XM607, Waddington's Warbird
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Cheers Bob,
We aim to please
The Vulcan has been moved around Waddington a fair bit over the last few years, but not in the sense of "Where would this look best", more in the sense of "Where can we hide this bag of s**t now"
It was parked by the Thompson Buildings on display for a long time, this is where it is pictured on the Waddington website. It was moved in 2002 to Alpha dispersal where it remained tucked in a corner for the year, being towed onto the waterside for the airshow. It was then moved to the GSE graveyard by the golf course and A15, overlooking Echo dispersal, and remained there until at least 6 months ago. There were talks afoot to place it by the 'spotters car park' as long as 4 years ago, but nothing came of this.
My main point is that the aircraft in its self is sadly deteriorating to a point where criminally, it will need to be disposed of in a few years. The oleos and jacks are rusting away nicely, and the cockpit is stuck closed. Even if the general public and Bob can look at it, while he travels to the UK's premier fighter base
from the wrong side of a security fence, it is still in a terrible condition, and nothing is being done to preserve what I and doubtless many other people consider to be the most important Vulcan remaining today. As Tim has said, the aircraft should be in a hangar at the very least, and what an outstanding idea from BEagle, why not get the baby EngO's as part of their training to chip in, and return a fantastic part of our history to a respectable condition?
We aim to please
The Vulcan has been moved around Waddington a fair bit over the last few years, but not in the sense of "Where would this look best", more in the sense of "Where can we hide this bag of s**t now"
It was parked by the Thompson Buildings on display for a long time, this is where it is pictured on the Waddington website. It was moved in 2002 to Alpha dispersal where it remained tucked in a corner for the year, being towed onto the waterside for the airshow. It was then moved to the GSE graveyard by the golf course and A15, overlooking Echo dispersal, and remained there until at least 6 months ago. There were talks afoot to place it by the 'spotters car park' as long as 4 years ago, but nothing came of this.
My main point is that the aircraft in its self is sadly deteriorating to a point where criminally, it will need to be disposed of in a few years. The oleos and jacks are rusting away nicely, and the cockpit is stuck closed. Even if the general public and Bob can look at it, while he travels to the UK's premier fighter base
from the wrong side of a security fence, it is still in a terrible condition, and nothing is being done to preserve what I and doubtless many other people consider to be the most important Vulcan remaining today. As Tim has said, the aircraft should be in a hangar at the very least, and what an outstanding idea from BEagle, why not get the baby EngO's as part of their training to chip in, and return a fantastic part of our history to a respectable condition?
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As I mentioned previously, I don't see why a fundraising effort couldn't be initiated to construct a suitable shed for 607. There's plenty of space in the WAVE on the other side of the A15, and it would make a great exhibition and visitor centre too (and be much less grubby than the old portacabin that they have on the car park at present!).
On the basis of earlier projects, I would imagine that the Lottery people would be happy to stump-up at least half of the cost, so all it needs is someone in the right place to actually do it. Look the the people at Bruntingthorpe who have succesfully set-about reconstructing Wattisham's QRA sheds there through their own fundraising efforts...
Perhaps the former Vulcan people on Pprune could approach Waddington's Station Commander and point-out what a shameful situation this is, and suggest that we start trying to raise some cash, before 607 ends-up like the one at Blackpool.
On the basis of earlier projects, I would imagine that the Lottery people would be happy to stump-up at least half of the cost, so all it needs is someone in the right place to actually do it. Look the the people at Bruntingthorpe who have succesfully set-about reconstructing Wattisham's QRA sheds there through their own fundraising efforts...
Perhaps the former Vulcan people on Pprune could approach Waddington's Station Commander and point-out what a shameful situation this is, and suggest that we start trying to raise some cash, before 607 ends-up like the one at Blackpool.
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Tim,
I wholeheartedly agree, And I think it's about time actions rather than words happened in this instance, before another piece of our history is lost forever.
I wholeheartedly agree, And I think it's about time actions rather than words happened in this instance, before another piece of our history is lost forever.
If something is to be done, perhaps Lord Garden (sometimes seen on these means) could be persuaded to raise the matter?
After all, unless my memory completely fails me, he is the only former Vulcan Squadron CO in parliament (although I don't know if he ever flew XM607).
After all, unless my memory completely fails me, he is the only former Vulcan Squadron CO in parliament (although I don't know if he ever flew XM607).
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TIM
I presume from the hint in your email either the name you use here, or the one on the jacket of the Vulcan Story isn't your real one?
The book I was referring I can't remember the name of or who it was by, it's that bl**dy long since I've seen it. It was a round up of the dispersal of all the remaining airframes around the world. I gave it to Rudolf to have a well known Vulcan pilot sign it. He assures me he hasn't since sold it on Ebay.
I note on p. 137 of the Vulcan Story, comment is made even then that 607 was the one that really should be inside, and was just being left to fend for itself.
Historically, this a/c is probably as important as a 617 Lanc. - and look how many of those are left.
I presume from the hint in your email either the name you use here, or the one on the jacket of the Vulcan Story isn't your real one?
The book I was referring I can't remember the name of or who it was by, it's that bl**dy long since I've seen it. It was a round up of the dispersal of all the remaining airframes around the world. I gave it to Rudolf to have a well known Vulcan pilot sign it. He assures me he hasn't since sold it on Ebay.
I note on p. 137 of the Vulcan Story, comment is made even then that 607 was the one that really should be inside, and was just being left to fend for itself.
Historically, this a/c is probably as important as a 617 Lanc. - and look how many of those are left.
Originally Posted by STANDTO
TIM
Historically, this a/c is probably as important as a 617 Lanc. - and look how many of those are left.
Historically, this a/c is probably as important as a 617 Lanc. - and look how many of those are left.
What wouldn't a museum give for that as an exhibit today....
Which makes me still wonder when deciding by which Vulcan was going to go to the RAF Museum......they picked XL318 over a Black Buck mission example and in particular XM607.....
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Originally Posted by Tim McLelland
There was no reason for the Victor's destruction, other than a decision made by some fool at the MoD, that RAF bases should only have one "gate guard".
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Well, to explain a little more fully, the "one gate guard" rule came and went rather swiftly. I never found-out what idiot introduced the rule, but almost as soon as it was imposed, it seemed to be forgotten-about again, and additional airframes began to re-appear at various stations. But of course by this time, airframes such as the Victor had long since been destroyed for no reason, other than the whim of some areh*le who had nothing better to do.
The disturbing thing is that there's no reason why another lunatic couldn't come along and repeat the saga all over again.
Standto, yes I was being sarcastic - The Vulcan Story was my book (I changed my surname for boring family reasons last year) and it did have a complete disposals list in it, and as far as I'm aware, only one minor mistake was found in it, so it's pretty accurate. The book was okay apart from the ghastly print quality in the reprinted edition.
I will of course include a new disposals list in my new Vulcan book, but that isn't scheduled to be publsihed until the end of 2007, in company with a similar book on the Hunter, and a rather spectacular book (or at least I hope it will be!) on the RAF!
In the meantime, you'll be able to amuse yourself with a new fortnightly partwork magazine on the RAF which is due to appear soon. I saw the dummy for the first issue and it looks like the usual load of garbage you might expect, so it should be good for a few laughs!
The disturbing thing is that there's no reason why another lunatic couldn't come along and repeat the saga all over again.
Standto, yes I was being sarcastic - The Vulcan Story was my book (I changed my surname for boring family reasons last year) and it did have a complete disposals list in it, and as far as I'm aware, only one minor mistake was found in it, so it's pretty accurate. The book was okay apart from the ghastly print quality in the reprinted edition.
I will of course include a new disposals list in my new Vulcan book, but that isn't scheduled to be publsihed until the end of 2007, in company with a similar book on the Hunter, and a rather spectacular book (or at least I hope it will be!) on the RAF!
In the meantime, you'll be able to amuse yourself with a new fortnightly partwork magazine on the RAF which is due to appear soon. I saw the dummy for the first issue and it looks like the usual load of garbage you might expect, so it should be good for a few laughs!
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Aye, they'll doubtless get dumped unless someone rescues them.
Of course, the real champions of stupidity are the RAF Museum. Owners of the only surviving Vulcan B1, and what did they do? They left it oustide to rust and then announced that it would be uneconomical to repair. Now, unless I've completely misunderstood the concept of a museum, I thought the idea was to restore and preserve, not ignore and destroy?
But then they also cut-up one of only two surviving Beverley transports, replacing it with a plastic Spitfire and Hurricane. Hmm... I suppose we shouldn't be surprised by anything, when you look at Hendon's new extension, and the main exhibits are... a BF-109 and a P-51. Confused? I know I am!
Of course, the real champions of stupidity are the RAF Museum. Owners of the only surviving Vulcan B1, and what did they do? They left it oustide to rust and then announced that it would be uneconomical to repair. Now, unless I've completely misunderstood the concept of a museum, I thought the idea was to restore and preserve, not ignore and destroy?
But then they also cut-up one of only two surviving Beverley transports, replacing it with a plastic Spitfire and Hurricane. Hmm... I suppose we shouldn't be surprised by anything, when you look at Hendon's new extension, and the main exhibits are... a BF-109 and a P-51. Confused? I know I am!
Originally Posted by OCCWMF
Oooo Oooo - not wanting to be left out - Colt has two as well. A shiny Jag and a Hurricane in front of SHQ.
Not for long though 
Not for long though
As regards XL318 in the RAFM, it was earmarked for there when retired (having performed the last 617 Sq. Vulcan sortie, on 11 December 1981). It was transported to Hendon in sections and installed there in about February 1982, some months before the Falklands war and XM607's historic mission. Hence it is not really a question of its having been chosen over a more historically significant airframe.
My information comes from a very comprehensive article (more like a mini-book) by Paul Jackson in "Wings of Fame" Vol. 3. I imagine it is drawn from official sources but that's not to say there couldn't be an error. I would recommend this article strongly to anyone with an interest in the Vulcan.
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If only there were any "official sources" to draw such information from!
Thankfully, Paul does know what he's talking about, and yes, the Hendon Vulcan saga essentially took place ahead of 607's retirement, which is why 318 is in Hendon, and 607 is parked on the A15.
But of course, explaining why the situation is as it is, doesn't necessarily imply that it's a good situation to be in. It doesn't make 607's future any more secure.
As I said previously, it needs someone (or a group) to get 607 under cover, with Lottery help or whatever else it takes. But the aircraft still belongs to Waddington, and I suspect that unless someone with influence (or at least someone who can successfully bend the ear of the Station Commander) decides to do something about it, then it seems certain that 607 will just languish at the roadside until it is declared unsafe, and ultimately scrapped.
Thankfully, Paul does know what he's talking about, and yes, the Hendon Vulcan saga essentially took place ahead of 607's retirement, which is why 318 is in Hendon, and 607 is parked on the A15.
But of course, explaining why the situation is as it is, doesn't necessarily imply that it's a good situation to be in. It doesn't make 607's future any more secure.
As I said previously, it needs someone (or a group) to get 607 under cover, with Lottery help or whatever else it takes. But the aircraft still belongs to Waddington, and I suspect that unless someone with influence (or at least someone who can successfully bend the ear of the Station Commander) decides to do something about it, then it seems certain that 607 will just languish at the roadside until it is declared unsafe, and ultimately scrapped.
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Hi Tim,
In re: to your Vulcan book, what mistakes/errors are you aware of?
Thanks.
Steve
In re: to your Vulcan book, what mistakes/errors are you aware of?
Thanks.
Steve
Originally Posted by Tim McLelland
Well, to explain a little more fully, the "one gate guard" rule came and went rather swiftly. I never found-out what idiot introduced the rule, but almost as soon as it was imposed, it seemed to be forgotten-about again, and additional airframes began to re-appear at various stations. But of course by this time, airframes such as the Victor had long since been destroyed for no reason, other than the whim of some areh*le who had nothing better to do.
The disturbing thing is that there's no reason why another lunatic couldn't come along and repeat the saga all over again.
Standto, yes I was being sarcastic - The Vulcan Story was my book (I changed my surname for boring family reasons last year) and it did have a complete disposals list in it, and as far as I'm aware, only one minor mistake was found in it, so it's pretty accurate. The book was okay apart from the ghastly print quality in the reprinted edition.
I will of course include a new disposals list in my new Vulcan book, but that isn't scheduled to be publsihed until the end of 2007, in company with a similar book on the Hunter, and a rather spectacular book (or at least I hope it will be!) on the RAF!
In the meantime, you'll be able to amuse yourself with a new fortnightly partwork magazine on the RAF which is due to appear soon. I saw the dummy for the first issue and it looks like the usual load of garbage you might expect, so it should be good for a few laughs!
The disturbing thing is that there's no reason why another lunatic couldn't come along and repeat the saga all over again.
Standto, yes I was being sarcastic - The Vulcan Story was my book (I changed my surname for boring family reasons last year) and it did have a complete disposals list in it, and as far as I'm aware, only one minor mistake was found in it, so it's pretty accurate. The book was okay apart from the ghastly print quality in the reprinted edition.
I will of course include a new disposals list in my new Vulcan book, but that isn't scheduled to be publsihed until the end of 2007, in company with a similar book on the Hunter, and a rather spectacular book (or at least I hope it will be!) on the RAF!
In the meantime, you'll be able to amuse yourself with a new fortnightly partwork magazine on the RAF which is due to appear soon. I saw the dummy for the first issue and it looks like the usual load of garbage you might expect, so it should be good for a few laughs!