I thought he did a good job of emphasising the iconic status without making any reference to the financial difficultiesI may have been just common-or-garden mistaken, but I feel I was mislead into thinking our chubby hero (insert name here) was going up in the Vulcan. My wife and I both gave a groan when it transpired that he was not going to. However, the air-to-air shots were mostly stunning, if you love the Vulcan any footage is worth watching, and there were angles that I had not seen before.
O/T: Vulcan ready!
Started by
Andrew Kitson
, Oct 08 2007 10:30
334 replies to this topic
#201
mfd
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Posted 15 August 2011 - 23:45
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#202
Pullman99
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Posted 16 August 2011 - 16:21
I thought he did a good job of emphasising the iconic status without making any reference to the financial difficulties
Probably difficult given the lightweight format of the series although they managed to explore the financial circumstances of Dumfries House in some detail including the sale by the Marquis of Bute (Johnny Dumfries, no less). There is still a significant problem in conveying to those who see the Vulcan in action that the aircraft is NOT funded by the RAF. Couldn't help but think that there is scope for a transport themed "heritage" series that explores the background to individual projects in the way that - mainly for buildings - "One Foot in the Past" (fronted by Kirtsy Wark) used to do.
XH558 is currently grounded at Robin Hood Airport with a leaky fuel tank. Hope she feels better soon as I was going to watch her in Bournemouth this weekend.
More here:
XH558 Technical Problem
Edited by Pullman99, 10 January 2012 - 11:31.
#203
kayemod
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Posted 10 January 2012 - 10:34
Just found this entertaining little anecdote. I didn't want to start a new thread, and as the SR71 has been mentioned once or twice in this one, it seems as good a place as any. I’ll apologise now for the slightly dubious source, not really what I'd call 'a joke', but it’s just been sent to me by a customer in the USA.
http://www.jumbojoke...g_of_speed.html
It's also a good opportunity to give a bump to the Vulcan thread.
http://www.jumbojoke...g_of_speed.html
It's also a good opportunity to give a bump to the Vulcan thread.
#204
AJB
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Posted 10 January 2012 - 12:13
I think that is a genuine quote from the book "The Sled Driver", about flying the SR-71Just found this entertaining little anecdote. I didn't want to start a new thread, and as the SR71 has been mentioned once or twice in this one, it seems as good a place as any. I’ll apologise now for the slightly dubious source, not really what I'd call 'a joke', but it’s just been sent to me by a customer in the USA.
http://www.jumbojoke...g_of_speed.html
It's also a good opportunity to give a bump to the Vulcan thread.
#205
elansprint72
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Posted 10 January 2012 - 14:04
As Vulcanologists will know, these giants were built at Chadderton and assembled at Woodford. Bae closed the airfield site last year, making all staff redundant and cutting up several Nimrods.
And now the good news:
Avro Woodford
Some of the site will become housing (not a big deal because it is currently covered with big ugly sheds; the runway will remain in use (and thereby all the grass around it) this was one of the things which the locals were in favour of, surprisingly.
Bird's eye view
If the above link has worked out(!) the housing bit will be the factory at the top of the view and the studio will be in the flight sheds at the bottom. It is unclear at the moment what will be happening to the white Vulcan visible in the shot; it really needs to be under cover as it was looking a bit sorry last time I got a good look.
Edit:
The link has sort -of worked but you will need to click on "Bird's Eye" on the Bing page and zoom in.
And now the good news:
Avro Woodford
Some of the site will become housing (not a big deal because it is currently covered with big ugly sheds; the runway will remain in use (and thereby all the grass around it) this was one of the things which the locals were in favour of, surprisingly.
Bird's eye view
If the above link has worked out(!) the housing bit will be the factory at the top of the view and the studio will be in the flight sheds at the bottom. It is unclear at the moment what will be happening to the white Vulcan visible in the shot; it really needs to be under cover as it was looking a bit sorry last time I got a good look.
Edit:
The link has sort -of worked but you will need to click on "Bird's Eye" on the Bing page and zoom in.
Edited by elansprint72, 10 January 2012 - 14:14.
#206
Odseybod
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Posted 10 January 2012 - 15:49
I think this link will take you to the right Woodford, rather than somewhere in darkest Northamptonshire (at least, that's where it led me). afraid you'll still need to zoom in, then click Bird's Eye View (though strangely, no frozen peas are revealed).
Edited by Odseybod, 10 January 2012 - 15:50.
#207
Allan Lupton
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Posted 10 January 2012 - 15:56
Pete's link led me to Woodford in East London/West Essex!I think this link will take you to the right Woodford, rather than somewhere in darkest Northamptonshire (at least, that's where it led me). afraid you'll still need to zoom in, then click Bird's Eye View (though strangely, no frozen peas are revealed).
Tony's is the right Woodford - just as it looked last time I landed there!
#208
alansart
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Posted 10 January 2012 - 16:05
That's strange as Pete's took me to Woodford and the Avro Vulcan.
Interesting that the Bamfords of JCB fame are involved. Hopefully they'll do the right thing.
Interesting that the Bamfords of JCB fame are involved. Hopefully they'll do the right thing.
#209
kayemod
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Posted 10 January 2012 - 16:26
That's strange as Pete's took me to Woodford and the Avro Vulcan.
Me too, but it did have a go at taking me to Woodford, Vermont first.
Pete gets around doesn't he?
#210
elansprint72
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Posted 13 January 2012 - 14:43
Here is XM603 at the real Woodford earlier today.
The Bae signs have now been blacked out at the gates, there was very little sign of life on the field, just one car driving around.
The Bae signs have now been blacked out at the gates, there was very little sign of life on the field, just one car driving around.
#211
elansprint72
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Posted 13 January 2012 - 14:47
If you look carefully in this shot you can see XM603; in the background Liverpool has just been nuked!
#212
GreenMachine
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Posted 17 January 2012 - 10:06
QUOTE (kayemod @ Jan 10 2012, 10:34)
Just found this entertaining little anecdote. I didn't want to start a new thread, and as the SR71 has been mentioned once or twice in this one, it seems as good a place as any. I’ll apologise now for the slightly dubious source, not really what I'd call 'a joke', but it’s just been sent to me by a customer in the USA.
http://www.jumbojoke...g_of_speed.html
It's also a good opportunity to give a bump to the Vulcan thread.
I think that is a genuine quote from the book "The Sled Driver", about flying the SR-71
Page 65/7 - not a quote, but near enough. Interestingly, the 'Sled's' speed is different, and the 'joke' is more expansive. The book is a 'must have' for anyone interested in the SR71.
#213
Pullman99
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Posted 29 May 2012 - 10:22
As some on this Forum may have noticed from yesterday's news, Avro Vulcan XH558 suffered a major engine problem during a take-off at its base at Robin Hood Airport whilst undertaking a routine test flight prior to an intended Diamond Jubileee flypast on Sunday. The damage is thought to be the result of ingesting FOD from the runway and may also have damaged its linked engine too. There is no formal statement from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust apart from the attached, but with only two zero timed engines in their store, it looks like a very serious issue indeed. Let's hope that Rolls-Royce and others can assist as there are very few flight cleared Olympus engines lying around.
Vulcan XH558 engine damage statement
Vulcan XH558 engine damage statement
#214
elansprint72
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Posted 29 May 2012 - 21:10
Oh dear.
More bad news: my previous optimism about the Avro Woodford aerodrome seems to have been premature. Latest info suggests that the JCB purchase and plans for a film studio were just hogwash. EDIT: I'm not sure if this info was correct. A company called Avro Heritage seems to be prime-mover; this MAY be the folks from JCB. Whatever; the site is well and truly in the hands of house-builders.
The latest "vision" seems to involve building 950 houses on the site, much of it in Green Belt; ripping up at least half of the (pristine main) runway and all the 2nd runway. The Vulcan XM 603 would be moved to a corner of the housing estate and presumably left to decay until it presents an H&S risk.
More bad news: my previous optimism about the Avro Woodford aerodrome seems to have been premature. Latest info suggests that the JCB purchase and plans for a film studio were just hogwash. EDIT: I'm not sure if this info was correct. A company called Avro Heritage seems to be prime-mover; this MAY be the folks from JCB. Whatever; the site is well and truly in the hands of house-builders.
The latest "vision" seems to involve building 950 houses on the site, much of it in Green Belt; ripping up at least half of the (pristine main) runway and all the 2nd runway. The Vulcan XM 603 would be moved to a corner of the housing estate and presumably left to decay until it presents an H&S risk.
Edited by elansprint72, 31 May 2012 - 13:06.
#215
Pullman99
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Posted 31 May 2012 - 08:22
The Vulcan XM 603 would be moved to a corner of the housing estate and presumably left to decay until it presents an H&S risk.
Hopefully a better outcome can be achieved than the fate of the Vulcan that ended its days a few years ago at Blackpool Airport (but was nearly an exhibit in a pub car park).
Meanwhile, a statement from The Vulcan to the Sky Trust has confirmed that the damage to Nos. 1 and 2 engines was due to ingesting silica gel bags used for inhibiting the engines on the ground and which appear to have been left in place. There is no reported airframe damage. The team are now looking at using their two zero-hour engines and - hopefully - return XH558 to the skies in as short a time as possible. There is a question mark, however, over how their engine supply in the future will be managed as their rebuilding and flight clearance will be a very expensive operation where the OEM (Rolls-Royce) will also, apparently, need to be closely involved. I am sure that all TNFrs will wish them well.
And all this in the year when the Type celebrates its 60th anniversary.
#216
Pullman99
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Posted 27 June 2012 - 07:08
Some better news from the team at Robin Hood Airport. Hopefully on the mend but will miss RAF Waddington this weekend. Best wishes to all at this amazing project.
Vulcan engine testing news update
Vulcan engine testing news update
Edited by Pullman99, 27 June 2012 - 09:56.
#217
kayemod
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Posted 27 June 2012 - 08:13
Some better news from the team at Robin Hood Airport. Hopefully on the mend but will miss RAF Waddington this weekend. Best wishes to all at tis amazing project.
Vulcan engine testing news update
That's wonderful news, the Vulcan is my only reason for going to the local air show, I didn't bother at all last year. Lets hope that that mighty plane will be flying over Bournemouth again next month.
#218
Phil Rainford
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Posted 09 July 2012 - 20:35
Silverstone Saturday 
PAR
PAR
#219
D-Type
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Posted 09 July 2012 - 21:24
Glad it's flying again
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#220
Alan Cox
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Posted 11 July 2012 - 09:59
Great photo of the Vulcan accompanied by the Red Arrows at the openeing of the Farnborough Air Show yeaterday
http://www.telegraph...#?frame=2272009
http://www.telegraph...#?frame=2272009
Edited by Alan Cox, 11 July 2012 - 10:26.
#221
elansprint72
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Posted 11 July 2012 - 10:04
Great photo of the Vulcan accompanied by the Red Arrows at the openeing of the Farnborough Air Show yeaterday
http://www.telegraph...#?frame=2272009
Duff link.
#223
chdphd
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Posted 19 August 2012 - 21:58
I went to Duxford today and took these photos of this brilliant aircraft.
Avro Vulcan XJ824 by chdphd, on Flickr
Avro Vulcan XJ824 bomb bay by chdphd, on Flickr
Avro Vulcan XJ824 by chdphd, on Flickr
Avro Vulcan XJ824 bomb bay by chdphd, on Flickr
#224
Rob29
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Posted 20 August 2012 - 06:48
Great picGreat photo of the Vulcan accompanied by the Red Arrows at the openeing of the Farnborough Air Show yeaterday
http://www.telegraph...#?frame=2272009
I did not know they stll held Farnborough-I last went in the 90s I think-when they had a round of World Aerobatics granp prix series? Show used to be televised live in the 50s-when Vulcan,Valiant & Victor made their debut.What else appeared this year apart from the Vulcan/Red Arrows flypast? As we do not seeem to be making any planes nowdays?
#225
nmansellfan
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Posted 20 August 2012 - 11:38
Was there a Vulcan out flying yesterday? I was racing at Whilton Mill kart track in Daventry and a delta winged plane very much like the Vulcan in Phil's pictures passed over us about 2pm. Made a fairly rubbish day's racing a lot better!
Edited by nmansellfan, 20 August 2012 - 11:40.
#226
Julian Roberts
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Posted 28 August 2012 - 08:36
It made a low(ish) pass over Silverstone during the 6 Hour race on Sunday. Everybody forgot about the cars briefly and looked up. John Hindaugh who was commentating for Radio Le Mans stopped talking about the race for 3 or 4 minutes and gave details of their website, the need for money to keep it flying and the appeal. Hats off to him for that.
Vulcan 1 by groupc, on Flickr
Vulcan 1 by groupc, on Flickr
#227
Canon14
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Posted 28 August 2012 - 18:30
Quite by chance I was coming out of the Copse Tunnel as the Vulcan approached. It took me a while to work out why everyone was looking in the wrong direction, away from the track. Then I looked up - a majestic sight!
#228
Julian Roberts
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Posted 28 August 2012 - 19:20
Quite by chance I was coming out of the Copse Tunnel as the Vulcan approached. It took me a while to work out why everyone was looking in the wrong direction, away from the track. Then I looked up - a majestic sight!
Just for you, the photo was taken from Copse !
#229
TimRTC
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Posted 28 August 2012 - 23:00
Wish I had seen it coming, just caught it going past.
Not quite as impressive as seeing the BBMF Lancaster and two Spitfires flying very low over Cadwell park on Monday though!
Not quite as impressive as seeing the BBMF Lancaster and two Spitfires flying very low over Cadwell park on Monday though!
#230
kayemod
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Posted 21 September 2012 - 12:01
An interesting story here from our esteemed local newspaper the Bournemouth Echo, which gives a whole new meaning to the word 'parochial'.
http://www.bournemou...mouth_Airport_/
If you scroll down to the reader comments following this somewhat suspect claim, one of them is interesting. It's the longest post towards the end, and it claims that it costs about £1000 each time they have to get the braking parachute re-packed, so that using the chute on landing costs around £2000 a go. Hurn has one of the longest runways in the UK, Concorde was able to use it, so wouldn't it have been possible to land there without using the chute?
http://www.bournemou...mouth_Airport_/
If you scroll down to the reader comments following this somewhat suspect claim, one of them is interesting. It's the longest post towards the end, and it claims that it costs about £1000 each time they have to get the braking parachute re-packed, so that using the chute on landing costs around £2000 a go. Hurn has one of the longest runways in the UK, Concorde was able to use it, so wouldn't it have been possible to land there without using the chute?
#231
RS2000
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Posted 21 September 2012 - 13:44
Hurn has one of the longest runways in the UK
I don't think so, even among civil airports. Although it used to be shorter, I think it's still below the "standard" RAF V bomber main runway length. Runway length is a limitation on long haul flights from Hurn (sorry, "Bournemouth International Airport"), different from the piston days when Hurn was a main weather diversion from Heathrow.
#232
AAGR
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Posted 21 September 2012 - 16:21
I don't think so, even among civil airports. Although it used to be shorter, I think it's still below the "standard" RAF V bomber main runway length. Runway length is a limitation on long haul flights from Hurn (sorry, "Bournemouth International Airport"), different from the piston days when Hurn was a main weather diversion from Heathrow.
Concur with RS2000 about the length of Bournemouth/Hurn's runway, which is by no means the longest in the country. Even O'Leary's Ryan Air Boeing 737s seem to need most of it to take off, and nothing larger (certainly not 747-400s) ever visits.
AAGR
#233
mfd
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Posted 21 September 2012 - 16:28
If this is true then it echoes everything I think is wrong with our society today. I understand about professional specialised services but what an earth is this based on - an hourly rate of what?and it claims that it costs about £1000 each time they have to get the braking parachute re-packed
I would guess, because of what it is, they probably have to send it away to a specialist who's licensed to pack AC chutes, but how long does it take to pack? You can't argue with the cost of fuel for this wonderful aircraft, but to me, it seems everyone wants to make money...it makes a mockery of the number of volunteers & donors who sign up to support keeping an aircraft like this in the air.
#234
kayemod
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Posted 21 September 2012 - 16:32
Concur with RS2000 about the length of Bournemouth/Hurn's runway, which is by no means the longest in the country. Even O'Leary's Ryan Air Boeing 737s seem to need most of it to take off, and nothing larger (certainly not 747-400s) ever visits.
AAGR
OK, there are longer runways, that's what comes of believing what I read in out local excuse for a paper, possibly around the time that a local travel business operated short sightseeing trips from there on Concorde, but I watched a 747 which I'm pretty sure was a 747-400 take off from Hurn on Wednesday this week. Maybe unloaded of course, but companies there do maintenance work on those things all the time. As for a Ryanair 737 needing most of the runway to take off, they were probably conserving fuel, and not using full power. Again if we can believe what we read in the papers, they only carry a few teaspoonsfull more than the statutory minimum.
#235
FrankB
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Posted 23 September 2012 - 08:37
The Vulcan organisation said at the time (I can't recall where), that they had considered staying overnight somewhere in the south of England between the two display days. They chose not to because of the cost of moving specialist equipment from Doncaster and then back again, as well as providing hotel accommodation for air and ground crews.
#236
kayemod
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Posted 14 October 2012 - 09:56
Bad news. We all knew it was going to happen eventually, but very sad all the same.
http://www.telegraph...-to-retire.html
With a tear in my eye, I'll be at next year's Bournemouth air show to wave a fond goodbye to the mighty Vulcan.
http://www.telegraph...-to-retire.html
With a tear in my eye, I'll be at next year's Bournemouth air show to wave a fond goodbye to the mighty Vulcan.
#237
pete53
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Posted 15 October 2012 - 11:04
Yes, I just read the news in the Telegraph a few moments ago. What a great shame. The Vulcan in flight was on of the most impressive sights and sounds I ever experienced.
#238
RS2000
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Posted 15 October 2012 - 15:48
Aviation forum sources are suggesting that it is merely yet another bid for a major sponsor. Maybe - but they have incurred significant cost losing two engines and it probably is curtains now.
I have to say I never saw how it could be viable in the UK, having had some involvement with Vulcan operating costs "back in the day". Like some historic cars put at risk racing, I consider there are limits to what can or should be done. Too many "one off" historic aircraft have been destroyed in modern accidents.
I can't help thinking the money consumed on this one could have been better spent. Yes, I was impressed to see it passing over my house a couple of years ago but I have also witnessed a 4 ship scramble (from a simulated MDB) in 1min 20secs in the day, so a singleton was always going to be of limited appeal.
I have to say I never saw how it could be viable in the UK, having had some involvement with Vulcan operating costs "back in the day". Like some historic cars put at risk racing, I consider there are limits to what can or should be done. Too many "one off" historic aircraft have been destroyed in modern accidents.
I can't help thinking the money consumed on this one could have been better spent. Yes, I was impressed to see it passing over my house a couple of years ago but I have also witnessed a 4 ship scramble (from a simulated MDB) in 1min 20secs in the day, so a singleton was always going to be of limited appeal.
#239
arttidesco
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Posted 15 October 2012 - 16:24
Congratulations to the Vulcan to the Sky Trust for undertaking such a huge task as getting a V bomber back in the air and keeping it there for so long, shame all good things must come to an end
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#240
Sharman
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Posted 29 May 2013 - 18:35
I am given to understand that RR have agreed to carry out work on the Olympus engines to prolong their lives, added to which my informant tells me (one of my sons who drives aeroplanes for a living and who flies with the Vulcan pilot on occasion) that the leading edge ageing problems have been solved adding another 4 years to the airworthiness of the wing. There is also some light at the end of the tunnel regarding funding.
I assume this is the real McCoy and not wishful thinking, but it does sound hopeful
I assume this is the real McCoy and not wishful thinking, but it does sound hopeful
#242
La Sarthe
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Posted 30 May 2013 - 12:25
I can confirm that a solution to the leading edge problem has been found and is in progress.
#243
kayemod
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Posted 07 June 2013 - 09:12
This has appeared today in our apology for a local newspaper.
http://www.bournemou...two_more_years/
It adds a bit of detail to La Sarth's post above. The appearance of the mighty Vulcan is the main reason I watch the Bournemouth Air Show each year. That plane is a bit like Concorde, it's presence in the air is awe inspiring like few other flying machines, once seen, never forgotten. Sadly it's inevitable that it will be grounded eventually, but good news for the moment.
http://www.bournemou...two_more_years/
It adds a bit of detail to La Sarth's post above. The appearance of the mighty Vulcan is the main reason I watch the Bournemouth Air Show each year. That plane is a bit like Concorde, it's presence in the air is awe inspiring like few other flying machines, once seen, never forgotten. Sadly it's inevitable that it will be grounded eventually, but good news for the moment.
#245
Supersox
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Posted 08 July 2013 - 14:06
Vulcan in at Yeovilton 3.10 today. Looked and sounded fantastic.
Edited by Supersox, 08 July 2013 - 14:07.
#246
Alan Cox
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Posted 08 July 2013 - 18:38
Due to display at Goodwood on Saturday.
#247
Supersox
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Posted 08 July 2013 - 19:18
So I assume it will fly RNAS Yeovilton airday early and then go to Goodwood.Due to display at Goodwood on Saturday.
#248
Macca
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Posted 13 July 2013 - 11:58
Just flew over me (Clanfield) eastbound on its way to FoS.
Paul M
Paul M
#249
Supersox
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Posted 14 July 2013 - 10:54
Flew FOS then back to Yeovilton where it flew a great set and now parked at Yeovilton.Just flew over me (Clanfield) eastbound on its way to FoS.
Paul M
#250
kayemod
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Posted 14 July 2013 - 12:17
Announced recently in the local paper that it won't be appearing at the Bournemouth Air Show this year, apparently unless a last-minute sponsor comes forward, they just can't afford the cost. As the Vulcan was my sole reason for attending, I'll be giving the 'Show' a miss, as I suspect will many others. Who wants to pay to see things like Tucanos and few Army helicopters? The BoB flight will be passing right over my house as usual, so I won't be missing anything worthwhile, and still receiving my annual multiple-Merlin therapy.
