XM655

[Crew chief]

Yes and don't forget that we are all volunteer's whether we work on Vulcans, Nimrods, Victors and any other aircraft you can think of we do it because we love it. I know when we took 655 on in the early 90's the airfield manager at the time wanted her gone (scrapped) as she was a bit of an eye sore but we talked him out of it.

CC.

[Spitfire]

Yes and don't forget that we are all volunteer's whether we work on Vulcans, Nimrods, Victors and any other aircraft you can think of we do it because we love it.

CC.

Quite agree - my attitude to you hardy bunch of volunteers, on all types of aircraft around the country, was completely changed when I was witness to the HUGE dedication of the Lightning Preservation Group at Brunty. I got talking to them as a result of this forum and on a rare visit up country, and at their invitation, I went to see their finished QRA shed with the two girls safely stored in the warm and dry. I was totally gobsmacked at what the volunteers there had achieved for those Lightnings ..and was privileged to witness a start up and reheat run

They've now owned them and run them longer than they were actually in RAF service (see my signature )

So more power to all of you - wherever you are and whatever you work on - I am sure us aircraft enthusiasts appreciate ALL that you do.

[Ray C]

Get yourself "Up There" David....I made the trip & was treated to a cabin visit..
Now that's atmospheric.... Well worth it...

[Spitfire]

Would love to - but visits to the Midlands, whilst quite regular, are unfortunately very limited for time - we both work full time and whenever we go it's all about visiting and 'dealing with' the needs of aged parents and other relatives When we are not in the Midlands we are in Hampshire visiting the daughter - or going from one to the other cross country

So unfortunately visiting aged aircraft is very low on the priority list One small treat I did give myself last time we were in Hampshire was a visit here http://www.airsciences.org.uk/ whilst the women were shopping - daughter lives only 5 miles from there. A very interesting place, but, as usual, could have done with much longer

I was VERY lucky when I got to Brunty - it all just came together - We were visiting my daughter, as my wife and she were going to Ascot Ladies day, and I dropped them off there and then dashed up the M1 to Brunty for a 'flying' visit then drove back to pick them up .... I seem to go everywhere at the speed of sound and the car is always in 'low flying' gear ... I am just thankful my daughter works for BMW

[Snapper]

On Sunday 11th February 1984 Vulcan XM655 was delivered to Wellesbourne Mountford airfield from RAF Waddington after 20 years in active RAF service.

30 years later the aircraft is maintained in fine taxyable condition by 655 MaPS volunteers and an event was organised to mark this special anniversary. It was held on Saturday 15th February in the adjacent Warwickshire Flying School offices. Following a presentation by Chairman of XM655 MaPS Charles Brimson and a special cake cutting ceremony the invited guests ventured out into the cold windy weather and were given a demonstration of the aircraft systems powered by the external Houchin generator.

As Charles announced in his closing remarks - He expects all of us to come back again in 20 years time to celebrate XM655's 50 years on the ground at Wellesbourne! I certainly hope to be there.

My photos are here of the event....
http://evergreen.zenfolio.com/p747436447#hd9e4c25

[Minty4371]

Thank you for the photographs Clive. Very nice as always.

[Crew chief]

I really enjoyed the day, the years rolled back and it was great to see the old team. MaPS pulled out the stops with a fine presentation and the aircraft looked superb.

CC.

[Ray C]

"Brillent Stuff"... I'm going to miss the June "Blast" again....My wife keeps booking Hollidays
during most of June....

[Sooty655]

"Brillent Stuff"... I'm going to miss the June "Blast" again....My wife keeps booking Hollidays
during most of June....

You need to convince her how much cheaper it would be if she didn't take you.

[Sploosher]

Great pics Clive

I will be there this year..........................

[Ray C]

"Brillent Stuff"... I'm going to miss the June "Blast" again....My wife keeps booking Hollidays
during most of June....

You need to convince her how much cheaper it would be if she didn't take you.

Your right Eric....But....You've not met the wife...

[Mayfly]

Sorry we couldn't make it guys but we had already committed to the Memorial Service at Metheringham to a bomber crew who crashed 70 years ago.

Please it all went well.

[Sooty655]

Sorry you couldn't make it, MF ~ you missed a good day despite the efforts of the weather to spoil it.

We have some new merchandise items associated with the double anniversary here, and there is more to come.

[Snapper]

Vulcan XM655 was put through its paces last Saturday 19th April on a very chilly Wellesbourne airfield.
The day began with a minimum personnel start up to test the newly installed No 1 engine. Result - Success.

Next a start up with all 4 engines. Result - Success.

Next a start up with all 4 engines and a short move forwards to test the brakes. Result - Success.

Finally with Mike Pollitt & Nick Dennis in the pilot seats up front the aircraft was put through two slow speed, figure of eights to enable the crew to gain experience of manouvering the aircraft on the relatively narrow runway at Wellesbourne. Result - Success.

The day wasn't without its problems though as a minor wiring issue was identified with the air starter. A temporary fix enabled the day to proceed with a permanent remedy in hand for the future.

As usual my photos are available to be viewed on the website. There are 4 collections of photos in total with a video ( a new facility provided by the website host) of the final figure of eight runs within EGR3's collection. I handed my new Fuji camera with it set in video mode to David McCulloch, who was standing next to me - so thankyou David. I'll mention your skills to Steven Spielberg next time he's in our local. It was hand held and initially the camera was pointing directly into the sun so it is a bit wobbly and dark but for those who'd like to see movement and hear sound I've uploaded it. It will NOT win any prizes at the Oscars however.

http://evergreen.zenfolio.com/vulcanxm655

I hope you enjoy taking a look.

[Minty4371]

Thank you very much for the photos and video Clive.

[Bovril]

http://xm655.com has more info on the day

[Crew chief]

Well done all.

[Gully]

Excellent news - well done all at MaPS!

See you at your AGM!

Gully