After talking to Peter and Shiner, I am looking to arrange a visit to Wellesbourne airfield, (off J13 M40) and the Avro Vulcan Bomber XM655. Unlike the famous last flying Vulcan XH558, the Wellesbourne Vulcan is more representative of the aircraft as they were when in service, is still fully fitted with all the operational equipment and maintained in running condition. See here for more information
http://www.xm655.com
I have spoken to guys at 655 MaPS and they are very happy to host us but ask for a £10 per head donation. In addition, I’ve been asked to limit the visit to a maximum size of 24 people which will be split into groups of 4, (the maximum that can fit into the cockpit at a time). The visit is planned to include:
• A tour of the aircraft, including a visit to the cockpit, in groups of 4. This covers the engineering aspects of what they do to maintain the aeroplane, as well as Vulcan history and the history of our aeroplane in particular. I will also be assisting the guys in explaining some of the more technical aspects of the aircraft etc. During the tour, various doors and panels will be open to enable viewing and photographs. There is usually also the opportunity to view the Vulcan from different angles, including from above for those who are happy to climb the steps to the top of a 'giraffe' access platform.
Also included will be:
• Systems Demonstration (subject to aircraft serviceability on the day), which involves putting power on the aeroplane (without running the engines) and operating certain systems, including:
the control surfaces (elevons and rudder);
the navigation, anti-collision and landing lights;
operating the air brakes;
opening the bomb bay doors.
Again you will be escorted around the aeroplane to ensure the best view and opportunities to take photos.
During the visit a DVD of XM655 will be running indoors and tea, coffee and merchandise will be available. The volunteers will be happy to talk to and answer questions throughout the visit.
Finally if access is available on the day via the taxiway and if engineering work permits the
piece-de-resistance will be to finish off with a photo shoot of our cars under the Vulcan – the last wholly designed and build British bomber with the last wholly designed and build British car.
The visits will need to
start at 1000 to 1030 and last around 2.5 hours in total, so an early start to get there I’m afraid.
Due to the popularity of the aircraft the earliest possible dates available to us now are the
10th September and 12th November. Please can you let me know ASAP if your interested so that I can get things rolling.
Group 1 (10th Sept)
1.
Me (Nobby)
2.
Flying Banana
3.
Rab60bit
5.
Phil63
6.
Lord Rover
7.
Ratty +1
8.
xxcancelledxx
9.
Wooleysox
10.
Shiner + 3
11.
Dad1UK
12.
Matt Darke +1
13.
Trikey +1
14.
Steve 42 +1
15.
Daznkel +1
16.
Championdaddy
Group 2 (12th Nov)
1.
Me (Nobby)
2.
RoverRick +1
3.
Tackleberry +1
4.
BrianW +1
5.
Kevineds + 2
6.
Organiser
7.
Beejay
8.
Pbaker + 1
9.
Harrisop48 + 3
10.
Cb750chris
11.
Trebor +1
12.
Charlie Bizarrely
EVENT DISCLAIMER
Please be aware this is not an official 75 & ZT Owners Club meet and as such is not covered by the Club’s public liability insurance. Also the Owners Club take no responsibility for the meet/event in any way.