RAF Chipmunks

[DCThumb]

When I flew the ?chipmunk at Swinderby, the common opinion of the Lycoming conversion was that it flew sideways! The fin on the Chippie was 2.5 degrees (I think..,,lots of years have passed) offset to allow for prop wash. Lycoming spun the opposite way so never flew straight.....apparently

[jbchippy]

Originally Posted by Dora-9

WK630 served with 18 RFS Fairoaks, 661 Sqn Kenley, 651 Sqn Feltwell. Army Air Corps, U Wales AS, Bristol UAS, Southampton UAS and 2 AEF, but I can find no record of it being with 8 Sqn.

Awesome, many thanks. I don’t suppose you could point me to a bit more detail on the records you have?

It seems that the 8 Sqn Chipmunk may actually have been WP803.

[Dora-9]

jbchippy - PM sent.

[MaxR]

Originally Posted by Vzlet

Looks even nicer with the front cockpit faired over:

This was posted precisely 36 years to the day since I first flew a Chipmunk and I now have a new favourite aeroplane.

[possel]

Originally Posted by jbchippy

WK630 (now G-BXDG) appears to have been operated by a number of UAS throughout the 60s and 70s, but I'm most interested in her (potential) association with 8 AEW Sqn. She is currently painted in 8 Sqn colours (albeit, slightly incorrect) but some group members believe that this may just have been due to the previous owners association with the Squadron, not the aircraft. However, I have found one reference (in a modellers forum) that indicates that WK630 may have indeed been with 8 Squadron as a trainer when they operated Shakletons at Lossie.

When I was at HQRAFSC I was on the Dominie/Chipmunk desk (1986-88) and there was at that time certainly no Chipmunk with 8 Sqn, nor to my knowledge had there ever been before then. But I lost touch after I left and the Shacks continued to 1993 was it?

[LOMCEVAK]

jbchippy,

I flew WK630 at Southampton UAS from Hamble in late 1973. We converted to the Bulldog in early 1974 and as 2 AEF was also at Hamble I suspect that it just stayed there. I am not sure when 2 AEF left Hamble and/or stopped flying the Chipmunk.

Rgds

L

[Dora-9]

But I lost touch after I left and the Shacks continued to 1993 was it?

Possel - WP803 was with 8 Sqn from August 1988 until September 1991, so just after your time at HQRAFSC.

[possel]

Thanks Dora, I'm gratified that my memory was correct!

[Davef68]

Originally Posted by Dora-9

Possel - WP803 was with 8 Sqn from August 1988 until September 1991, so just after your time at HQRAFSC.

https://www.aviationphotocompany.com...9254#h618d9254

[ferrybloke]

WG430 is in good shape, enjoying the California sunshine! www.wg430.com

[TEEEJ]

Originally Posted by jbchippy

Hi All,

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but I'm looking for some help. I have just joined a Chipmunk group and I'm trying to find out some more information about her.

WK630 (now G-BXDG) appears to have been operated by a number of UAS throughout the 60s and 70s, but I'm most interested in her (potential) association with 8 AEW Sqn. She is currently painted in 8 Sqn colours (albeit, slightly incorrect) but some group members believe that this may just have been due to the previous owners association with the Squadron, not the aircraft. However, I have found one reference (in a modellers forum) that indicates that WK630 may have indeed been with 8 Squadron as a trainer when they operated Shakletons at Lossie.

So, I was wondering whether anyone could validate (or discredit) this information or provide more information on the background of WK630. Failing this, I may submit a FOI request to the RAF Historical Branch to see if they can shed some more light on her past.

Thanks in advance.

Jamie

The reference to WK630 looks like it was a mix up in regards to serials? The poster claims "They certainly had it on 8/8/88 at the celebrations"

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/...hipmunk-8-sqn/

Aircraft enthusiasts are quite meticulous in noting serials and the only Chipmunk noted at the 8/8/88 celebrations at RAF Lossiemouth was WP803.

One of the enthusiasts took an image of WP803 at the reunion in 1988.

Flickr Slideshows (Photostreams)

Ref to WP803 being the 8 Squadron hack.

RAF Chipmunks

Image of WP803 landing at RAF Lossiemouth in 1989 in 8 Squadron markings.

Aircraft WP803 (1952 De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 C/N C1/0697) Photo by Peter Nicholson (Photo ID: AC457346)

From

Aircraft Data WP803, 1952 De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 C/N C1/0697

From an article in Air Forces International - May 1989

Also with 8 Squadron, Chipmunk WP803 is used for tailwheel continuation training, and now proudly wears full unit markings on the fuselage.

[Davef68]

Originally Posted by TEEEJ

The reference to WK630 looks like it was a mix up in regards to serials? The poster claims "They certainly had it on 8/8/88 at the celebrations"

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/...hipmunk-8-sqn/

I think that poster was referring to them having a Chipmunk in 88, but did not think to check the serial was correct (Which he would have done if he'd found the pic.....which says WP803.)

Ask me how I know....

[Mogwi]

Having just passed the 53rd anniversary of my first solo, I was wondering if there any PPruners out there who have a list of Chippies operating on RNEFTS at Linton-on-Ouse between July and November 1967. At the time we only recorded the aircraft side-letter and it would be nice to have the actual airframe numbers in my (now rather tatty) log book.

VMT,

Mog

[Bill Macgillivray]

Mog,

PM me, I may be able to help.

Bill

[Mogwi]

PM sent.

Mog

[DaveUnwin]

A fine Keith Wilson photo of Chipmunk Mk.23 'BumbleMunk' flown by me near Saltby Airfield. Can't say too much more, but look in WHS next month....

[ExAscoteer2]

I remember G-AOTF being at the RAFGSA Centre at Bicester in the 1970's, although it was Gypsy Major powered in those days.

[Rocket2]

Am I correct in thinking that TF has been re-painted? Many happy hours flying her at Bicester.

[Mechta]

Originally Posted by Rocket2

Am I correct in thinking that TF has been re-painted? Many happy hours flying her at Bicester.

With the exception of the windscreen frame, the colour scheme looks as it was at RAF Odiham when used by the Kestrel Gliding Club.



Tango Fox - RAF Odiham January 2011

[Rocket2]

Mechta - I meant recently. I seem to recall seeing pictures last year of TF back in silver paintwork following a major rebuild.