Vampire wings availability?

The answer is at the moment ….. I dont know. Graham’s wife would be glad for all of them to go I think ! I will see him again in a couple of weeks and will let you know the state of play, mind you last time I was there I saw a nice Lotus Elite in his shed gathering dust, I quite like that as well. But I dont think he is any rush to do anything at the moment. Small steps at a time will be the best way to go.

The other Vampire T11 at Birlingham is in a very desperate state and needs saving, the pod may already be in a state that if moved it may fall apart, it is complete but I stuck my hand down inside and all I could feel was soaking wet wood. I know Graham and I have been in discussions to move it indoors to a new site, if not a few more winters like this one and the pod will be for parts only.

Thanks Ant

Any news on this one? Do you think it would be available?

Vampire pods can be resurrected and rebuilt to static but it aint easy.

Did one a good many years ago also did the one in Malta but a lot of work and carefull de planking and replanking and skinning.

Many moons ago there where two of the old Alan Whitt Vampires up on an airfield above Oldham.I know the pods got dumped and bonfired but dont know what happened to the wings and booms.Also there was some stuff left at Barton at one stage as there used to be five there in storage at one stage.One belonged to MHAS the others more Alan Whitt ones.

Also used to be at least one Vampire out at Eddie Todds place dont know what happened to it after the Gannet etc moved on.

Mike E

Hi Whitley we might have some stuff available for swaps .

Mike E

vampire T22 XG743 restoration project

I seem to remember I took the wings from XD599 down to Kent about 10 years ago, from there I know not where they went; the other pair are still in Welshpool, it might be worth sending a PM to XV281 on this forum as he is the custodian, this particular set of wings were in much better condition than those of XD599, when last viewed.

Cheers Stu – knew you’d know! ATB TT

I seem to remember I took the wings from XD599 down to Kent about 10 years ago, from there I know not where they went; the other pair are still in Welshpool, it might be worth sending a PM to XV281 on this forum as he is the custodian, this particular set of wings were in much better condition than those of XD599, when last viewed.

Might be worth asking Stu Gowans if he knows what happened to the wings from T.11 XD599 from Canaervon – they WERE there, but this is many moons ago and we didnt need them….

Sadly Ant, it probably already is. The wood left on the other one literally turned to dust as soon as it dried out.

Its a shame; that one is a really early RAF T11 – the oldest surviving RAF example, but I don’t think it will see many more summers.

Bruce

The other Vampire T11 at Birlingham is in a very desperate state and needs saving, the pod may already be in a state that if moved it may fall apart, it is complete but I stuck my hand down inside and all I could feel was soaking wet wood. I know Graham and I have been in discussions to move it indoors to a new site, if not a few more winters like this one and the pod will be for parts only.

I know of a good recipient airframe for a set of T-11 or late single seat wings. Also need engine bearers, engine cowlings, undercarriage (for the old style of wheel) and other bits and pieces.

Yes, a sorry state of affairs isn’t it. The classic rotten/delaminated pod affliction guaranteed when stored outside.

One or two have been brought back from the brink but many more have gone for ever. There must be a surplus of T.11 wings, booms and tailplanes as a result, one would have thought?

Anon.

Yes, under ten, I would think.

Are we down to a handful of decent Vampire T.11’s now from the forty three given away from Woodford?

Mk3 wings are quite different to later ones. Check and see what you need. T11 are basically the same as Mk 5 and 9, with some differences.

Good question Bruce. The person who wants the wings is not sure. From whay he says, something that might fit a mk3? I think I would be in the market for a large quantity of static stuff, whatever is available.

I’ve got the remains of the front end of it. I did manage to salvage one or two bits, but not much!

Thanks for the PM’s. Glad to see she will find a good home (or whats left of her) Looked a sad sight when I last looked in. Well done !

I am party to the information that there is a certain NW-based aviation group currently negotiating for the purchase and acquisition of the remaining metalwork of this aircraft for their own T.11 project.

Anon.

The T11 at Birlingham , Worcs. Is complete but missing the Pod, so the whole back end and wings could be availible. I can contact the owner if anyone sends me a P.M.

Ant.

What mark?