The "other Vulcan" on the ground at Waddington (the rear gate guard on the A15 opposite the old SSA), is none other than "Vulcan 607" the beauty that Martin Withers flew on Op Black Buck to Port Stanley in Apr 82.
And yes she did look a little sad, I do hope she is mentioned during the air show and is given a small part of 558's glory.
Not sure if that was an attempt at wit, but I would be more satisfied if 607 was under cover and had some tlc rather than standing rather forlorn.
At least the airframe has been preserved (eg, not broken up), but perhaps Black Buck should be remembered (other than by Rowland White's book), by moving her to a museum?
It wasn't an 'attempt' of any sort. A great deal of thought, time and money has been spent in giving 607 a permanent and appropriate display spot. If I'd personally grazed knuckles in the process I'd personally be pretty p*ssed off to hear the aircraft referred to as - only a sad gate guard.
PS. From one who personally grazed many a knuckle on 607 when Vulcan bellies were gloss white.
Agreed, but she is "only" a sad gate guard. A museum should grab her. Exchange for one already held at Hendon or Cosford?
Now there's a challenge!
Pip Pip ON
Cosford has XM598, which was the Prime aircraft for Black Buck 1, which returned early due to DV Window/Pressurisation problems. XM607 carried on and finished the raid, so Hendon should do the swap.
The Civvy Contractors on Waddington did a very good external refinish on XM607 last year , so she doesn't look as bad as she probably is.
Isn't she just beautiful? Pity the poor pilot of the French AF Mirage 2000C who was giving his all in an excellent display; he had our complete attention - until 558 started up and taxied out.
OK, apologies for the poor photography, I'm sure better examples will be posted before too long, however, I *DID* go to Waddo today, and I *DID* get wet, however, 'twas well worth the morning soaking to see the wx clear up perfectly for our graceful lady, and to hear that howl once again
And in formation with another Avro ....
Edit: Damn, thought I'd got the first pics up ... nice shot Scribbler, did you get any of the formation?
Thanks for the compliment, FCWB; you must have been fairly close to where I was standing. Here's one of a pair of Woodford's finest; it's not brilliant but it's the best I got.
More out of luck than judgement, I managed to bag a spot right on the crowd centre marker, and managed to get to the front in time for the one display that mattered, the inner geek was most happy with that one
The other half was quite content to take the micky whilst I juggled binoculars, scanner and camera, but all in all, it was more than worth it to get the few piccies I did.
Mrs Ex let me go without her. She's not that bothered about aircraft unless they're connected with holidays which I find odd as her father started his RAF life as a 76 Sqn pilot in 1938. My buddy saw to the scanner and binocular so I was free to eat... oh... and take photographs.
I have to say I agree 607 is such a historically significant aircraft she shouldn't be left in the open in the hands of the Mod she should be in a Museum. Hendon has one and doesn't have the space Duxford as one Cosford I think has one How about it donated to Elvington with the lottery funding to build a Proper hanger for her.
Or get funding to build a Proper Hanger for Her on Waddington where she can be displayed.
Had discussion with a an ex RAF mate and we thought that the old special weapons compound would make an interesting museum to the cold war and the V force with 607 hangered in a proper museum hanger so her story and the events she took part in could be preserved.
Great to be there for the first display - an "I was there" moment if ever there was one.
The show itself seemed a bit disjointed in organisation, but not too surprising considering the weather, particularly in the morning. That said, there was only one reason anyone was there, and the weather cleared up a treat ready for 558's display.
Moment of intense anticipation - couldn't confuse this apparition for anything else, could you?
Not wishing to be a bandwidth bandit, I have posted a few more pics on the "Waddo Show" thread here, so please have a look so I don't have to re-post them here too.
Location: A Top Secret underground bunker no longer Top Secret or underground
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Exscribbler
You have just supplied me with 2 new wallpapers, thanks (hope you don't mind). I am taken back 35 years to Scampton, sat in the the ILS Localiser building when I was treated to a 4-ship scramble, those 2 minutes have stayed with me all my life.
It's Not Working: No probs, mate. Glad to be of service; I've used the first one already but I'm still sorting out the photographs - after all I took 500+ so I must have one or two decent ones!
A propos of Mrs Ex and military aircraft it's fair to say that in 1968 she had an inkling of what may happen when we stayed in a motel in Saxilby on the way back from our honeymoon.
We ate at the Bridge Inn which was run by a retired Wing Commander who, it turned out, had been adjutant of 608 when my Dad was in the RAuxAF in the 30s.
He'd spent the war bidding for survival (Blenheims and Beaufighters and plenty in between) and at the end of the evening observed that there was flying at Scampton as the flarepath was lit. Off we went and spent an enjoyable hour sitting in our Ford Anglia on the old road (about where the viewing area is now) watching white-painted B1s(?) doing circuits and rollers. Truly the sound of freedom and to her everlasting credit she did not complain.
558 went u/s today. Something about a "switchbox" for an altenator according to Barry (flight eng) on Airshow Radio. I was gutted as that was the only reason for me going this year (I shouldn't really have gone due to other commitments), but I recognise that safety of crew and plane must come first and I am sure it was the right decision.
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, so she doesn't look as bad as she probably is.
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