientaviator62]

500n,
post the pics please. And anyone else with RAF herc related pics stories etc. The more the merrier.
Who knows we may eventually catch up with that prince of threads 'getting a pilot's brevet in WW2.'

[ancientaviator62]

smudge,
the pic of the free fallers leaving the a/c is from an American Herc is it not ?

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/MSPEXTRACTORRETARDER_zps62484877.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/MSPEXTRACTORRETARDER_zps62484877.jpg.html)

This one is an official old FEAF pic. It is also to encourage Brian as I feel sure he may well have CARPed this during his time on 48. It is the 'old' type of Medium Stressed Platform using the extractor retarder system with a broken Landrover as the payload.

[ancientaviator62]

Apologies for the 'double whammy' ! Not sure how it occured but obviousle weekend finger trouble.

[ancientaviator62]

smudge,
I doubt that any of us who were at the 'coal face' would be offended by posts/pics put up in good faith. It is a recent phenomenon to my mind. Just think of the innumerable pics of crashed WW2 a/c, bombers in particular.

[smujsmith]

AA62,

I'm sure something hints at a US C130 for the lads going out on free fall, but the boots and DPM remind me very much of some SF stuff I have been involved with. It's not one I took, but its evocative of many happy times for me. I suspect that the tie down points might be a bit lightweight for an RAF Albert. I understood that the thread was a celebration if the 60th year of the Aircraft, not strictly RAF, hence the Canadian Flare post. Whatever the nationality, the aircraft is truly a stalwart of many Air Forces.

Smudge :ok:

[500N]

Have seen this one many times as it is just down the road from my house at the RAAF Museum.
A97-214 at the RAAF Museum

I can understand why they chose this one to be kept looking at it's record of service.

Received into RAAF service on 14 January 1959, A97-214 was operated by No 36 Squadron, part of the RAAF's No 86 (Transport) Wing.During A97-214's long service career, servicings were carried out by No 2 Aircraft Depot and No 486 Maintenance Squadron at Richmond, and Qantas at Kingsford-Smith Airport, Sydney.

A97-214 participated in many notable RAAF operations, including support for RAAF forces in Thailand and Vietnam, flood relief and civil aid taskings, and providing relief to Darwin in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy. In 1978, A97-214 was withdrawn from service, and was stored at RAAF Base Laverton pending disposal.



Allocated to the RAAF Museum in 1988, the aircraft was transported by road to Point Cook in May 1994

http://i61.tinypic.com/300wv4i.jpg


I think this is Darwin in 1974
http://i60.tinypic.com/2evce15.jpg

[smujsmith]

Time for some "home photographs" and a request for help first. XV205 on ex Winter Express and I still struggle to remember if this is Fagernes, Trondheim or wherever. I do know that had Santa in a sled pulled by Reindeer crossed the pan that day, it would have been fitting. Anyone know where we were ?

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/d8b07c66e4d72bee1f7b908ed06b97f6_zpsd856e8d2.jpg

The second photo is a bit of a "larf". Me, on the left, and a pal from MSF on the last day of a Month long Andros detachment, at Cape Canaveral. This was taken on the morning of 20 April 1993. It's my 40th birthday and we are about to embark on our trip back to Lyneham. My Birthday started at 0000 Zulu on the 20th April, as that's my birthday, that coincides with 1900 hours local, Florida. Having had a very good night celebrating we departed the next morning (still 20th April) for a night stop Gander 3.5 hours time difference, where I called a halt to my birthday at Midnight Local. My 40th birthday actually lasted 32.5 Hours, and was, to the best of my knowledge an exceedingly memorable occasion:rolleyes:

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/5586dfdb8462ac88bc0f4fcff4938fd9_zps8d5fac18.jpg

All happy memories of many years with Albert. I hope you will forgive my indulgence. I hope these shots show what Albert has given to me over the years. I do apologise to any ex VC10 Captain for my headgear, I suspect I had lost my usual pink hat that day. Them, were definitely the days !!!!

Smudge:ok:

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/HARNESSPACKDROPEPAKISTAN_zpsd4474e4d.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/HARNESSPACKDROPEPAKISTAN_zpsd4474e4d.jpg.html)

smudge your indulgence is not only forgiven but welcomed by me at least as this thread has become one about personal experiences. Yes this is supposed to be about RAF 'K' Hercs but I think a little diversion here and there can be allowed. To stop it getting out of hand may I suggest that we only post personal pics, that is those we have taken or those we were involved in when taken by others. We may then not be overloaded by commercial file and library pics which are readily available elsewhere as these personal ones are specific to this thread.
Another pic from my time on 48 at Changi. This is also the first of sequence. This is an airdrop on Op Burlap. This was a relief operation to what was then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh after the annual floods. We airdropped and also airlanded supplies.
The local customs authorities wanted to charge us duty on the relief supplies, on the fuel in the tanks and the oil in the engines ! They also tried to insist that before we airdropped we had to land and offload the supplies for customs inspection. If we had they would still be there now.
The local labour force wanted us to pay them for assisting with the offload.
A subsequent pic will show how we responded.
My neighbour was an RAF photographer and keen to fly on one of our trips. He came on this one and this sequence of pics are his work

[CoffmanStarter]

Smudge, AA62 ...

Yes this is supposed to be about RAF 'K' Hercs but I think a little diversion here and there can be allowed. To stop it getting out of hand may I suggest that we only post personal pics, that is those we have taken or those we were involved in when taken by others. We may then not be overloaded by commercial file and library pics which are readily available elsewhere as these personal ones are specific to this thread.

As the originator of this thread, I fully endorse the above proposal ... Looking forward to more of the same ... :ok:

[ancientaviator62]

Coffman,
thank you for supporting my suggestion ref the direction of this thread.
I have plenty more to show but have now realised that I am missing a box of slides/pics, no doubt gone astray during one of my moves. So not quite so many as I thought but still enough to be going on with.

[smujsmith]

Coff,

A splendid suggestion by AA, and I also agree with your sentiment re posting such pictures. Perhaps I am the guilty party here, so I will give myself a stern talking to and do it properly from now on.

Smudge :ok:

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/HARNESSPACKEPAKISTAN_zpsf182664c.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/HARNESSPACKEPAKISTAN_zpsf182664c.jpg.html)

Next in the sequence of Op Burlap. This DZ was in the grounds of a school manned by the Royal Marines. Perhaps the most useful thing we dropped were cases of Tiger beer to them. Tiger because it was thought that the cans would survive the impact better than bottles of Anchor !
Just to return to the previous pic. The safety harnesses the despatchers are wearing are the ones we used throughout my service. Are the same ones in use today on the 'J' ?

[ancientaviator62]

Referring back to the latest pic, my wife (ex schoolie) wondered if the school was still there. According to my log book (all spellings with my pics are as per my log books, right or wrong) the DZ was at Patuakhali. Anyone from that part of the world know ?

[CoffmanStarter]

AA62 ...

I've just tried a Google image search ... a number of buildings look "possibles" but this one caught my eye :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/ScreenShot2014-05-26at115427_zps102c80d5.png

TOWN HIGH SCHOOL, PATUAKHALI (http://www.barisalboard.gov.bd/102490)

[ancientaviator62]

Coffman,
the 'memsahib' sends her thanks. It certainly does look like the school and seems in better condition than when we 'visited' ! At least we did not knock it down with one of the drops. (Cue for Brian le Nav ?) Wonder if anyone in the area remembers our 'visits' ?

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/OFFLOADOFSUPPLIESEPAKISTAN_zps234a4ca6.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/OFFLOADOFSUPPLIESEPAKISTAN_zps234a4ca6.jpg.html)

Loyal readers, (or should that be loyal reader )may remember my remark about the local labour force. They wanted money to assist with the offload of relief supplies. The pic above shows how we dealt with this. All the crew assisted in dumping the stuff outside the a/c we then started up and left.
I am beginning to feel quite lonely on this thread. Surely out of all those associated with the 'K' there must be someone with personal pics and tales.

[dragartist]

Don't feel lonely AA62. I am soaking it all up but adopting a bit of a passive stance at the moment. Ref comments on the Met thread about 35K ft. I tried to find my RAFCAM notes to pass to Coff. As you know I have a slight interest in this.


I am finding PRuNe more of an education rather than source of rumours at the moment. Well done everyone.


Drag

[TheWizard]

Time for some "home photographs" and a request for help first. XV205 on ex Winter Express and I still struggle to remember if this is Fagernes, Trondheim or wherever. I do know that had Santa in a sled pulled by Reindeer crossed the pan that day, it would have been fitting. Anyone know where we were ?

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/d8b07c66e4d72bee1f7b908ed06b97f6_zpsd856e8d2.jpg

Smudge:ok:

It's probably an age thing old chap but I do believe the sign on the door clearly says "Fagernes Lufthavn"!! :ok:;)

[ancientaviator62]

dragartist,
thank you for the reassurance that there is more than one person enjoying this thread. I will keep going. In a previous post I mentioned the safety harnesses. Do you know if they still use the same antiquated kit on the 'J' ?

[Brian 48nav]

Sorry to miss my 'cue'; just got rid of the weekend's visitors and will try and locate the few slides I've got.

[dragartist]

AA62,
Well I have been gone over 2 years now. I believe they still use the GQ Belt round the waist rather than the superior (IMHO) Mk60 as used by RW. They did change the floor fitting to a rather expensive double action screw gate karabiner as the double gate one could become unfastened as the J floor fittings did not rotate. Mind you we did had a faf with the K floor fittings coming out. (MSP TROC cable) I never felt particularly secure in the belt. But I was probably not considered a SQEP and did not have to sign off the ALARP chit!!!

[ancientaviator62]

dragartist,
nothing changes but the date. Thanks for the info.

[smujsmith]

The Wizard,

Thanks for that, I wonder how I never noticed the Fagernes sign before ? Obviously I had forgotten which Airfield it was, we saw a lot of them on that Det. Winter deployment and I think we did something in to, or out of, every Norwegian runway that would take a Herk. I took that photograph a long time ago, so again, thanks for pointing out the obvious. :hmm:

Smudge:ok:

[DCThumb]

Definitely fagernes! You're parked in almost the exact spot I parked in, only to have my wing tip hit by another Herc going the opposite direction - apparentlY the tyre tracks in the snow made by the rest of the stream as they moved off the centrleline to pass 3 parked hercs weren't enough of a clue for the resident Belgique exchange officer.......

[smujsmith]

DCThumb,

I have a memory of a wingtip "incident" at Bardufoss when a stream of Herks deployed the main stream of troops for "winter deployment". As I remember the airfield had a large loop of taxyway, with something resembling lay byes for parking aircraft (unfortunately the lay byes were more suited to an F16 than a C130). As one Herk taxied out after offloading, a sharp eyed muppet (no explanation, those who know, know) stood at the wingtip of the parked Herk and stuck his thumb up to the crew, who promptly assumed he was giving clearance on the wingtip, and dinged it. The muppet later said he was just trying to say thanks to the outbound crew for delivering him to his allowances. As an aside, some of the nicest people I went down route with were members of UKMAMS (OK, I explained it), I certainly mean no offence at the use of their "pet name", how they referred to Herk GEs remains a mystery.

Smudge:ok:

[DCThumb]

Smuj, it might have been you!!! Returned home with speed tape on the wing tip ...... Seem to remember "Dibble" ( D Bull) was screen captain that day!

[smujsmith]

DCThumb,

I'm sorry sir, I take exception to that charge:E Despite the fact that I may well have been the only C130 GE with a Q to Carry out repairs to low reserve structures (Cat3 repairs), I never returned from Norway having been involved in a "Bump". A good friend of mine (Joe Ion) did though I believe, and may well be your GE of choice. The joys of driving Albert on the ground on snow always drew out my admiration for you drivers Airframe, I had a go once at Gander (under very close supervision) - 23 degrees, rime ice and everything more slippy than playing golf on ice. As a direct result of that I decided not to downgrade from TG1 to Aircrew:rolleyes:

My funniest taxying incident was a trip to Tancos, a Portuguese Airbase. During an exercise, I stood behind the Captain during the taxi in, and the bloke who marshalled us in looked just like the movements SAC I had been drinking with in Corlu (Turkey) about two weeks before (in fact, exactly as he looked as he left the bar). His antics in front of the aircraft were definitely "interesting" but not too informative. On stopping I asked the skipper to keep the donks running, and let the Loadie and myself get out to look. The sight of the RH main wheels sinking slowly into the bondu the idiot had put them on, and I don't mean the Captain, was horrific. Luckily, some power and left hand down saved the day. On asking the relevant questions, the SAC had no authorisation to marshall aircraft, but thought it would be fun to have a go. Funnily enough, the same bloke nearly removed a couple of my fingers in Goose bay a year or so later. He grounded the ramp as I was putting the nose wheel lock pin in. He had no authorisation to operate the aircraft ramp either. He tried to insist that the Loadmaster had cleared him to do it. I left him in discussion with the rather large, Flt Lt, Loadmaster, some may know who I mean. Anyone who knows me, should also know that I put no criticism on anyone. I'm merely relating a previous experience (accidents happen). I hope I'm not to receive PMs asking me to modify a genuine recollection to avoid "embarrassment".

Smudge

[Trumpet_trousers]

rather large, Flt Lt, Loadmaster

Christ, Smudge, can you narrow it down a bit?

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/scan0002_zps9d74b620.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/scan0002_zps9d74b620.jpg.html)

Final pic in the Op Burlap sequence. Taken as we taxied out to go back to Changi in XV 307.

[upgently]

Very much in the learning curve but as real men don't read manuals I'll try this post. Sorry if it doesn't work - I'll read the manual or seek advice.
We should see a photo of one of the three the Rhodesia/Zimbabwe det Hercs

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=24e9vuu" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.tinypic.com/24e9vuu.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

[upgently]

Didn't work did it? READ the damn manual!!

[CoffmanStarter]

Nearly there Upgently old chap :ok:

The URL Link is produced in the 2nd Box Down on Tiny entitled, as below, then use the PPRuNe pic Insert Tool ...

IMG Code for Forums & Message Boards

PS ...

Your Image Size needs to be a max of 750 pix wide ... and "mirrored" in this case as the original appears back to front.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/24e9vuu_zpsbb66545a.jpg

Just trying to help out :)

[500N]

Coffman
Thanks for that. He sent me a PM but was asleep.
Upgently PM replied to :ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

500N ... No worries mate :ok:

Cracking pic from Upgently :D Hopefully more to come :)

[upgently]

Thanks for your guidance team both on PM's and on the thread. I will do my best to get on top of the procedure and admit to being a little ashamed to still be faffing about.

Tomorrows another day so will try again and glad you like Albert dressed for Rhodesia as above.

[smujsmith]

Upgently,

I heard that a LOX pot got shot on that det, and that sensibly they had been discharged of their contents. Perhaps, if you were involved, you could give us the inside track, so to speak. Don't worry about modern confuserism, many can help with posting the photos, making sure you keep the width to 750 just means that we can still read the posts. More pics mate.

Smudge:ok:

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/scan0003_zps71ecd5da.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/scan0003_zps71ecd5da.jpg.html)

Now for something different. This pic was taken to appear on the 48 Sqn Christmas card. There are however two versions of it. The version on the card is the cleaned up version. It was retouched to remove the oil stains on the pan as visible in the above pic. I (and the rest of the crew) are not in the pic as we are in Port Moresby with a flat tyre. Due to a shortage of wheels back at Changi the spare wheel we normally carried had been removed from the fly away pack !
All those struggling to upload pics, just keep trying. I did and you can see the results.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/scan0010_zpsd7fd4129.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/scan0010_zpsd7fd4129.jpg.html)

As Coffman said check the pic is not mirrored ! This pic is from the Lyneham Publicity pack and is most definitely mirrored ! (smudge will you explain how we know). Not quite as bad as the video they used to show to visiting groups. It opened with an arty view of a Herc which was actually a GAF Transall which just happened to be visiting when they shot the video.

[CoffmanStarter]

Probe and Astro ass-about-face :8

[upgently]

Hi Smudge

Ref your enquiry on a wee bullet hole in a Rhodesia Det Herc, yep I was part of the crew on that frame. By today's standards this incident is nothing but trivia -Iran - Afganistan etc but at the time it generated a deal of excitement as the Hercules in UK service had lead a charmed life. If I can ever get on top of uploading pics I have one of this frame which from memory I think was XV176.

We were on a VERY low level routing with 30 odd soldiers on board having been briefed and had demonstrated the abilities of the tracking head on ground/air missiles which the rebels held. The demo was simply passing a lit match across the front of the missile head and just watch it respond, gulp, hence low level. A further ground demo was passing the head across the front of the airframe with props turning and this damn thing was responding to the variations in light created by the spinning prop and tip paint job.

The bullet strike was as the result of a burst of AK47 fire (confirmed by Rhodesian Army weapons team). We had chosen to fly a non direct route to our drop off point as intelligence told us of several known treats. The rebels had radar tracked multi barrel weapons so the re-route was essential. Way out in the scrub following a dirt track a couple of shepherds were seen going about their business but alas part of their business was to take out a UK aircraft. The swack as the round hit concentrated the mind but as you correctly say the Lox tanks were purged and whilst the round rattled around a bit I don't recall the techie team getting too excited. Same old story but a fraction of a second later and it would have struck one of the troops who were on the same line down the aircraft side as the strike.

God, sorry war stories but you did ask.

Incidentally the landing strips were generally on narrow open roads which immediately prior to our landings were driven up and down several times by a Rhodesian Army vehicle, the underside shaped to form a "V" thus dissipating any land mine explosion effect. Brave guys.

[ancientaviator62]

Coffman,
yes and this pic like the video I mentioned was presumably passed as fit for public consumption by the PR mafia, The probe was affixed to the co pilots side of the a/c and the observation dome (not astrodome) replaced the flight deck escape hatch.

[ancientaviator62]

upgently,
war stories and personal pics of the 'K' are what this thread is all about. Keep them coming please.

[upgently]

Well I've not weakened and read the manual but I have followed the teams instructions on photo uploads so let's see what happens this time.

http://i61.tinypic.com/359lqvq.jpg

[upgently]

I'm so happy I could spit As you can see all your efforts worked

Thanks for the guidance everybody. I have a few pics that you may well not have seen so periodically I will filter them into the thread. Shout if you get fed up.

Dear old Changi base showing a gathering of 48 Sqn frames.

http://i58.tinypic.com/156fo6x.jpg

[CoffmanStarter]

Well played Upgently ... You now have your P (Picture) Wings :ok:

Cracking images ... Keep em coming :)

Best ...

Coff.

[kaitakbowler]

Ah, the 48 Sqn pan at Changi, as a young SAC doing guard on the pan, I was sternly admonished by a passing pilot for referring to "these new C130's", "Young man in the Royal Air Force we give our aeroplanes names, and that is a Hercules"

Thats me told then.

PM

[smujsmith]

Upgently,

Once again you dangle the beauty of the Light Stone/Dark Earth finish, was Albert ever smarter ? Thanks for the gen on the LOX pot in Rhodesia. I offer this photograph, and a small story of "small arms" fire from my own experience.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/2e023b2a19c1fbbd6709f946a00ffab9_zps51e932e1.jpg

The photograph(s) were taken on a trip during the Sarajevo Airlift, and feature a French Foreign Legion chap having a nose around, and a shot prior to take off outbound, from my station in the RH para door.

We approached Sarajevo, as normal, at a decent altitude, with the intention to do a Khe San approach to land. At the time, because of small arms fire, the approach was from one direction only, take off went out directly the way you came in. As the Captain pulled the power levers back and pushed the nose down, there was a flash from the ground. To this day I'm convinced I watched "something" go past about 15 feet away from the para door, followed by a clearly audible explosion and metallic rain hitting topside. We landed, in the process discharging several flare and chaff rounds, which set fire to the grass in the undershoot, and taxied in. In those days the RAF crews were the only ones to shut down for offloading, and, as the GE, I was required to do an external inspection whilst the offload was under way. The Captain prevented a topside check as it was known that snipers were active from directly across the runway. Having done as good a check as I could, and seeing no visible damage, I did note a large ring of red smoke, high above the approach end of the runway. I took the snap of the Foreign Legionnaire as we waited to restart and depart. He certainly looked a friendly chap. I think we all realised that on the way in someone had had a pot at us, and we now had to fly over them again, in the climb out. Sixpence/Halfcrown was the order of the day until we reached around 15K.

We were later told that we had been quite lucky. Someone had analysed what happened and decided that whoever took the shot was using a wire guided, anti tank weapon, As he launched, our Captain entered the Khe San approach, what prevented the hit was he could not make the missile track down as fast as Albert was descending. That's the story I got at the time, the truth of the matter always lay above my pay grade. I do know that the airlift was stopped for a week as a direct result and we took the first load in on the day it resumed.

I just read someone suggest "pull up a sandbag" is OK, thought I would relate one of my own experiences, as a non aircrew team member and hope it meets the criteria. Perhaps, relating the fact that Albert, and its crews, have certainly been in harms way, throughout its service in the RAF is an appropriate tribute to the Crews, and the aircraft. Keep posting the pictures Gentlemen, for those of us old enough, that paint scheme really does bring on some very, happy memories.

Smudge:ok:

[smujsmith]

AA62, #150

Apart from the obvious reversal of probe and cupola (I'm sure I know the bloke in there), I offer another clue that may not be so obvious. If you look at the rear escape hatch, its a nice dark green (obviously on the wrong side of the fin). Now, I'm not sure if its well known, but the SF Herks, deployed in support of SF operations in GW1, were painted pink, by the ground crews, and aircrews, by hand, in theatre. When they applied the paint, their access "upstairs" was through that hatch, and consequently missed the lick of paint the rest of the airframe got. So, it stands out like the canines cojones, the hatch is on the wrong side. To be pedantic, the Cargo pack NACA duct (hacker duct) is also on the wrong side.

Smudge:ok:

[gopher01]

Smudge my boy, as I did two stints as a G.E. with the first being 77 to 83 along with other such people as our own Eddie Botham and then dragged back kicking and screaming from Abingdon for a second stint 90 to 94 to play in the GW1 until I departed the mob, we probably did especially if you are the follicly challenged Smudge I remember. All told doing one third of your RAF career as a G.E. can't be all bad can it!

[gopher01]

As Max Boyce used to put it I know because I was there, OP Corporate Pacific division, a very interesting side line to the main happening which did result in a mention in Air Internationals Labour of Hercules article about a South American country all of a sudden doubling its Quota of Hercs, the only mention I have ever seen about that little trip.

[gopher01]

In the early days on the OCU at Thorney the route proving flight was a trip to Malta via a Gib night stop where the flight engineer did the servicing to the delight of the techies who got away down town very quickly. As the trip to Gib went out into the Atlantic I believe to make it a longer flight for the Aircrew all that hand flown time was good experience. The other reason to go to Malta was to get in two weeks night flying from the Sunspot dispersal as you couldn't night fly at Thorney as all the retired Navy big wigs didn't like being kept awake by the drone of the Herc. If you wanted to the techies could get to Malta for two weeks every other month, hell wasn't it. Malta was also the only place that I know of where a Herc suffered a Giraffe strike, but that's another story!

[gopher01]

The original techie det in Rhodesia consisted of four G.E.s, myself , the estimable Eddie Botham and two other reprobates whose names escape me and yes, it was decided to vent the Lox as the thought of one of the locals having a shot at the nice big white aiming point on the forward fuselage ( a big white cross to show we weren't on anybodies side ) was rather exciting and the only one who did, at least the only one who hit the aircraft, missed the pot but did get the radome anti icing ducting which hung in the SF empire afterwards.
However, and this is another story, we did collect a bullet hole in the lower port fuselage about level with the para seats when operating into Sarajevo, we found it because the whistle of escaping air was loud enough to hear even on the Herc, fixed with a nut, bolt and silicone sealant on return to Zagreb, its probably still there!

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/SEYCHELLESAPP_zps02549e3a.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/SEYCHELLESAPP_zps02549e3a.jpg.html)

We did some interesting and unusual trips on 48. This is Mahe in the Seychelles as they were building the new airport. As you can see it is a work in progress.
An RFA had engine problems just off the Seychelles and needed a new piston.
Now a ship's piston is not a small item ! A plan was hatched to see if it could be delivered by Herc to Mahe, landing on the small strip used by a puddle jumper from South Africa. The late G/C Sweatman (then a S/L) was sent to check. I do not think he used anything more scientific than his experience, certainly no formal CBR check. Yes he said so off we went. More pics in this series to follow.
Gopher more tales thank you. Did you see my pic of the Hercs at Easter Island earlier in this thread ?

[upgently]

Thought that I would continue with the Rhodesia tac theme and then move on to pastures new.

http://i59.tinypic.com/21eb2ad.jpg

[upgently]

Rhodesia strip

http://i61.tinypic.com/30bjz81.jpg

[upgently]

Background on this shot is that as the guerrilla/rebels became more frustrated their demands on the authorities to ensure their co-operation became more bizarre and menacing. This drop was to ensure that the village elder of this settlement kept his head, yep you read that correctly.
The list of items in this load included thousands of Tampax,(not a lass in sight) pots, pans, heaters (temp there was in the 35*C+). The Army Air Dispatch guys worked their butts off and no doubt saved several lives as a result of their efforts. Damn shame that we were SO inaccurate that a number of loads fell into mine fields.

http://i59.tinypic.com/scdhd3.jpg




http://i59.tinypic.com/scdhd3.jpg

[upgently]

Sorry, finger trouble on last page.

Anybody you know from this Rhodesia Det grouping?

http://i58.tinypic.com/2le2jo4.jpg

[smujsmith]

Gopher01,

I suspect I'm your man, although I doubt follically challenged is an apt description, there's no follicles to challenge. I'm sure we must have shared a few beers down route, but it would be interesting to hear how Eddie Botham managed to snare you back from Abingdon. I'm struggling to remember, but ISTR there were 4 "retreads" (check spelling) who came back for GW1. I bet you must have a few pictures too. Come on, tell all.

Smudge:ok:

[500N]

Great photos :ok:

Re "The list of items in this load included thousands of Tampax,
(not a lass in sight)"

For bullet wounds, sterile dressings ?

[November4]

Tampax...

Remember building 4 pallets of boxes of tampax at Ancona during the Sarajevo airlift. That was the only time we saw our female Flt Lt helping us to build anything. She went to climb on top of one the pallets to pull the net over, collapsed the boxes and disappeared back to the office, leaving us to rebuild the pallet.

The 47 Sqn crew's faces were a picture when we told them why the load was so light.

[November4]

Hope you'll permit an ex-Muppet to post some photos from Op Bushell taken during Nov 1985

http://i58.tinypic.com/5yvuvm.jpg

En route between Assab and Mekele

http://i59.tinypic.com/10coj5w.jpg

Locals helping with the offload at Mekele

http://i59.tinypic.com/2dloduv.jpg

After offloading the grain, there was a dance led by a man with the loud hailer. The dance consisted of going round in circles and stamping a foot in time to the man on loud hailer. The stamping would be so fierce that the wing tips moved.

http://i58.tinypic.com/x3sojb.jpg

Tyre burst on taxi at Assab when loaded with grain. We had to offload the grain before the GEs could change the wheel. They found there was some damage to the undercarriage doors and the rest of the days tasks were cancelled and we flew back to Addis empty. It took a few days for the required spares to arrive before normal air landing ops could continue.

Edited to add - according to my notes, this was XV306 on the 4 Nov 1985

[CoffmanStarter]

Thanks guys ... this thread is turning into the "Real Life" story of Albert ... facinating :ok:

Come on Brian get posting those pics :)

[ancientaviator62]

November4,
welcome to the thread. Here there are no 'I was just an X' here. As Coffman has indicated anyone with tales and/or pics is more than welcome.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/HERCATSEYCHELLES_zpsf4cf2116.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/HERCATSEYCHELLES_zpsf4cf2116.jpg.html)

Here we are safely landed at Mahe in the Seychelles on the temporary runway.
As you can see we had a few very curious visitors.

[ancientaviator62]

upgently,
as I recall the return rate for the parachutes (Op Agila) was virtually nil which had a knock on effect for training back in the UK. I think the local ladies were rather keen on them for dressmaking and the like.

[dragartist]

Gopher1,
The Op Corporate Pacific Division a/c you mention does get a mention in the public domain through Hutchings book SF Pilot (Seaking story).


One of the other contributors to this thread may feel inclined to elaborate.


Apparently the spelin was as good as mine.


One day I might tell the story of how the LGBTG Forum had an impact on our parachute disposal policy.

[ancientaviator62]

gopher01,
my log book tells me that on March 6 1968 we took XV 187 to Malta via El Adem. Then on 22 we took XV 188 to Malta for the night flying detachment. When I was an airdrop instructor on the OCU we used to detach to Nicosia for LL and airdrop training. Good times.

[upgently]

Last couple of Rhodesia set and then onto pastures new

http://i58.tinypic.com/3310xus.jpg

[upgently]

Oh dear, forgot. It's too big and the wrong way round. Must try harder.

[upgently]

http://i60.tinypic.com/2ppzcx0.jpg

[upgently]

Smudge

The photo we mentioned showing the entry point of the AK47 round. Look about 1ft aft of the figure 1 on the frame number. I know I know not that exciting on this occasion but.........

http://i57.tinypic.com/2v3py6o.jpg

[nimbev]

Lots of comments on this thread from/about GEs. When did Herks start flying down the route with GEs? Dont remember carrying them when I left LA in 69 - or is this another sign of my ever increasing memory loss??

[smujsmith]

Upgently,

I see the hit on the frame, and for me there was never a small arms hit that didn't pose a threat. Good picture. Not sure if you know the personnel involved in the photo, but I rather suspect that the chap on the left is a GE called Eddie Botham, who was the Flt Sgt i/c Ground Engineers in my day. Thanks for showing us this one.

Nimbev,

Interesting question that one. As an ex AGE, I'm not sure when they first started, or who the first few were. I hope though that their use has been beneficial on routes.

Smudge:ok:

[ancientaviator62]

nimbey,
we did not have G/E's when I was at Fairford nor when I was on 48 in FEAF. When they were first introduced I do not know, but it would probably link up with the introduction of the Direct Entry Air Engineer. Previously you had to be at least a J/T in the airframe, engine, instrument or electrics trade.
Which is why as an Air Radar Fitter I could not be an Air Eng . So not being comissionable (at the time) I was selected for Air Signaller. However before I could start the course they suspended training whilst they 'reviewed the requirement'. Best thing that ever happened as far as I was concerned !

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/Misc_0000005A_zps0ead33b8.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/Misc_0000005A_zps0ead33b8.jpg.html)

The RFA sent a heli to pick up the spare part and to change over some of the personnel.

[ancientaviator62]

upgently,
very nice pic of the chaps. I know most of the usual suspects in the pic

[upgently]

Ancientav

Now there's interesting as I am one of them.

[upgently]

Here's one for a trip down memory lane for those of us Ex 48 Changi.
48 Sqn bottom right, the NZ Air force Bristol Freighter Pan centre right, and of course the Shack Sqn, 205,or 206, I forget.

http://i59.tinypic.com/30955vk.jpg

[upgently]

An exercise in boredom - 3 hours on night circuits at Changi

http://i57.tinypic.com/wwmc29.jpg

[ancientaviator62]

upgently,
Well as you are not Eddie Botham and assuming you are not GF then you must be one of the others ! Perhaps if you wish to remain anonymous then you could PM me. and we could compare notes. Anyone who has read my input to threads various could easily ID me I think. Cracking pics !
If anyone in the future writes the complete history of the 'K' they could do no better than to look at this expanding thread for pics and true tales.
Now where is Brian the Nav ?

[CoffmanStarter]

Upgently ...

Albert is happy now :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/imagejpg1_zpsf883537e.jpg

You have some great pics all of you ... :D

Come on Brian ...

[upgently]

So am I . Coffman, how and where do you spin the pic to be mirrored?

[CoffmanStarter]

Upgently ...

I use PhotoBucket to host my pics which has a convenient "Mirror Flip" tool as part of it's on-line editing suite. But there are a number of free graphic tools for either PC or Mac to do this kind of stuff off-line. 500N is a TinyPic Host user so he might be able to give you a steer on their editing tools :ok:

Best ...

Coff.

[500N]

upgently

Most image viewing programs (or Photoshop) on your computer have a rotate right or left or
flip horizontal or flip vertical commands in the menu that allow you to do this.


Am looking at tinypic now to see if it can be done within it.


Edit
Can't see anything in tinypic that will allow it to be done.

[smujsmith]

Nimbev, Ancientaviator,

I wonder if the introduction of the GE coincided with the adoption of crew duty hours for the AT fleet. In the days when the Air Eng, plus crew, could fly a Hastings to Aden, change an engine and do the test runs, and have about 5 hours sleep before charging off to the next port of call, the need for dedicated Groundcrew was limited, and anyway, most transient aircraft stops had people who could help. In my day, the whole of the operating crew were subject to crew duty hours, which meant that a delay at the aircraft to help with aircraft servicing could lead to delayed take off the next day. I'm not too sure about trade qualifications prior to mustering as a Flt Engineer, I personally believe that most of them were pretty well grounded in the systems and how to fix them.

I do remember operation "motorman" when I was a Jnr Tech Airframes at Colerne in the early 70s. When a gang of around 20 of us were sent to augment the Visiting Aircraft team at Aldergrove as the troops and rubber bullets arrived. In my day as a GE, such an operation would have been covered by one or two GEs, going in with the first chalk and recovering on the last. Perhaps more efficient. I do know that GEs were always made to feel part of the team when away from base, although, no doubt some aircrew looked on us as "hangers on". On that basis, some of our former ground single trade colleagues resented our turning up in December with a suntan. Who can blame someone though for taking up a challenge ? To be a C130 Aircraft Ground Engineer required passing all four trade courses on the aircraft, plus a bit in 6 months. Being involved in the progression if the route with the professional operators from the Aircrew side. It was a busy time, and the one statistic I remember from my time (88- 95) was that we had an establishment of 32 AGEs, the flying squadrons had the equivalent of 120 constituted crews. About a 4:1 ratio. My average time away in that period was around 275 days a year, and I logged over 5000 hours of "Air experience". I'm biased, obviously, but I reckon the introduction of the Ground Engineer was a positive move on the AT fleet. Certainly the C130K was a real bonus to the RAF, in its day. I suspect though that it was people who made it work from Captain to mess steward.

A couple of GE down route shots, apologies to former GEs in arms, but we did get some days off.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/50b40bb624ae350178b4e9b5ac698319_zpsdb97be7c.jpg
A certain GE in Egypt (No not me, I took the photo). The first GE I ever met who could honestly say he had experience of Camels
(unfortunately not Mr Sopwiths). I'm sure some wit will ask who is riding him:rolleyes:

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/a5f7e8390496d40b97d3d9ef90f94f98_zps3579b5bd.jpg
A day off in Malaysia, and three of us were there at the same time. A rarity.

Sorry for the long post, it's obviously a bit of an interest. I'm hoping I can find some more shots of Albert, always the star.

Smudge:ok:

[ancientaviator62]

smudge,
I well recall assisting the Air Eng in various servicing tasks down route both on the Hastings and Hercules before the advent of the G/E. My tech background lent me a little credibility in this respect.
I was once doing some research in the files and came across the original service paper which recommended the setting up of the G/E system for the Hercules.
As far as I can recall the original idea was to emulate the Crew Chief system of the V force whereby he would have his 'own' a/c. This proved to be a non starter for several reasons. This next bit will chime with you ref the base chaps resentment. It was suggested that the aircrew reporting of defects would have more credibility if supported by a G/E ! As you will no doubt confirm those at base merely assumed you were always on the side of the aircrew.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/HERCANDHELISEYCHELLES_zps26c42f6b.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/HERCANDHELISEYCHELLES_zps26c42f6b.jpg.html)

Last in the Mahe sequence. After the Heli left so did we via a fatigue meter busting fly by, to Gan for a night stop. Then back to Changi.

[smujsmith]

Ancientaviator,

Spot on on the Line reaction to our looking like yes men for the aircrew. Another gripe was when we managed to get one home safely, that required a bit of work, many is the prop we have nursed home, rather than call for a prop change down route. I think you are probably correct about emulating the V force crew chiefs, and lets not forget the Maritime fleet (Nimrods anyway) also operated the crew chief system. I wondered also if carrying a competent SNCO in all trades of the aircraft became necessary as a result of the closure of many bases around the world, often used by AT. There was a discussion on another thread about the old Hastings route out to Sri Lanka, I think it was. In the days of the Hastings the RAF enjoyed bases all the way along the route, with relevant AT support. In my day, on the Herk, a trip leaving for Sri Lanka and points East, on a Sunday would probably night stop Cairo International, a fuel stop at Bahrain and on to Columbo. All now civilian Airports, with no direct RAF engineering ground support. Whatever, I only once met a Pilot who resented the presence of GEs, his problem being that whenever he broke his aircraft, the GE didn't carry the relevant part. I remember pointing out that to accommodate his desire a second Herk would have to follow with the spares. As an aside, and from blokes I know, it appears that since the advent of the J, the workload of the GE has increased and most do not get the luxury of taking to the hammock when away from base. What they do in flight is a mystery, and perhaps someone could elucidate, or is my source, a current GE, just going for bragging rights:rolleyes:

I'm sure there must be some more great pictures out there in this celebration of Albert. And surely some memorable moments, operated by so many people.

Smudge:ok:

[Brian 48nav]

Where does time go? Just about to go out on my bike, ( only chance till the weekend as we are off to No2 son's to meet the new in-laws !! ) so quick look at Pprune and I'm wanted.


I will try to locate my slides but not for a few days:*.


Re GEs - I do recall an airman with us on our Kathmandu trip in April '69, the reason is that he wore the briefest shorts I had ever seen and was getting some peculiar looks cast in his direction as we strolled around town.


Certainly had one on of my best trips - a week u/s in Antigua over NY 70/71 - because of the mix of ranks the only 2 crew members sharing a room were the two Fg Offs, Pete A-Z Cullum and me.

[Brian 48nav]

http://i61.tinypic.com/ixsi6q_th.jpg (http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=ixsi6q&s=8)http://s8.tinypic.com/119qsso_th.jpg


SWMBO did this for me - I've no idea how - but there was lots of swearing while she was on tinypics.com.


XV 209 at Tarawa in the Gilbert & Ellice Islands Feb 16-18th 1969 - I was with Dave Carter ( RIP ) and Angus Morris ( still a mate of ours ).

[ancientaviator62]

Brian,
welcome ! The pics are a bit small for my old eyes but it is a start.

[kaitakbowler]

Smudge,

Kudos for your acknowledgement that non a/c trades contributed to making the whole thing work.

PM

[Willard Whyte]

Always liked the chocolate camo paint scheme. When did it get all 'tactical', mid 70s?

[Phileas Fogg]

And, for a period of time under Master Nav. George Kelly, I (acting Corporal unpaid LOL :), managed the "Nav Bags" section of Lyneham's Flight Planning section updating and providing you guys with all your docs ... and looking back on it 37 years later ... interesting work and valuable experience it was also.

[CoffmanStarter]

Brian ...

When you return ... Please re-brief SWMBO to select the TinyPic Resize option to Message Board 640x480 in the drop-down box before uploading ... I suspect you have gone with the Default setting which produces Thumbnail images :ok:

Best regards ...

Coff.

Just trying to help out :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/imagejpg2_zpsca2853eb.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/imagejpg1_zps0c982978.jpg

And to help save AA62's eyesight :8

[CoffmanStarter]

I came across a couple of RAF recruitment ads from the early 70's earlier today ... where Albert was the star ... with due respect to the named personnel that is :ok:

XV294 ?

http://www.aviationancestry.com/RAFRecruit/Recruitment-RAFRecruit-1971-4985.jpg

XV210 ?

http://www.aviationancestry.com/RAFRecruit/Recruitment-RAFRecruit-1972-5094.jpg

Best ...

Coff.

[upgently]

Hi peoples

This shot is not relevant to anything that has gone before but it is a photo that the external tank deprived J model can't achieve.

http://i60.tinypic.com/116t9n6.jpg

[upgently]

Brian, it could be we were on the same flight to Tarawa and there certainly weren't many but for those of us not fortunate enough to have visited then check it out on the web.

Tarawa was the scene of the US forces first attempted ground forces landing in the Pacific and the defences after a couple of days naval and airborne bombardment were assumed to have been neutralised. Not so and after a cock up with the tides the US forces were stuck on the coral 200 yards out and they became an easy target. The landing craft remain rusting on the coral. I have a collection of pics but they are not appropriate for this thread. The beaches, jungle and many other areas still boast all the detritus of battle, tanks, shore guns (taken by the Japs from Singapore and manufactured in UK) and many items like helmets, weapons etc continue to be unearthed on a regular basis. Huge, huge American losses.



http://i62.tinypic.com/vzhp8w.jpg

[Brian 48nav]

Coff, you're a star, thank you very much. We've just come back from the village pub and my darling wife was cursing the fact that she hadn't been able to increase the size :mad:.

Re the ads - Colin Burns was on 30 when I arrived back from Changi - a fantastic goalie, was that allowed for Towers guys? Met him years later at a party at Joe Oldfield's house near Lyneham.

I had never met or heard of Mitch until meeting him in France in 2007 when we moved there, we became chums until we came back in 2010 - he is there for the duration, so much so that he and his good lady have already bought their plots in the local cemetery!

I recognise the good-looking nav' in the second ad', I think he was first tour on 36 when I was on 30 at Lyneham. Was he later a boss of 10 Sqn?


Upgently - I was on 48 from Dec' 67 until Oct' 69 - the bastards short-toured me by far too much! Does that tally with your time?

[Landroger]

Sorry to intrude into the house of Albert, but I do have one, tiny, SLF Hercybird story and some of you, I am sure, were there. I am a CT/MRI scanner engineer based in London and the south east, but because of my experience, I have occasionally been asked (told?) to go to some outlandish places. One of them was Kuwait City, not long after the end of GW1. Because that nice Mr. Saddam had blown up or stolen Kuwait Air, I was instructed by the FCO to fly to Bahrain (via Doha) and report to RAF Muharaq - MAMS office. Wherever that was. :confused: I qualified, it seems, because I was British, knew the kit and had never been to Israel!

After an eventfull civilian journey and being driven past a lot of RAF 'Banging Machinery' with a rather used look about them, I was directed to a refrigerator full of non alcoholic drinks by a MAMS Corporal and told to wait for the crew. They - whoever you are - turned up, we trooped on board what I thought was merely a strangely camoflaged C130 and we set off. I never knew that aeroplanes could wuffle, but Albert definitely wuffled out to line up. But when you gave him the beans, he suddenly got all serious and quite anxious to be elsewhere.

The most bizarre smoke break at Jabail (?) Naval Air Station was followed by the second leg and our Loadie briefing that we had five minutes to look out of the portholes before landing. Apart from smoke so thick we could barely see the wing tanks (overload tanks?), I can genuinely say it was a scene from Dante's Inferno, A stunning demonstration of just how spiteful stupid people can be, with oil fires lighting up the daytime darkness for a hundred feet around each one. :eek:

After Albert wuffled some more, past the black mark on the apron where that nice Mr. Saddam reduced BA's stock of 747's by one and the stuffed camel on top of a Series Land Rover, we were told to wait for 'The Duty Officer'. The DO sped through the load deck ticking stuff and people off and vanished again, leaving about a dozen sprained necks trying to follow her, because F/O Sarah Byrne was a drop dead gorgeous blonde, with desert fatigues and a gun. :eek:

Apart from having to beg MRE's off American and British squadies at checkpoints during the week I spent there, trying to bring a CT scanner back to life after having its electronic brains blown out by a generator - they had a GSW they needed to scan on the day the Iraqis blew up the power station - that was it for me and the Military.

On the way back it was all the same in reverse, except that after asking the Loadie if it would be possible to visit the conservatory at the front, where you guys sit around all day, I was invited to spend the entire flight standing up, next to the Flight Engineer. I was like a pig in ...... ordure! :ok:

However, being an engineer, I couldn't help asking questions of the hapless F/E and it turned out the aeroplane was a Lyneham based frame and that it and it's happy crew were merely dropping us off in Bahrain and were then going home - for good! Also that there were 'one or two' minor defects. :rolleyes:

Had I not noticed that three of Albert's props were black and one was silver with red stripes? Borrowed that off the Septics; ours is broke. The Loadie dashing around with a torch peering in to various nooks? Hydraulic leaks, might have to crank the u/c down. The APU was inop and they'd probably have to be jump started to leave Muharaq and on and on. We - you blokes - were flying a wreck! But it didn't matter! You were going home.:ok:

Elf and safety would probably have had a kerniption fit if they had seen me hanging on to something tubular with one hand, while I took photographs out of the cockpit windows on very, very short finals! := As we taxied in, the replacement Albert was pointed out and I remarked on the different camoflage scheme. Oh no, the F/E said, that's the same colour as this, its just that we've been flying through all that clag for a month! :eek:

Twenty-two years later, I would like to thank the crew of that 'Fat Albert' for one of my most memorable flights, anywhere. I did take photographs, but for the moment I can't find them. A truly remarkable aeroplane. :ok:

Roger

[smujsmith]

Landroger,

What a smashing story, and how I recognise the dry whit you experienced that convinced you that the RAF C130 fleet in theatre, was on its last legs. I can assure you that the aircraft you flew in, both ways, was perfectly fit to fly, and so were the crew (well, maybe):rolleyes: We had a lot of support in theatre, even after the shooting stopped. I for one got back to Lyneham a full 2 months after the welcome home, tea and medals parade. I'm sure many of us had become fairly cynical by the time our Det had halved and moved to Bahrain, but, servicing and operating standards never deteriorated in my humble opinion. You certainly would not have been the only "non RAF" passenger to be "wound up" by crews, and I can assure you that even government ministers were subject to such banter. Your story though does reflect the oft recorded thoughts of professionals from the civilian world, having been exposed to "Albert". I hope your memories of Albert, and the crew are something you remember with fondness, I suspect Baron Wakeham might not have such, as a result of my making him a Coffee on the way to Kuwait, around the time of your trip.

Smudge:ok:

[Landroger]

As I said Smudge, a truly remarkable aeroplane and I have heard it said that Mr. Lockheed made some astonishingly good ones. I'm not sure the F/E was winding me up, because all of those things did appear to be 'inop'. Well not the prop, but they were definitely 'odd' - as in odd socks.:)

And it didn't worry me that the aircraft was less than pristine, it felt absolutely unburstable. And the power of those donks! The crew were exactly how I imagine RAF aircrew to be. A late and very dear friend was a Chinook driver. Just being allowed to spend an extended period in the cockpit was an honour and a treasured memory.

My genuine thanks to that nameless crew - if only I could find the photographs, because that would give me the cab number.

Roger

PS: Does anyone else think Fat Albert has an avuncular smile?

[ancientaviator62]

landroger,
terrific tale which many of us can recognise as a typical of overseas ops.
I always thought that 'Albert', on the ground at least, looked like Dougal from The Magic Roundabout.

[ancientaviator62]

Coffman,
thanks for those wonderful period ads with the 'K'. My eyes thank you for resizing Brian's pics. This thread which you originated is really on a roll now.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/Misc_0000145A_zpsdf558be8.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/Misc_0000145A_zpsdf558be8.jpg.html)

I too have the Tarawa 'tick' and if I can find the pics they may well appear.
Sometimes the pressurisation would go AWOL so we had to mask up.

[CoffmanStarter]

AA62 ...

It's my pleasure ... It's really great to see these pics and read the stories that might otherwise never see the light of day :ok:

Best ...

Coff.

PS I'm also pleased that a few more chaps can now post pics on PPRuNe :D

[CoffmanStarter]

Some little while back I had the great privilege to share a coffee and chat with Pontifex who is a PPRuNe regular ... I'm sure he won't mind me posting this remarkable pic under this thread. He was the lead TP flying Albert during this interesting AAR trial. Hopefully he may pitch-up with a bit more to tell :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/image_zpsad5dbc0a.jpg

Best ...

Coff.

[Lamin]

So with all these articles from earlier years etc it seems that the Herc has been almost everywhere.

With recent missions in Mali, Afghan and the Philippines, I wondered if there is anywhere for it still to venture and fly the Flag?

I bet between us we could cover the globe.

My own exploits have taken me as far away as Fiji, Somoa, Kota Kinabulu and Namibia to mention a few.

Where has / or hasn't she been?

[upgently]

Looking at my log book Albert has given me night stops in 102 different countries. Some have now gone, others swallowed by surrounding states, countries etc, but weren't we a privileged group.

I'm sure that this statement will be challenged, this being pprune, but that's what the log books tell me.

[CoffmanStarter]

Perhaps another way of looking at it ...

How far North and South has RAF "Albert" been on Ops ... Clearly 51° 42′ S off a certain South American coastline is a given ... and we have Smudge, on this thread, up at 61° 0′ N (Fagernes Lufthavn) ... any advances North and South :ok:

[Lamin]

Banak / Lakselv up North--- Finmark in Norway.

Pretoria----- South

Philipines, Samoa, Fiji, Hawaii----- East / West

And all points in between!!!

[smujsmith]

OK chaps,

I'm having a look to find my most Northerly and Southerly. Meanwhile, a fairly poor shot of Kilimanjaro, through No3 prop. It's not great quality, but as I remember, neither was I when I took it.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/0a129d25fef29e49fe73f7d9f8c7746e_zpsa5e97eb5.jpg

A note, I suspect my most Northerly was Kirkenes, Norway. Although I'm sure we did land at Hammerfest as part of the Det.

Smudge :ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

So ...

70° 4′ N (Lakselv Airport, Banak Finland) takes RAF "Albert" further North but the Falklands still holding the Southern limit ... :ok:

I can hear the rustle of Brian's Mercator from here :)

[upgently]

Those of us privileged enough to have been on 48 Sqn in the Far East were very lucky to have been part of a truly globe trotting period in the history of RAF air transport.

Part of this globe trotting involved a crew from the Far East Air Force, a crew of which I was lucky enough to be a member.

The RAF were asked to open an airfield, as yet unused on an Atoll in the Pacific some miles northeast of Fiji in what is now known as Kiribati.

The planners thought this through and it was decided that a Herc stripped of all unnecessary kit was to fly the task with a second aircraft rigged for air drop to be based in Fiji with spare tyres and engineering support. We carried our own techies as this was long before G/E's.

The island airfield was planned with the view of opening up the area to trade and possible tourism.

Tabitewea as the airfield was then known had been built by a small team of British Army engineers. They arrived with their landing craft and off loaded all the kit required to clear, level, drag coral from the lagoon, grade and roll the very short strip.

Our arrival was more than a little exciting as the locals, and there were many, some having travelled a couple of days by canoe had never been introduced to any aspect of aviation so an aircraft was unknown, unseen by most and presented no danger. That was shortly to change. On our arrival they had no awareness of propellers, jet wash but were certainly terrified by the noise.

Tabitewea was governed by a council of male village elders, I think eleven in total and the elders together with a wonderful line of well proportioned young ladies sang and serenaded us as we shut down. The young ladies to cover their naked attributes were asked to wear ex army white vests as the elders had been briefed that the Brits were sensitive to nudity, damn shame I say.

I can see your bored eyes glazing over so I will post a couple of pics of the strip and then a few of the event.

http://i60.tinypic.com/2yo3gqb.jpg

[upgently]

Approach to Tabitewea in the Pacific mentioned in the previous post



http://i60.tinypic.com/4ihtfo.jpg

[Lamin]

I went in to a a Greek Island once on an exercise with 47, the strip was tiny and it appeared we were the largest and most unusual visitor they had had.

Greek Monks came out to bless us and wish us well on our departure!!!!!!!

[upgently]

Arriving at Tabitewea




http://i57.tinypic.com/w7l8w6.jpg

[CoffmanStarter]

I can see your bored eyes glazing over ...

Certainly NO complaints here :ok:

[smujsmith]

Seconded Coff,

This is groundbreaking stuff in more than one respect, keep it going Upgently.

I can't find my records Coff, but I'm pretty sure that Kirkenes at 69 degrees 58 minutes North is the most northerly. I always believed that Adelaide at 34 degrees 43 Minutes South was my most southerly, so was surprised to find that my visits to the Falklands actually far "outsouthed" that. I never managed a global, so my furthest West was 149 degrees west at Eilson AFB I believe, whilst Eastwards the extent of my bungee was found to be Sydney at 152 degrees East. I spent 6 years as a Ground Eng on this beast and saw more of the world than I ever imagined I would. And somewhere I have a list of places I have been to. I'm sure most of the double tour GEs will have far exceeded my journeys. What a nice thread to follow, some old friends to banter with and some happy memories revived, keep them coming in chaps.

Meanwhile, this may bring a smile. An old Herk buddy of mine recently related this story;

As a group of up and coming young Air Engineers were testing each other's knowledge of the aircraft and its systems in the Sgts Mess one day, an old Master Engineer, lowered his newspaper and said, "Here's one that will make you think. You've just got airborne and the aircraft yaws violently left, you look up and there's a Green light on the overhead panel, what's the problem?". After a few minutes chat they all shrugged and asked him to tell them. "Well lads he says, you've left the Houchin connected". Thanks Tucker, I'll get my coat :rolleyes:


Smudge:ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

Well played Smudge ... almost 70N :ok:

Now I wonder if RAF "Albert" ever ventured further south to Antarctica (say on BAS duties) ?

I do hope AA62 is able to locate his pics of the JATFOR stream forming up at Lyneham ... that must have been an awesome sight to behold.

Marvellous all these stories ... :D

[Ken Scott]

Indeed it did venture to the Antarctic, not certain of the details but 30 Sqn supported the NZ base down there in the 1970s I believe. There are photos in the Sqn history room of the detachment including one captioned 'at the South Pole', but whether that was the actual Pole or referring to the continent I am uncertain. They did get to Scott Base, the NZ station in McMurdo Sound, as there are photographs of Albert with Mt Erebus in the background.

[Dengue_Dude]

Managed Thule AFB 76°31′52″N 068°42′11″W a couple of times.

Not further south than Mount Unpleasant though . . .

[ancientaviator62]

upgently,
my grandson went through my log book counting the countries. He gave up when he got to 100 ! Yes we were fortunate especially when compared to those serving today.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/Misc_0000036A_zpsf87866c7.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/Misc_0000036A_zpsf87866c7.jpg.html)

Ref Landroger's astute remark on the 'conservatory ' up front. All those windows were a bit of a drawback in hot places. This is how our co dealt with the problem. The other option was blocking out the sun with maps.
It is of course why the 'K'had a sun hat in the first place.

[ancientaviator62]

Ken,
during the Vietnam War the 'K' did indeed participate in Op Deep Freeze to Antartica.

[ancientaviator62]

Coffman,
I have indeed located my JATFOR pics and as I am trying to keep things in some semblance of chronological order they will be along in due course as will some others. As upgently, Brian and I have all enjoyed a tour on 48 'out east' I thought I would continue that theme for now. Worry not upgently the readership have survived my Mahe saga and I am sure everyone is enjoying your pics as much as I am. I have some to show of unusual places as well.

[ancientaviator62]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/ancientaviator62/Misc_0000169A_zps6c1701f6.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/ancientaviator62/media/Misc_0000169A_zps6c1701f6.jpg.html)

Upgently, Brian et al,
can you i/d this place ? Taken somewhere in the South Pacific !

[CoffmanStarter]

AA62 ... carry on old chap ... each day we are getting great new insights into RAF Alberts world travel log :ok:

I can sense the amount of loft rummaging that is going on behind the scenes here ;)

Best ...

Coff.

[upgently]

Good morning all. Now where was I? Oh yes taxying into Tabitawea. There are a couple more in this sequence but as I can only cope with one photo at a time it will be a slow process.

Eat your heart out Terminal 5


http://i60.tinypic.com/2v0nwwk.jpg

[upgently]

What are they all doing now and did we indeed improve their lives?



http://i61.tinypic.com/vpvo95.jpg

[upgently]

http://i58.tinypic.com/op5so5.jpg

[upgently]

There were many of these young ladies taking care of us. Our brief was to accept all hospitality offered but stiff upper lip and all that........

http://i61.tinypic.com/2pyx6j9.jpg

[upgently]

Beats me Ancientav. Give us a clue or can I ring a friend?

[ancientaviator62]

upgently,
it was a request for help !. I thought it might be Tarawa but I really do not know . Which is why I have asked my 'friend's .Check your pm's.

[ancientaviator62]

Coff,
not just loft rummaging but memory rummaging too. When my grandson went through my log books he would ask where a certain place was and why we went there. The former was usually fairly easy, the latter not so. But each new post here triggers more long dormant memories.

[CoffmanStarter]

AA62 ... if I may ... I'll bid "Bonriki International Airport South Tarawa GI" for your ID competition at post #239. If so ... things appear to have come on in leaps and bounds since you guys visited :ok:

http://metropolis.co.jp/travel/files/2010/07/850-Travel-tarawa_from_air.jpg

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72722000/jpg/_72722176_72722175.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Bonriki_International_Airport.jpg

Tarawa (http://metropolis.co.jp/travel/travel-features/tarawa/)

Coff.

[upgently]

If we are looking at the same Tarawa den there am bin some changes.
This was the terminal in our visits but alas on this occasion our thrust to more the aircraft forward sent the palm terminal backward.

http://i58.tinypic.com/2hi17np.jpg

[smujsmith]

AA62, Just caught your post #236. Never mind the brolly, a complimentary pilot who has a book without pictures in it is indeed a thing of incredulity.:O

Upgently, cracking pictures Sir, and all in real Albert colours.

Awaiting JATFOR eagerly.

Smudge:ok: