Ex RAAF 707 flown to Manston
 

Does anyone have any info on what became of this project, please?
If I remember correctly the aircraft was purchased by Tony Vaughan who had plans to give flights and display this aircraft.

I seem to recall a partially dismembered 707, perhaps grey in colour sitting on the tarmac not so far from the terminal at Manston about 2 years ago. The vertical stabiliser was off (I think). Not sure what happened after that, but sadly most of the old jets that arrive tend to never fly out again.



SHJ

I guess the Campaign Against Aviation (CAA) put a stop to the plan which was to have the 707 on the UK air show circuit. The DVD produced by Avion Video a few years ago followed the story of this former RAAF 707; its restoration and flight back to the UK. The idea then was to have it on the UK air show circuit within a few months. Perhaps the recession also had something to do with its demise? A great shame after all the effort the owner went through.

OMG how awful; so not even the cockpit saved?

From the photo it looks like they had saved from behind the wing to the nose of the aircraft, but as to whether they kept anything at all who knows ? I wonder what was the significance of the rectangular section that were axle-grinder away relatively neatly ?



SHJ

Not quite on topic but when i went past Manston a couple of years ago I think I saw a DC 8

You did, a very fine example ZS-registered ZS-OSI - Stars Away Aviation Douglas DC-8-62CF at Luqa Int | Photo ID 161336 | Airplane-Pictures.net either this one or another (I've no idea). Hopefully still flying somewhere in Africa.



SHJ

Most of it was hidden behind buildings but I glimpsed a nose with a pair of "Kenneth Williams Nostrils" and could not think of anything else it could be!

Thanks for all 707 responses.Very sad really.I think I watched the Avion DVD a few years ago and remember the RAAF pilots saying what a nice aircraft it was.
That D/C 8 looks very smart, ex African International?
Like the Kenneth Williams analogy.

More info on the ex RAAF 707 here VH-JET#1 & Her Sisters - Other Australian 707 Operators - RAAF

The owner was Tom Vaughan of Turbine Motor Works. His intention was to operate experience flights for enthusiasts and he also aspired to other exotic airliners. Sadly I think it was the GFC that put paid to his noble plans.