Mexicana Comet.

[forget]

It looks as if Mexicana will soon be no more. Doing some digging on Mexicana's past I came across this; a good read. I see that bits of Nimrod live on in the Boeing Museum.

http://www.dhaetsa.org.uk/dhaets/documents/101196_de_havilland_dh106_comet_4c_restoration.pdf

[superspotter]

Fantastic work going on there and I for one would love to see that take to the air again, a shame it wont.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Ahh nostalgia.. Mexicana aircraft were very rare visitors to London Airport, but I logged XA-NAR heading there over my parents house on 23rd June, 1961.

[l.garey]

I saw one at Mexico City airport in August 1980. I wondered at the time if it was XA-NAT. Would that have been right?

Laurence

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/TMoF_deHavillandCometMk4C-1.jpg

[l.garey]

Thanks evansb. Where was that taken and when?
I recorded it as "light blue".

Laurence

[Helen49]

Never mind the demise of Mexicana [sad though that is for those concerned], what a stunningly beautiful aircraft! The Comet 4s are still so aesthetically pleasing sixty years after they were designed! Forget 'buses and boeings!!
H49

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Hi Helen, again! Our son did his apprenticeship at Farnborough and worked on XV814 as an instruments and electrics fitter. 20 years later he still thinks the Comet is tops. Sadly, the one he worked on was broken up and he never even got a piece as a souvenir, but there is a framed coloured piccy of it (courtesy Mum and Dad) in his office.

One of the best Comets I saw was SA-R7 at Hatfield in 1962. It was just off the production line for (I believe) the King of Saudi Arabia. Certainly beat the pants of current biz jets!

[Atcham Tower]

And I remember them coming off the production line at Hawarden in the same factory where Airbus wings are made today. From home - ten miles away - you could hear them doing high power ground runs. One of my neighbours, who worked at "Dee 'Av's", has a stainless steel clothes line made from an offcut Comet control cable!

[Spooky 2]

There are two members here that have flown the sistership Comet to the one at KPAE. BelArgUS and myself ferried it from ABQ to ORD back around 1977 or there abouts.

[ZOOKER]

The first time I went to Heathrow, saw a line of BEA 4Bs next to a line of the corporation's Vanguards.
Red square livery of course, along side the (then under construction), Terminal One.
Magic. :ok:

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

There are some good Comet pics on the Air Britain site. This one, by an ex-ATC colleague of mine, freaked me out... Looks much better in original BOAC colours:

De Havilland DH.106 Comet 4, G-APDB, BOAC Cunard (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1037914/)

Here's one of a Mexicana Comet:
De Havilland DH.106 Comet 4C, XA-NAR, Mexicana (MX / MXA) (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1001604/)

[superspotter]

I was never lucky enough to get onboard a "live" one but it must have been a noisy blighter in the cabin??

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I flew in one to Malta in 1967 but as I'd only flown in a jet once before (707) I didn't have much experience to go by. It seemed very comfortable to me. I managed to get up-front and that was a bit cramped..

[arem]

Flew on a couple of -4B's during summer flights week whilst at Hamble - one to Madrid with Capt New on G-ARGM, the other to PMI with Capt Blackwood on G-APMG.

Palma the was where the current Military base is, but in those days it was TASSA DC-3.6,7's Aviaco Carvairs ets.

In see their ghosts every time I go there these days!!

[goofer]

I flew in G-APMG Turnhouse to Heathrow 1967 and on to Brussels in Trident G-ARPI (later victim of the Staines crash). Returned in Sabena 727-100 OO-STB then 'MG again back to EDI.

Great memories. Please keep 'em coming!

[evansb]

In response to I.garey, the photo in post #5 is Comet 4C cn 6424, temporary registration G-AOVU, taken at Hatfield, England, in November 1959. Sad about Mexicana's demise. The carrier was flying Mexico City to Calgary recently, heard them several times on the freq. Professional gents.

Any guesses on the identity and type of that tail sporting an ensign on the tail in the background?

Here is another beautiful Mexicana Comet, circa 1968:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_iKdrOeTCljo/STGJLCs41iI/AAAAAAAAM_E/imwvDYuB7F0/Mexicana+Comet+4C+XA-NAS+(59-2nd)(Grd)+SAT+(MD)(LR).jpg

[twochai]

Any guesses on the identity and type of that tail sporting an ensign on the tail in the background?



EvansB:

I'm quite certain that's a DHC-4A Caribou tailfin sticking up above the Comet. I'm also fairly certain it was CF-OYE, S/N 40, DHC's demomstrator for some years. As the flag is the Canadian Ensign, pre-Maple Leaf flag, which was launched on February 15th, 1965, it obviously pre-dates that visit.

I would guess the photo was taken at Hatfield (if the Houchin GPU was any indication) where the Comet might have been on pre-delivery prep.

The Caribou probably stopped in at the parent DH company enroute from/to the 1964 world tour??

TC

[ZFT]

A few Comet pics lying around my office. As a young boy had the pleasure of flying on many BOAC 4s and a few BEA 4Bs. Later in life a Dan Air 4C

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/Comet40002.jpg

[l.garey]

I agree about the Caribou. See
Photos: De Havilland Canada DHC-4A Caribou Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/De-Havilland-Canada/De-Havilland-Canada/1515947/&sid=26260e8bbe3969d02e15c3d8e3d6d87d)

Laurence

[Sultan Ismail]

ZFT

Do you have more details on the back of that photograph such as date and place? I am intrigued by the single name Malaysian which is post Malayan-Singapore Airlines, yet it appears to sport the logo of the Federated States, the crossed flags.

Is it possible that the place is Sungai Besi airport which preceded Subang as the International gateway.

If you have more pics of of Kuala Lumpur operations can you please post them or let me have a peek in a p.m.

Thank you

Sultan Ismail

[ZFT]

As soon as I get back from this trip I'll do just that (left office 1 hour ago). I think I have some others of same aircraft.

[norwich]

evansb. I have to say that is a fantastic photo of a Comet XA-NAS looking supurb .....

Keith.

[evansb]

You are welcome Keith. Now you can buy your very own Comet 4C XA-NAS !
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/aeroclassics-mexicana-dh4c-comet-xa-nat-scale-1-400-lcxant-9869-p1.jpg

[WaspJunior]

I remember flying back from Naples to Gatwick aboard a Dan-Air Comet 4c in October 1975. We had flown out on a Boeing 727 (entering via the back door steps). I was only 15 at the time and the only other aircraft I'd flown in before was DC3 at a Hucknall air display and found the Comet luxurious with it's blue leather seating and no noticeable engine noise in the cruise, I think we all agreed it was superior to the 727 (we were but kids).

It inspired me enough to do a PPL eventually via a K13 glider a Beagle Pup and a Cessna 150.

I would still love to have a go in a VC10 which was my childhood favourite. They still keep flyng over my house on their occasional visits to Waddington.

[ZFT]

Sultan Ismail,

Found 3 photos of 9V-BAS, 9M-AOB & 9M-AOE. Quality not that good but all 3 them show similar markings and all appear to have been taken in the same place.

Unfortunately there are no details on the back of the photos and I cannot recall where these photos originated from. Hopefully someone will be able to identify the location.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/MASComet4-10001.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/MASComet4-20001.jpg


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/MASComet4-30001.jpg

[forget]

Sultan Ismail. Do you have more details on the back of that photograph such as date and place? I am intrigued by the single name Malaysian which is post Malayan-Singapore Airlines, yet it appears to sport the logo of the Federated States, the crossed flags.

Seems that Malaysian was pre MSA.

Name Changes. The airline saw its name changed twice due to political shifts. In 1963, the creation of the Federation of Malaysia prompted a change of name to "Malaysian Airways". Singapore's expulsion from the federation in 1965 led to another name change in 1966 to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) when the two separate governments took joint ownership of the airline.

[WHBM]

I can recall a trip (TWA 747) from Heathrow to Chicago in 1988, where we taxied out past a grounded Comet used for fire training (had this been G-APDT ?), and taxied in at O'Hare past another Comet, N999WA. It seemed a surprising coincidence at the time to pass two of the type a continent apart when they had otherwise long disappeared from life. Both were long-time servers with Mexicana.

[Ridge Runner]

but it must have been a noisy blighter in the cabin??

Quite the contrary, mate. While it was without all the modern comforts it was great!

RR

[ZFT]

A few more from the 60s of this wonderful aircraft. (Sorry about the poor quality)

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/Comet4-60001.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/Comet4-40001.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/Comet4-50001.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/Comet4-70001.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/Comet4-80001.jpg

[bonajet]

Not the best angle but she was a dear old girl!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v409/bonajet/XS235Comet4.jpg

[bvcu]

Brings back happy memories working on 'canopus' in late seventies, and also a couple of 'jollies'. One crew training trip and one long trials flight. And that hyd fluid certainly kept you regular.......

[Amos Keeto]

As a young ATC cadet, I managed to fly in two Comet Mk.2s and all five Comet 4Cs operated by 216 Squadron from RAF Lyneham. Absolute magic!:ok:

The Malaysian Comet photos posted above are all taken at Paya Lebar Airport, Singapore, I would guess late '60s.

[Sultan Ismail]

Thank you for the extra pictures of the Malaysian Comets. Taking into account the comment of Forget I am pretty certain that the airport is Sungai Besi.

A discussion with a colleague just a few days ago revealed the existence of an 8mm film of the Comet taking off from Sungai Besi. We are trying to get this onto video and will publish it when available.

The dimensions of the current Sungai Besi Runway are exactly as they were in the '60's so anyone who has a knowledge of that airfield will understand my interest. Today it has highrise buildings on approach to Runway 22 and two double track elevated railway lines with 25KV overhead catenary on the boundary of Runway 04. Needless to say the thresholds are deeply displaced.

I have never flown or even wanted to fly in the Comet but it did play a pivotal role in my early education. I had passed the 11+ exam in primary school and was called for interview to the local Grammar School where I appeared before a selection committee. The Headmaster asked what I knew of the Comet, well that was my subject and I launched into the story of the first commercial flight to Johannesburg which had taken place a few weeks earlier. I recall a centre spread of "Eagle" which depicted the cutaway of the Comet as it flew over Victoria Falls.

I was selected for the place at Grammar School.

[Amos Keeto]

Of the Malaysian photos, the middle photo may well be Sungai Besi, but the two others are definately at Paya Lebar, Singapore, which was unique in having the edge of its apron marked out in black and yellow blocks, which can clearly be seen in these photos.

[forget]

I agree with Amos. Even the background rings a 60's bell.

[Squawk7777]

It looks as if Mexicana will soon be no more.

This statement is true, yet very, very sad. :{

[ZFT]

Started clearing out another drawer and low and behold, found these. Again no idea as to their origins. The registration is obviously false and the Comet 4C decal is of course non BOAC but could this be the Seattle Comet?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/Comet4-9small.jpg

[Amos Keeto]

Yes indeed, this is the Seattle Comet 4C in false BOAC marks, which is being restored back to its correct Mexicana scheme.

[ZFT]

Started clearing out another drawer and low and behold, found these. Again no idea as to their origins. The registration is obviously false and the Comet 4C decal is of course non BOAC but could this be the Seattle Comet?
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/ZFT/Aircraft/Aircraft/Comet4-9small.jpg

[Owlet]

XA-NAT (G-ARBB) IS NO MORE !!!!! In a vile act of vandalism this Mexicana DH Comet was torn to shreds and destroyed at Zoologico Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico in March 2015. What a shame to deprive the people of Mexico of their aviation heritage, act in haste repent at leisure for all involved in this crime against aviation conservation and preservation.

[GGR155]

As a young ATC cadet, I managed to fly in two Comet Mk.2s and all five Comet 4Cs operated by 216 Squadron from RAF Lyneham. Absolute magic!:ok:

The Malaysian Comet photos posted above are all taken at Paya Lebar Airport, Singapore, I would guess late '60s.
Amos. I worked in Air Support Command Ops (ASCOC) in the early 70's. We provided flight watch for the venerable Lyneham Comets. The one memory I have is that they rarely fell tech down route, unlike some other types of the day.

[Herod]

GRR155. Ops Thorney Island at the time you mention. The worst bit was being called from one's bed in the middle of winter, to pick up a signal from a tech C130. The signal usually ended with something like: "Captain contactable Castle Harbour Hotel, Bermuda" Always left a warm, fuzzy feeling.

[renfrew]

I think that's SU-ANC in a photo.
I flew in it London-Geneva-Rome-Cairo in 1967--49 years ago!

Almost had a ride in a Comet2 while at ATC camp at Andover in 1958,
But the RAF driver got lost on the way to Lyneham and we had to settle for a Hastings.Not the same at all.

[GGR155]

GRR155. Ops Thorney Island at the time you mention. The worst bit was being called from one's bed in the middle of winter, to pick up a signal from a tech C130. The signal usually ended with something like: "Captain contactable Castle Harbour Hotel, Bermuda" Always left a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Spot on Herod!
GGR

[The AvgasDinosaur]

The museum of flight in Washington, used to have a fine art print of a Mexicana Comet available. One now adorns my wall. I suppose its well sold out now.
Just a thought, might be worth an email.
Be lucky
David
P.S. Hope this gets past the advert police

[India Four Two]

During my peripatetic 10,000 km tour of the western US last year, I visited all three museums at Paine Field, but my specific intent was to see the Comet. They are doing a lovely job. I was told that before they replaced the corroded belly skins, they put a wooden framework inside the cabin to prevent her breaking her back! She had been sitting in the fire dump for many years and was full of water and debris when she was moved over to the restoration hangar.

Here are my photos. Unfortunately, I neglected to take a photo of the cabin interior, which looks very nice.

I had forgotten that the entrance door was on the right and I was surprised how small it was - I had to duck to step in.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3015_zpsmjmfawne.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3016_zpsjilhdg8q.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3017_zpsijjn0hxi.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3026_zps2vqlgm6p.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3019_zpsbpjv1rce.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3023_zpsxgpxaiw3.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3020_zpsremrofg7.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3022_zpsygik8wfy.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3007_zps563snuef.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/IMG_3010_zpsy8ftxy9a.jpg