moogless

I don't really care much now to be honest.After all our ramblings what will be,will be.The fact of the matter is that the MOD should never have retired her in the first place.Also I saw someone,I beleive an ex serviceman complaining that VTS every week asks for more funding and that maybe that funding would be better spent on the injured vets of Falklands/Iraq/Afghan campains.Quite right,it would be better spent and,I'm sure all of us have and do give generously to help all of these folk.But the fact remains,there will always be somebody more worthy/deserving of cash.In an Ideal world there would be enough for everybody,but there isn't and it should be the Government who should look after injured veterans,they shouldn't have to rely on charity,after all,our taxes paid for them to be sent out to get their injuries,our taxes should pay to make it right.But don't think all veterans deserve special treatment.You took the job on,you pays the price.No different to anybody else.No sh*t no glory.

Double Zero

I understand what you're getting at but maybe the veterans was a poor subject to pick !

I completely agree that when I first saw the hassle over the Ashtead house for the injured servicemen's families to stay in, I was struck by 2 thoughts ;

Why is this left to a charity to provide, what sort of Governments have we ?

And of course, "come the glorious day " ( C; Douglas Adams ) all the objectors should be available for target practice...

iank

Quote:

"Moogless...

In an Ideal world there would be enough for everybody,but there isn't and it should be the Government who should look after injured veterans,they shouldn't have to rely on charity,after all,our taxes paid for them to be sent out to get their injuries,our taxes should pay to make it right." (end)



Hear Hear - as a taxpayer, I never wanted UK servicemen/women to be 'abandoned' to charity for their aftercare. I'm here now writing this because of the contribution they made to make making us safe (and topically - safe from the flood waters) - a priceless and long-standing debt for us all.

Apologies for the thread drift - but you do strike a chord with me.

splitbrain

Perhaps this is the crux of the matter. What are the chances of XH558 not actually taking to the sky on the announced day? Pretty high I'd suggest, bearing in mind the extent of the restoration, the complexity of the old bird and the pressure on the captain to get it right - he'll probably abort if he has any doubts over any of the aircraft's system.
Perhaps Dr Plemming is simply pre-empting the embarassment that would result in the national media reporting a 'no go', followed by another and perhaps another?

MrBernoulli

Almost a year ago I wrote the following on the Vulcan to the Sky, The End? thread:

"I think this Vulcan thing will end in tears. Aircraft like this are just too big, expensive and difficult to run outside of their original military environments.

Before the easliy-excited amongst you raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels I will add that I am a professional aviator, former military with time on a V-type. The Vulcan was a great airshow draw and it would be great if it could perform again. However, I really don't believe it is a viable project. You have to get over it."

I still stand by this .................

forget

Suggest you stand by for incoming

BEagle

But you didn't make quite such a bold statement as Tombstone did!

He at least had the courage of his convictions - as a forthcoming video will doubtless prove!

For the latest engineering report, see http://www.tvoc.co.uk/engineering.asp

MrBernoulli

Sorry Beags, but I believe that ultimately the project will falter. No offence intended, that is just my strong conviction. It is not the sort of aircraft that a group of well-intended but resource-lean folk can keep airworthy. And that is before the CAA get involved. IMO.

BEagle

The CAA have been involved - and totally on-side - since Day One. Hence the process leading to Permit issue is completely in line with the Authority's requirements.

This is not a gang of well-meaning enthusiasts patching up and old aeroplane to get it flying again - the Vulcan is receiving a total restoration to modern day requirements under the engineering management of Marshall Aerospace.

About the only significant threat to the programme is from the purveyors of doom who have little idea of the whole project.

Winco

flipflopman

I can see why you have put myself and TSM in the same mould, but just because we share similar views clearly doesn't mean we are one and the same!

airsound, you are so pro Dr Pleming, you could very well be him, but I would't dream to suggest it!

This latest forum is not about 'doom and gloom' BEagle - far from it. It appears that things are progressing well and test flights are now at the planning stage, and I am delighted at that. And you are right, it will happen when it happens.

My problem is that now all of these people have given so much of their hard-earned cash to the project, you want to actively discourage them from coming to see it on its' first launch. That's simply not fair is it? I just think it will cause a great deal of ill-feeling with the public.

G-KEST - looking at your profile, callsign and location, you could well be mistaken for someone who has (had) close connections with the CAA? That being the case, instead of being rude about my points and questions, why not try to address them and answer them in a reasonable fasion that befits your position Sir? (I am correct in my CAA connections am I not?)

The Winco

The Winco

G-KEST

The Winco -

I had 14 years with the CAA until retirement in 1998 dealing with the operational regulation of private, sporting and recreational aviation. This included the UK's vibrant airshow scene in all its aspects.

I have been actively involved with air displays as a pilot since 1955 and this continues to the present day.

I think if you look back through my posts you will find the answers to your points have already been made. My comments are, of course, personal ones.

Cheers,

Trapper 69

Shaft109

Just curious, why is '558 not in gloss white? Surely more relevant to the cold war theme?

flipflopman RB199

££££££££


Flipflopman

Shaft109

The cost in paint wouldn't be much different (lots of one colour, as opposed to green grey,) and as the surface would have to be primed anyway the camouflage scheme would be lost so it wouldn't show what was underneath.

flipflopman RB199

But there would still be the cost of having the paint stripped, and then professionally re-applied, the cost of the paint itself, flying control removal, rebalance etc....

XH558 is not being repainted in the camo colours she currently wears, she is simply being 'touched up' in the areas that have had repairs carried out on them.

This is all money that TVOC doesn't have at the minute, as every spare penny is being spent on actually getting her airworthy at present. Hopefully it will be something that is looked at in a few years time, but certainly not in the immediate future.


Flipflopman

Always a Sapper

Desert Pink....

Pull the lads out of the sandpit, Load her up with her Original Weapon Load, a fun bus or two on route for tanking purposes and lets see if the things REALLY WORK....



ok... ok.... I know, hat, coat... door....

Flying Signman

Hi All,

First post here although I have been a lurker for many months.

I have been a supporter of the Vulcan return to flight both in spirit and in monetry terms. Although I would very much like to see her fly soon, I have no great desire to be there at the trial flight.

Like perhaps many others, I keep close tabs on the very informative website, which has updates every week generally and live pictures of the current situation.

Once she is on the display circuit, I will see her at the first opportunity.

Meantime, cut the team a bit of slack and give them our full support. It saddens me to see some doom mongers amongst you.

If you want to ensure it gets in the air quicker (and she will) put some money in the coffers or hold your words - others will do it and ensure the project is completed!

Regards,
Ian.

rafmatt

mate doing a full repaint would cost shed loads

Shaft109

I know I spray cars. I thought they were going to give it a full lick of paint anyway, so the colour wouldn't make much difference. But yes a touch up job is more appropriate.

Is the paint solid colour? (I'm assuming it's not basecoat and clear then?)

stickmonkeytamer

Isn't all of the white paint that the country has not already bought for Gordon Brown's trips around the bazaars? All that black coal is not a pretty sight...

SMT