Lightning - XM172
I flew XM172 several times during my OCU course in late 70 early 71. Last flown 22nd Feb 71 and that was twice on the same day. Do not recollect anything except all sorties on the OCU were fast and furious! All collision angles and loads of sums to do in your head!!
Then off to see Mr Gubb in the bar for some cold beer and refresh the parts of the brain that hurt!!
Then off to see Mr Gubb in the bar for some cold beer and refresh the parts of the brain that hurt!!
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Only appears once in my Log Book, 6 Feb 1969 and that was during the very few single seat sorties included in the IWI Course. Records state the aircraft arrived at Colt in '65 then departed to Leconfield for mods/major etc until late '66, so explaining why I did not get aboard during the OCU Course.
Ah yes, the excellent Mr Gubb - happy days.
lm
Ah yes, the excellent Mr Gubb - happy days.
lm
Last edited by lightningmate; 1st Aug 2010 at 16:32.
2 trips in Jan 66 on 1 Sqn ( 1 Convex and 1 as a target for 2 Sqn) and 1 trip in Feb 66 on 2 Sqn (says Radex 6 - 90*0). It seems as if XM172 was around on the OCU for a long time.
Always thought that its a shame to buy an iconic aircraft like that and just plonk it down on its wheels on the grass like a fish out of water. Now this is a much better idea:
Welcome to the Castle Motors
(scroll down and enlarge)
Also see BOAC's post below for another view - yes she is a beaut!
Welcome to the Castle Motors
(scroll down and enlarge)
Also see BOAC's post below for another view - yes she is a beaut!
Last edited by Tankertrashnav; 2nd Aug 2010 at 15:51. Reason: Link to another post
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Should anyone be wandering, she is now looked after (along with a few other lightnings and other assorted aircraft and parts) by Neil Airey.
Thunder & Lightnings - English Electric Lightning - Survivor XM172
Unlike Clarkson, he's kept her in his garden!
Thunder & Lightnings - English Electric Lightning - Survivor XM172
Unlike Clarkson, he's kept her in his garden!
Last edited by peppermint_jam; 4th Aug 2010 at 15:53. Reason: To fix link
The POS net-nanny doesn't seem to like your linky thingy, so try www(dot)thunder-and-lightnings(dot)co(dot)uk/lightning/survivor.php?id=31
I think that Jeremy does actually allow Francie Clarkson in his the garden now and then!
Unlike Clarkson, he's kept her in his garden!
Per Ardua ad Astraeus
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PJ - linky thingy is brokey, so may I? I chased around the west country a while back. Very sad to see - I have them all in my logbook too
MK3
MK 6 with o/wings
Nearly had to change my trousers here
Castle's Mk6 - ain't she a beaut?
MK3
MK 6 with o/wings
Nearly had to change my trousers here
Castle's Mk6 - ain't she a beaut?
XM172 is in my logbook four times.
Ah, Gubby. His grandson contacted me a while back.
"Now then, may I ask your name?"
"MISTER GUBB...........SIR"
I'm surprised that you could ever work that sort of stuff out Newt!
Ah, Gubby. His grandson contacted me a while back.
"Now then, may I ask your name?"
"MISTER GUBB...........SIR"
All collision angles and loads of sums to do in your head!!
The best I can do:
XM172 jet pipes 56 (F) Sqn Wattisham extreme left.
NB the diesel injection pipe for white smoke - the only Lightning squadron ever to have it fitted.
XM172 jet pipes 56 (F) Sqn Wattisham extreme left.
NB the diesel injection pipe for white smoke - the only Lightning squadron ever to have it fitted.
LM I never did! Just smash it to the edge and at the required distance throw it on its side ad pull as hard as you dare!! Seamed to work but never forget, ONE PEEP IS WORTH A THOUSAND SWEEPS!
Last edited by newt; 3rd Aug 2010 at 08:58.
D'ya mean smash it to the edge, sneak it down the side, and lose it off the bottom?
As for 180s crossing behind, they used to confuse me as well!
Methinks 172 must be in here somewhere:
As for 180s crossing behind, they used to confuse me as well!
Methinks 172 must be in here somewhere:
Last edited by Lightning Mate; 3rd Aug 2010 at 08:49.
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Flew XM172 four times at the OCU - the first (Oct'72) was my second solo on type, only managed :30 so I must have had fun....
BOAC: don't worry about the changing trousers bit, it's an age thing...
BOAC: don't worry about the changing trousers bit, it's an age thing...