[quote=tornadoken;2892237Hence the long delay in kitting Cottesmore. Carting surplus US iron was not the Plan.[/quote]
Not bad explanation just one bit missing. The Cottesmore Wing actually formed at Coningsby with the Skybolt modded aircraft from about 1962-64. At that time the Cottesmore Wing was equipped with Victor 1 so it was never an option to base Vulcans there any earlier.
The actual plan was for the 3 Sqn Vulcan Wg from Coningsby to boltholt (later term) to Cottesmore after the 2 Sqn Victor Wing had disbanded. As late as Jul 64 new crews were advised that Coninsgby would not close. By August it was decided that the whole wing would move.
The major problem was Cottesmore mess only had about 36 rooms. The balance of the accommodation was in 3 seco huts with accommodation for between 60 and 90. As the Coningsby mess had been enlarged for the 3 sqn Wg this was not a popular move. At least the Cottesmore seco had proper central heating unlike Waddo that made do with a 'toaster' style electric fire mounted on an asbestos board.