C130K Out Of Service Party 8th November 2013 RAF Brize Norton

[Antique Driver]

To celebrate almost 47 years of continuous service with the Royal Air Force, 47 Sqn are hosting a C130K Out of Service (OSD) party on Friday 8th November.

The party will take place at the 47 Sqn HQ (Bldg 60) at RAF Brize Norton from 1900 until late.

Entertainment will take the form of 4 live bands, including the 47 Sqn band AK47, plus a DJ all playing music from across the decades.

Numerous catering outlets will be present with a host of refreshments being offered - drinks tickets will be available at the cost of £2 per drink.

Profits will go to RAFBF and St Nicholas School, Chippenham.

Entry to the function is free.

This is an open invite to all serving and ex serving personnel who have been associated with the venerable C130K - come and help us send her off in style.

Non Service personnel who wish to attend will need to forward their details to Control of Entry at RAF Brize Norton no later than 10 days prior to the event - 47 Sqn Ops on 01993 896833 will be able to assist. Alternatively please PM me through this site and I will endeavour to answer any questions.

There is limited car parking available on Stn but a taxi rank will be in use towards the end of the function.

No accommodation is available at RAF Brize Norton but Carterton has several pleasant B+Bs with hotels available in Witney and Oxford.

"Sans Peur"

[NutLoose]

Puts the VC Ten lot to shame.... why oh why couldn't they have done something similar, have a good party, will pass it on to some ex Herk colleagues of mine.

[BEagle]

Puts the VC Ten lot to shame....

So you weren't invited, Nut Loose. Perhaps you should get over it.....:rolleyes:

I hope that the C-130K 'end of' party will go well - I remember when the aircraft were in 'two shades of $hit' with a white roof and black underside...and everyone thought that they were a quantum leap from the Beverley, Hastings and Whistling Tit! They have served the RAF well and the A400M will have a hard act to follow.

[NutLoose]

It seems the proper way to see the old Girl out Beagle, all those involved in her from crew to line engineers down to base maintenance personnel and handlers refuellers etc, seems 47 recognise that it takes more than the crew to make things happen, kudos to them. And sadly reflects on the attitude a lot of Ten crew had. No sour grapes from me, just a tragedy that you cannot see that.

[Alison Conway]

NutLoose you are right. Beagle you are wrong. 47 have always been right. I fixed and then flew/instructed/examined on Albert, and the colour scheme was invisible from inside where some excellent guys lived and put it on the line close to the ground. I have also flown the VC10 (only once with you Beagle 29 Nov 2002 ZD230 on my second incarnation) and she was the Queen of the Skies. This thread is not a p*****g contest, but rather a calling notice. Those who have served on Albert K model should gather to say a grand farewell to an old and trusted friend. Foolish banter may detract from the original, laudable idea. No grapes, sour or otherwise.:=

[fergineer]

Well said AC just sorry that I cannot be there.

[ancientaviator62]

Antique Driver,
thank you for the heads up ref the demise of the 'K'. I started my almost 30 yrs with the K with 47 at Fairford in 1968, and have very fond memories of that time. I recently purchased some aviation items and included in them are three sheets that seem to have come from the 47 Sqn history. If you are interested I will send them to the squadron.

[Vasco Sodcat]

Gutted that I can't be there - in Australia on that date - (someone pick that one up please!) :} I'm certain that the bash will rival the 40th, and beat any number of Guiness n Pies, have several for me :D

[Flintlock]

It's so good to see that 47 are still 'Top of the Props'

Well done 47, it should be good evening, putting an old friend out to grass!

[smujsmith]

Top Call 47,

Sounds like it will be a great time. I have many friends attending and anticipate some epic stories. Hope all enjoy the event. Beagle, how petty from an ex officer and gentleman to miss the intent of the thread.

Smudge

[Hatchet 130]

Ballsy plan guys,

Unless the crewroom/bar has expanded to the size of a hanger since I left 18 mths ago I reckon the party will be something like Stonehenge on the Solstice.

I wonder how many people who have served on the Hercules C Mk1/3 in the last 47 yrs are still alive and will want to come? I'm guessing more than a 100 or so.....

Just a thought,

Love M@@se xxxx

PS. There is an empty hangar at an MoD base, with lots of parking, just off the M4, oh what's it called, nr Wooty B.

PPS. Co-pilot quiz question;

How many K's did we have vs C Mk1/3Ps?

[BEagle]

smujsmith, please read my comments again.

At no time have I made any critical comment about the C-130K party and I wish you all well.

My only critical remark was in response to yet another of NutLoose's unwelcome digs and moans about the VC10 'End of an Era' event and its format. As the Sqn Cdr wrote to 'Fellow VC10 enthusiasts':

To commemorate the final coming to an end of the VC10, 101 Squadron is organising an ‘End of an Era’ all-ranks Anniversary Dinner. We are hoping for this to be a large and well-attended spectacle with current Squadron members and many other VC10 personalities and senior guests in attendance.

Unfortunately, due to the venue limitations and high interest, we will have to operate a ‘first come, first served’ policy on ticket allocations. In the event of over-subscription, we will activate a reserve list and inform people accordingly.

It was indeed a well-attended event and I do not question the decision to hold an all-ranks dinner rather than a 'hangar bash' - that was a decision which presumably and quite rightly took into account the number of senior (in age) figures who'd expressed a wish to attend.

One of the biggest rounds of applause came when AVM Hurrell made reference to the initial decision to have a dedicated Eng Flt on 101 rather than centralised servicing. We all recognised the wisdom of that decision and the considerable strength it added to the squadron.

We all had an excellent night and I hope you will enjoy yours similarly.

[ancientaviator62]

Hatchet 130,
we bought 66 C130K Hercules. It was designated as the C130UK by Lockheeds as it was a bit of a hybrid ! In RAF sevice it became the C130K, dropping the U as did the UK version of the F4 Phantom. However if you mean by K the tanker, then six MK1 a/c were so converted.

[NutLoose]

Sounds like it is going to be a fantastic party, one hopes you all enjoy it.
:)






Wrong place, wrong time Beagle, you are detracting from what this thread is about.

[OldNavigator]

It is great news to see there is a party to celebrate the passing of this great aircraft. I spent 3 brilliant years on 47 from 1988-1992 and then onto 30,LXX & 24 Sqn's with tours ar SNavo & OpsO before 6 years on VC10.

Pass my wishes to all at the party - I will never forget the camaradie on all Sqn's, but the first one was the best.

I cannot attaend as I will be selling poppies in Cheltenham with my CCF cadets on Sat 9 Nov. Please make a contribution if you are passing

[Willard Whyte]

Unless the crewroom/bar has expanded to the size of a hanger since I left 18 mths ago I reckon the party will be something like Stonehenge on the Solstice.

I wonder how many people who have served on the Hercules C Mk1/3 in the last 47 yrs are still alive and will want to come? I'm guessing more than a 100 or so.....

From the faecbook info page:

The evening's entertainment includes live bands, renowned DJ, and tales of old shared amongst friends. Set in front of the impressive 30 & 47 Sqn HQ backdrop the event is free to all guests, all we ask is that a donation be made towards the selection of drinks. Tokens available on the evening.

[ludgar]

what happened to the post-Falklands C-130 tankers conversions? Were they scrapped or sold on?

[smujsmith]

Beagle #12,

I stand corrected sir in that I misinterpreted your original post. I'm sure the C130 bash will be successful, I'm not attending myself so like you I wish them all well. Its nice though that these events, be they VC10, C130, Phantom or the Buccaneer, are page marks in the history of these aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force. I do know, there will be some dust motes around on the day.

Smudge

[ancientaviator62]

ludgar,
despite operating at well over the normal TOW for many years the tankers were merely stripped of the tanking kit and returned to normal service. Later on at least one was sold to an overseas air force where it may still be operating.
Someone will know !

[gnome_fiddler]

Didn't at least one of them go to Sri Lanka?

[dalek]

I am pretty sure that Snoopy, a modified Mk1 K went to the Dutch Air Force. Had fewer hours than most other frames, so may still be flying?
Already booked my hols along with another old Herc Nav. Would love to have attended.

[ExAscoteer]

Snoopy (XV208) went back to Marshalls where it became the test bed for the A400M engine.

Photos: Lockheed C-130K Hercules W2 (L-382) Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK---Air/Lockheed-C-130K-Hercules/2098100/&sid=588b5f8530abfbc1d86cbf586a258dab)

Last time I looked it was sitting rather forlornly, sans engine, at Cambridge.

[ludgar]

ancientaviator

thanks for that, thats interesting.
Puts a lie to the statement made at the time of the conversion that the changes were irreversable due to the mods made to the rear ramp door and its mountings.

[ancientaviator62]

gnome fiddler,
yes one went to Sri Lanka. You can just imagine the advert.
For sale C130K, one titled lady owner, several careful drivers and full service history !
The mods to the cargo door where the hose and drogue exited were fairly straightforward to reverse with a bit of metal bashing.

[Geehovah]

The K deserves a good send off. I can't be there - even if I was only loosely associated - but I'll raise a glass!

[Cragrat]

You can't please everybody!
Those wanting to be there to celebrate the Mighty K's existence will be there regardless. We hope to see you on the 8th with a full glass and a tale or two.

M@@se - it's an outdoor event, feel free to bring a Druids hat.

[Amarok]

Sorry to say XV208 'Snnopy' was converted back to standard C130 config and was the trials aircraft for the A400M prop and now sits with a number of RAF C130K's at Cambridge with all engines missing and the rudder missing :-(

Lets Party !

The RAF Lyneham OM15 Trolley Formation Team (1974 - 1980) will re-form for the C130K party ! so watch this space

[ancientaviator62]

Perhaps those fortunate enough to be able to attend could take some pics and post them here later.

[Antique Driver]

The whole evening will be covered by the Brize MCO and any photographs will hopefully find their way onto here and the Facebook page after the event.

The stage and tents for the numerous bars will be located outside the front of the Sqn building, bldg 60 at Brize opposite the VC10 sim building.

[OldNavigator]

Could we get a movie made to see the passing out of the C-130 see HERCULES FOR RAF - British Pathé (http://www.britishpathe.com/video/hercules-for-raf/query/Hercules+Plane)

Or could we get another along the lines of the LXX movie ( mine was destroyed - honest - or - maybe somewhere in the loft - reminder to myself I must find it)

[neilmac]

Contacted Control of Entry with names they didnt seem to know much about it asking for Sponsor etc. I am sure it will all be fine......

NM

[orgASMic]

Who's going? Will it be an early 'Guinness and mince pies' minus the mince pies? Will Brize cope with an outbreak of morale/esprit de corps? I should be flying in to Brize that evening, so should I night-stop or press on to my final destination?

[Willard Whyte]

Contacted Control of Entry with names they didnt seem to know much about it asking for Sponsor etc. I am sure it will all be fine......

NM, One is 'supposed' to sign up via the facebook page, well I think if one is retired that's the case - there's a contact email address or one can ring the 47Sqn ops desk. The organisers will contact CofE.

Wouldn't be appropriate to post either here, obviously.


Will Brize cope with an outbreak of morale/esprit de corps?

I think as long as the fun stops early and the civvies don't outstay their welcome all should return to normal in short order.

[Brian 48nav]

As a matter of interest, did anyone manage to log all 66 Ks?

If so it would have had to been one of us old farts who were around before the first loss of an airframe at Fairford in '69.

My money would have been on my old mate wee George Brown ( RIP ), possibly J.. O......d or A..... C.....n?

[ancientaviator62]

Fairly sure I did but log books in loft as redecorating. If not all 66 then very close. Was on 8 Herc course in Jan 1968, last trip 24 Dec 1996, no ground tours

[TEEEJ]

GF wrote

Didn't at least one of them go to Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka still operate it. The K will be around for a while in foreign service. Austria, Mexico and Sri Lanka operate ex-RAF examples.

Sri Lankan C-130K (Ex-XV213)

Photos: Lockheed C-130K Hercules (L-382) Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Sri-Lanka--/Lockheed-C-130K-Hercules/2002956/L)

Marshall Aerospace begins upgrade of Austrian Air Force's first C-130K - Airforce Technology (http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsmarshall-aerospace-upgrade-austrian-air-force-c130k)

Austrian C-130K (Ex-XV292)

Photos: Lockheed C-130K Hercules (L-382) Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Austria---Air/Lockheed-C-130K-Hercules/1960023/L/)

Mexican C-130K (Ex-XV222)

Photos: Lockheed C-130K Hercules (L-382) Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Mexico---Air/Lockheed-C-130K-Hercules/1848452/L)

Demobbed - Out of Service British Military Aircraft (http://www.demobbed.org.uk/aircraft.php?type=562)

[Captain Gadget]

Mexican C-130K (Ex-XV222)

Somebody actually bought 'Trouble Two'?

I'll wager the ferry crew had a good few nights out when trying to get Albert all the way to Mexico!

Gadget :ok:

[NutLoose]

You can see some of the retired Hecs in the background shots of the Lynx, F4, Seaking auctions that are coming up, see

Sale Stock | Malcolm Harrison Auctions (http://www.malcolmharrison.co.uk/SaleStockPlant.aspx?Sale=323&category=Helicopter+%2f+Fighter+Air+Frames)

[ancientaviator62]

Good to see that 'Trembling Two' is still going. I wonder how much these a/c were sold for.

[Willard Whyte]

Worth a bump.

Tomorrow is the last day to get your names on ze list, vich vill be examined, giving you unescorted access to the Klassic Farewell party.

Also a reminder from the FB page:

Ladies, gents. As this is a CLOSED Facebook invite, please let your Ascoteer buddies know of this event. This page will continue to update you with news and confirmations as time goes on, should anyone wish to join the 'group' drop me a PM. Many thanks, Ernie.

[Bengerman]

Back to the top with this important stuff.

[AARON O'DICKYDIDO]

Didn't XV181 go to Austria?

Aaron.

[TEEEJ]

Correct Aaron.

Ex-XV181

Photo Austria - Air Force Lockheed C-130K Hercules 8T-CA (http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=1243056)

Ex-XV291

Photo Austria - Air Force Lockheed C-130K Hercules 8T-CB (http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=539058)

Ex-XV292

8T-CC Austrian Air Force Lockheed C-130K Hercules (L-382) - Planespotters.net Just Aviation (http://www.planespotters.net/Aviation_Photos/photo.show?id=401345)

Serials from

Demobbed - Out of Service British Military Aircraft (http://www.demobbed.org.uk/aircraft.php?type=562)

[smujsmith]

Nice Photos Teej, thanks for the link. Don't they look good with a lick of paint. Particularly like the Mexican "tremblers", now them hombres have some cojones taking on that one.

Smudge:ok:

[Blue Bottle]

Sad to see them go...

C130K Final Sortie (http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=F6E0CDE6-5056-A318-A8508755C3C8B6D0)

[ancientaviator62]

Decorating done and log books rescued from the loft. Checked with aid of hawk eyed grandson and all 66 Hercules are there. It took longer than expected as I had to field questions about where 'X' was and why we went there ! Good work out for the remaining memory cells.

[Antique Driver]

Gents/Ladies and fellow Ascoteers!

Time is almost upon us to say goodbye to the mighty C130K at RAF Brize Norton on Friday 8th November.

The list for access to the Stn will close today at 1700 - if you haven't yet contacted Flt Lt Crispin Chapple or 47 Sqn on 01993 896833 then you have until cease work today.

There will be a MT coach service from the main gate - operating 1830-2000 and then 2359 (ish!).

Music will cease at 2359 with last orders around 0100. Close down at around 0200 for those with stamina.

Plenty of tents and covered drinking areas available with 3 bands, a comedian and a famous compere to boot. Food outlets available from 1900 onwards.

Limited change/cash handling available so please plan accordingly - drink tickets are £2 each and available in handy strips of 5!!

Hardstanding and flooring may not be suitable for high heels - so ladies and the GEs please bear in mind when choosing your footwear!

See you on Friday!!:ok:

'Sans Peur'

[smujsmith]

AD

"Hardstanding and flooring may not be suitable for high heels - so ladies and the GEs please bear in mind when choosing your footwear!" - Cheeky Bugger, there's only one GE I know of who would fit that charge! mind you, there's a few Co pilots that made me wonder in my time. :rolleyes:

Have a great time all attending.

Smudge:ok:

[deltahotel]

Sorry to be unavailable - have a great do, one and all.

DH

[Hathwolves]

Antique Driver
Thanks for the further information. What is the layout of the area like for wheelchairs? A few of the boys said they'll help me about if needed, but seeing as you recommend sensible footwear, I thought i'd ask!

[fergineer]

Today is the day, well it is here in NZ. Have a great time guys was with the old gal as groundcrew and aircrew and had heaps of memories form both sides of the fence. Have a few of the real ale for me.

[NutLoose]

My thoughts entirely, see the old girl out in style, have a damn good party to end all parties.. :)

[Le chat de factoire]

Hope you party all night long and make some noise,people coming back from out of country to attend,sorry I will not be there to meet up with them all.

[SVK]

The day has come.

Izzy Wizzy.........

Usque ad mortem bibendum.
Sans peur.
Omnia prefectra erunt.

[Hathwolves]

Le chat- sounds a bit random, but do you clean cars for a living? If not, there is another ex chat from LYE then!!

[haltonapp]

I hope all the F/E's who have lost their jobs have found gainful employment! There can't be that many decent posts available. I really enjoyed my time on the Albert, but that ceased in 1980.

[Dengue_Dude]

I was a total d1ckhe@d, I volunteered and went back twice more in the Auxiliaries.

It was no less noisy, but my hearing was worse, so it seemed better somehow.

Adieu, Fat Albert, but memories of Fink, SKE, LPAC, PTS, 6663 and even PRT et al will remain - and that's appropriate.

[The Gorilla]

Hope everyone has a great time to mark the end of the old girl! I can't make tonight but will celebrate at the Air Eng bash next weekend.
Drink well one and all :O

[Moose Loadie]

As I sit at work in sunny South Carolina, I'm wishing I was there with a beer in hand. Have a great night ladies and gents and see the old girl out in style!!

[smujsmith]

All the best to all who attend for a great night tonight. I'm sure Albert will be seen off in fine style. I'm off out tomorrow with a former GE colleague! who will no doubt regale me with "happenings".

Smudge :ok:

[SVK]

Well ladies and gents,

For those unlucky enough to miss it, the Glorious Klassic was celebrated in fine style.

Awesome company, awesome stories and its still going on as I type.

To all those that attended, I thank you for your banter and endurance. It was cold but worth it.

To those who organised it, a great big thank you. The bands were excellent, the video was awesome and signing the K prop was a nice touch.

To all the sections that chipped in a portion of their Sqn funds, many thanks.

To the K herself, thank you Dear Lady for allowing us all to gather together over the years to fly and fight with you. May you now be gracefully laid to rest with the J not far behind.....?:E

[Ken Scott]

May you now be gracefully laid to rest with the J not far behind.....?

The J has worked too hard in it's short life to make it to the 47 years of its illustrious predecessor but don't so gleefully look forward to its demise just yet, like the K it will most likely continue on beyond its planned OSD as the replacement ac will be unable to fill all of its roles in the required timescale.

Now is the time to reflect on the great service of a great aircraft not wish an early demise to another aircraft of the same breed.

[Bengerman]

My thanks to all involved in organising last night's farewell, it was a fitting celebration. Thoroughly enjoyable.