Proposed visit to Wellesbourne Airfield

[Nobby]

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.

[FLYING BANANA]

XM 655 was originally bought by Roy Jacobsen who also bought XL426. XL426 was one of the back up aircraft for the bombing run to the Falklands. XL426 is parked, but up and running, at Southend airport.

Roy bought both aircraft for £40,000. Both aircraft were destined for the aircraft museum at Southend but only XL426 made it that far. XM655 landed at Wellsbourne with a problem and that is where it has stayed ever since. Southend museum was not the greatest of success's and the idea was finally abandoned. All aircraft were sold off except for XL426, Roy still owned the plane.

XL426 was finally bought by the restoration group at Southend.

Wellsbourne Vulcan bomber restoration group bought XM655 from Roy for £1. Either that or the local council would have scrapped the plane. My wife and I went and looked at XM655 in the early 1990's and looked in a sorry state. There was a couple of small aircraft parked under it's wings.

Just thought I would give you a bit of history regarding XM655. Be a nice visit though.

[FLYING BANANA]

Please add my name to the list but it will depend on the date.

[Nobby]

Robert, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to see 655 now - big change from the sad days of neglect.

Added to the list - do you have any preference for a date?

(XL426 was one of the back up aircraft for the bombing run to the Falklands)
As far as I recall 426 was not one of the original batch of 5 aircraft selected for the Black Buck operations as she didn't have the prerequisite Skybolt wing mounting points or the 301 series engines having been one of the Scampton Wing 201 series aircraft. She did however take part in the victory flypast as one of the bomber configured airframes retained for crew continuity training and remained in service after the squadron disbanded as a display aircraft till 1986.

[FLYING BANANA]

Originally Posted by Nobby

Robert, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to see 655 now - big change from the sad days of neglect.

Added to the list - do you have any preference for a date?

(XL426 was one of the back up aircraft for the bombing run to the Falklands)
As far as I recall 426 was not one of the original batch of 5 aircraft selected for the Black Buck operations as she didn't have the prerequisite Skybolt wing mounting points or the 301 series engines having been one of the Scampton Wing 201 series aircraft. She did however take part in the victory flypast as one of the bomber configured airframes retained for crew continuity training and remained in service after the squadron disbanded as a display aircraft till 1986.

Yes you are right, my mistake. I think XH558 was on the reserve list but I may have that wrong. I'll check my dates and get back ASAP.

[harrisop48]

Nobby, Please add me to the list. Any date is suitable.

[planenut]

I was up there very recently and 655 was looking good, the MAPS team have done a great job.

Sadly the airfield is under threat of redevelopment, though the operators insist they are keeping an active airfield.

[Nobby]

Peter, good to have you along - sorry I can't get a burger or bacon van there at moment but working on it!

[Nobby]

Originally Posted by planenut

Sadly the airfield is under threat of redevelopment, though the operators insist they are keeping an active airfield.

Yes very sad if it happens. Unfortunately the family who own the airfield have decided to sell it off despite it being a very active and profitable airfield and obviously developers are now offering good money to build thousands of homes there. However, local residents, businesses and the flying school etc are fighting hard against it and the casev against has been helped by the council already stating that housing is not required in this area for their local plan. Hopefully the threat will be defeated and the land retained as an airfield.

[Phil63]

Originally Posted by Nobby

Yes very sad if it happens. Unfortunately the family who own the airfield have decided to sell it off despite it being a very active and profitable airfield and obviously developers are now offering good money to build thousands of homes there. However, local residents, businesses and the flying school etc are fighting hard against it and the casev against has been helped by the council already stating that housing is not required in this area for their local plan. Hopefully the threat will be defeated and the land retained as an airfield.

Sadly, it's all about the money. Add me to the list please. Any date.