Lightning - XM172
 

Just watched a rerun of Speed with Jeremy Clarkson when he bought XM172. Anybody flown her or have any yarns.......?

XM172 was a Lightning F1A. I last flew it on 15th February 1967 at 226 OCU, RAF Coltishall. At this distance of time I cannot remember a thing about it.

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!!:ok:

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

Just once - 25 May 1965 out of Coltishall for 45 mins that were no doubt better than most minutes that day.

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.

Going on Soddim's reply, What was considered the average sortie length?

1970
June 23. Target, 55 min
Dec 22. 1v1, 30 min
Dec 30. 2v2, 40 min (and short of fuel IIRC)
1971
Mar 15. Target, 50 min

I just remember the look on Mrs Clarkson's face when it arrived on her front lawn!

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!

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!

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!

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:{

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...photos/Mk3.jpg

MK3

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...photos/Mk6.jpg

MK 6 with o/wings

Nearly had to change my trousers herehttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...tos/Castle.jpg

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! :E

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.

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/u...g_29/XM172.jpg

XM 172 was still at OCU in 1973.
Last flew it 15 Mar doing RAD 8 which according to logbook was 150's whatever they were.

It was the 180's crossing behind that used to confuse me..................

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!:ok:

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! :E

Methinks 172 must be in here somewhere:

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/u...echelon620.jpg

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...