XM603 - Woodford

[Gaz]

Those of you that frequent the "Other" forum, take a look at the events thread. I'm not sure if I can post it here as it will be officially sanctioned by "The Firm"

[Wedgy]

Sounds like a great idea!

Im going to post the link for ease
http://www.vulcantothesky.org/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6322

I would probably be free, but have to consider the mileage

[Mayfly]

I don't see why the link can't be posted, 558 has many club members on here.

I think its a great idea Gaz last shots of a white vulcan etc.....very sad she has to go

[Nickolas]

Brill idea.
Bit far for me to go but I'd love to go.

[Mayfly]

inspired by thread this I trawled the internet to see what I can find I came across this

http://www.woodfordfarewell.co.uk/.....

[Wedgy]

Just voted

[Mackrick]

Voted

[Gaz]

Yep, I've voted too!

I'm going to try and get us in for the 16th of July.

Cut off for final numbers - Next Monday (The 15th)


They could say no, but, I shall do my best ass kissing!

[Gully]

Voted! 16th July sounds good to me!

Gully

[Nickolas]

If you get your butts up there this week you might find the guys doing a bit of non NDT!!!

[MadNaddy]

I can't get there on the 16th as Mad Cam is in his final year at primary school and as its his final WEEK there he's got his leavers assembly and mass (Catholic school) etc so mummy will be at all those. Yes I have my shares in Kleenex too already. Would love to have been there with those who are going to see 603.....

[Gully]

Well, a cracking visit to the Avro Heritage Centre today - they looked after us well, including a heavily subsidised lunch in the BAe canteen!

In addition to the Avro history, it was great to be able to walk through the assembly line and see the Nimrod MRA4's taking shape. The first production aircraft was sitting out on the pan, presumably ready for flight test in the near future.

Anyway, at the end of the Heritage Centre tour, we found our guide had secured special permission to take us down to one of the staff car parks immediately adjacent to XM603. Sad to say, she's looking pretty tatty these days. No attention since 2007, except for (allegedly!) a brief visit from the Brunty team last year when they didn't even close some of the underwing panels. (Although no doubt Smiler will correct their account of events!). No cameras were allowed on site, but hopefuly Gaz will appear with a few of his sneaky phone shots later!

After leaving BAe Woodford, we followed our Heritage Centre guide's instructions and headed down towards the Avro Golf Club, from where we could photograph '603 across the airfield:



They are expecting the '558 / Marshalls engineers within the month to carry out the necessary bolt inspections. After that, '603 will be given a quick pressure wash, then left to rot... A victim of health & safety meeting bureaucracy.

Thanks for arranging it, Gaz!

Gully

[Saracenman]

a fascinating day out by the sound of it!

disappointed you can't provide hi-res pics of MR4As under construction, for me to post on www.Al-Qaeda.com

I'm not entirely convinced that 603 will be left to fall apart though, however sad she may be looking

thanks for the write-up though Gully

sm

[Mayfly]

Thanks Gully I did think about you all yesterday - pleased you enjoyed it

[Gaz]

Pardon my lateness!

Part of the museum:



603 from inside the gates:



Outside the gates:



Sneaky one of the MRA4:



Two big birds together:

[Saracenman]

i reckon she'd look a whole lot better if given a wash!

[Gaz]

i reckon she'd look a whole lot better if given a wash!

That's what we said.

A pressure washer and an oilly rag is all she needs

[MadNaddy]

Thanks for the write up Gully - sounds like a great day! Thanks for the sneaky shots too Gaz

[Ducati Boy]

"No attention since 2007, except for (allegedly!) a brief visit from the Brunty team last year when they didn't even close some of the underwing panels."

Allegedly?? Some proof that Brunty engineers did not close panels would be a polite thing to do before publishing what sounds like hearsay evidence/accusation. Got any??

Perhaps the panels were robbed for 558! Lots of 603 stuff has been removed to support 558 over the last two years??.

Sad to see a white one going to the skip, but at least she helps to keep a flying Vulcan flying!

[Gully]

"No attention since 2007, except for (allegedly!) a brief visit from the Brunty team last year when they didn't even close some of the underwing panels."

Allegedly?? Some proof that Brunty engineers did not close panels would be a polite thing to do before publishing what sounds like hearsay evidence/accusation. Got any??

Perhaps the panels were robbed for 558! Lots of 603 stuff has been removed to support 558 over the last two years??.

Sad to see a white one going to the skip, but at least she helps to keep a flying Vulcan flying!

My point exactly, if you read it in context! I merely reported what we were told, added the 'allegedly' qualification and followed it with a note that perhaps Smiler would like to comment upon or correct the series of events presented by Avro Heritage / BAe Woodford.

Gully

[Bovril]

603 on the 9th November 2009 (picture taken By Charles Brimson)

[Mags]

Aww - nice pic Bovril.

[Air]

It's a shame 603 wasn't painted in an authentic white service scheme with the black radome etc.

[Saracenman]

better than i fear she'll look soon, sadly

sm

[Bovril]

better than i fear she'll look soon, sadly

sm

and better than she has for a while