Smiler reckoned on at least 500 jobcards to be signed off before the Airframe is even considered by the CAA as "airworthy", which also might prevent fast taxi runs till mid next week.

But then....it's update day today on the site, so lets all hope for some good news later.

Surely in the next few weeks........:)

All

I genuinely applaud your ongoing interest, commitment and enthusiasm in this programme. No matter that I personally think it is barking, I cannot help but be impressed that it has not died a death. Well done to you all.

SB

"I see the hangar doors have been shut whilst the aircraft is outside, this is a new one"

That's not at all unusual. Whenever she's been out to the engine testing pad the doors have been shut, only being opened again five or ten minutes before she returns.

The only times I can remember the doors remaining open when she was not in the hangar are when she was immediately outside being fuelled or defulled.

I can't imagine it is easy heating the hangar, especially with winter fast approaching. It would make no sense to leave the doors wide open.

Flip

"No matter that I personally think it is barking"

South Bound,

Care to expand why you think that?

Flipper - I stand corrected & have deleted the message - whilst I watch the web site daily I had never noticed the doors being shut before while she was outside.
Cheers
R2

Flew over Bruntingthorpe earlier today and she was being towed out. A great sight to see, she looks good from above.

Quote from wasaloadieski
You weren't in a Bear by any chance? Did you have your Zenit camera with you?:ooh:
Be lucky
David

I notice that just prior to the door's closing, one of the techies left half a pasty next to the 'extra large' spanner drawer. He's never done that before. Thoughts anyone?

Yeah, that reminds me to have something to eat....it's Lunchtime!:)

Your monitor must be BIG to see that!

talk_shy_tall_knight. I hope it was a pasty and not a clanger. Something we don't want dropped anywhere near that wonderful aeroplane.

Hi all, as we have been spending the last couple of days up there painting the QRA shed, I took a few breaks and took these shots of 558, she certainly is coming alive, very nice, well done all of the crew

9am
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...i/DSC00277.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...i/DSC00283.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...P1010034-2.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...P1010037-1.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...i/P1010038.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...i/P1010039.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...P1010043-1.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...P1010047-4.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...P1010064-1.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...P1010057-1.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...P1010055-1.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...P1010064-1.jpg
Thanks again to the lads that were doing their 'stuff' on her today and for making me welcome

I'm a million miles from the old girl at the moment but Bl00dy Hell she looks good! Almost got goose bumps. She can't fail now - she MUST NOT! Wow. Stay with it folks, your efforts will not be in vain!:ok:

This is blatant petty carping but I realy wish that those RWR fairings on the fin tip could be gashed. The assassinated XM603 would make a valuable contribution there and almost go some way towards mitigating a gross act of vandalism (thank you BAES).



http://www.edendale.co.uk/ANW/images.../852.33_03.jpg

That's what a Vulcan looks like!

Great photos although I think the 5th from last one is a little sad, Buccaneer with its wings clipped looking on.

Heck! All they're missing is a Vic, a Wessex and a Canberra and it'd almost be my spacey days all over again!

GBZ, Agreed. Spoils the whole back end. And while they're at it --- a proper paint job. ;) Apart from that - well done guys :D:D:D

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...610_darwin.jpg
RAAF Darwin. 1968/69.

Just wondering, if they can tow it with that li'l yellow tractor, why did the RAF need fleets of those bloody massive Antar(?) tugs?:confused:

I doubt if that li'l yellow tractor would cope with full fuel, 21,000lbs of bombs, and six inches of snow.

PS. Built by Sentinel, apparently. And a posh one with a cab. Must've been Transport Command.:)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...pas/60AN59.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/cumpas/04205.jpg

PPS. I was curious to know where the lower photograph was taken. See The Old Bell pub? It's still there, Fleet Street. :ok:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...a7d5428266.jpg

Later on that day, XH558 was actually towed back from the running pan with a 1965 vintage, Ford County Super 5 agricultural tractor, when the Aircraft Tug went U/S!!! :ok:


Flipflopman

Isn't the orange one a 'Douglas'?

The type I used to wheelie all the way from MT to 13 (PR) Sqn dispersal at Wyton every Monday morning. Hit a matchstick and still be bouncing for another 100yds. Oh boy, if we'd have had speed bumps in those days.