Shackleton WR963 Engine Run (Pic heavy)

[Leebee0]

Hi all

Took a trip over to Coventry today to meet Rich and the guys looking after WR963.

This happened to be the first engine run for 963 this year.

Just the three engines running today but talking with the guys engine number 2 should be running in the next few weeks at the latest.

News coming from the guys is that they hope to have WR963 taxing sometime in the summer with some exciting possibilities around that!

I like to thank Rich and the guys there for an excellent day and special thanks to andy for the amazing cockpit tour!

So to my pics no video today just pics

A few of 963 before the run







Then it was time to awaken the beast for her winter slumber!







She's alive!









Bombay doors cycled



Then back to sleep for now!





The all important Civil Reg only approved last tuesday!



Cockpit Shots









general onboard




Just a few shots around what used to be Airbase















I have posted this a few times but for those who may not have seen it.

Here is some video i shot of WR963 flying at the Cosford Airshow on 9th June 1991 just one month before she was delivered to Coventry on the 9th July 1991 never to fly again or so we thought............





Thanks for looking

Lee

[Mayfly]

Thanks for posting Lee - you look to have had a good look round.

[Mackrick]

Thanks for sharing these

[MOD]

Sorry I missed you today Lee and Rich. At the last minute Mrs Mod was ill so I had to babysit while daughter#1 went shopping

Nice shots.


Ian

[Dan4th]

A Day To Remember, eh?

One of your Best, Lee, and thanks
1,000,000 for taking the trouble to
share your superb photos with we
who are un-deserving

Ain't she a Beauty????????

Danf.

[Leebee0]

Thanks all for your comments

Pam the guys there are great and so helpful and proud of there aircraft. They are so enthusiastic and nothing is to much trouble as you say got a complete tour of the whole aircraft if you can its well worth a visit

Dan your more than welcome just glad you guys enjoy seeing and reading through our posts

Lee.

[Sploosher]

nice pics Lee..............

she is a beast is she not...............

cant wait for the day she graces the skies again............will have to try to make regular donations now that I am working again............

[Gully]

So will the Griffons need swapping for newly overhauled 'flight ready' ones, or will the current units be approved?

Thanks for sharing the piccies and vid, Lee.

Gully

[Leebee0]

I don't think so mate they never mentioned that yesterday. With the return to flight still some 5 years away the more immediate issue is getting the aircraft re sparred. It is interesting though on the engines that number 2 is a 0 hours engine taken from the 5 that came with WR963 from the RAF. The original number 2 engine she came with was sold to Dubai for a company to test the strength of windows being fitted to a skyscraper. This engines useable life was up but fine for use in a wind tunnel.

Lee.

[Richw_82]

Greta pictures Lee and good to meet you. I'm sorry I didn't get too much chance to chat, but I did notice after the run some of the rest of our team were keeping you occupied!

With regards to the engines; the cam damage the engines suffered a few years ago it makes sense to change them. The ones on the wing (with the exception of No 2) have been on the aircraft for 20 years with infrequent ground running and light maintenance. No-one knows just how strong they are; and can we trust them for take off power?

There were around 10 engines that came with the spares in 1991. WL790 took a couple, and with the one that just went onto the aircraft there are 6 left sleeping - a few of which are shown over an the restoration thread or our Facebook page. Its likely that these engines will be the ones that are used for flight. Some are half life engines (650 hrs left) but there is at least one more in there that has the full life left (1300hrs).

[Leebee0]

Thanks Rich for that I will pop down again from time to time I can catch up more then

Yes the guys kept me out of that bitting cold wind with an amazing overview of your fab aircraft

Talk soon

Lee.