By: andrewman - 12th December 2003 at 18:26
Would be nice to see both Shacks running.
A few years back the ran their Sea Vixen and are hoping to run their Lightning soon.
By: British Canuck - 12th December 2003 at 16:21
“possibly not just the Shackleton”
Any chance the Gannet could be bought back to life again..or she missing for few important pieces?
By: Joe Petroni - 12th December 2003 at 14:56
Thanks Peter.
Should have read the website a bit more closely, I will check back when you have updated the ‘Shack’ pages.
Do they still have the Vipers fitted? Having all six running would be some noise!!!:eek:
By: pmills - 12th December 2003 at 13:51
Joe,
We are planning two open days in 2004, 26/27 June.
(See the web site for more info and updates)
The problem with engine runs on such public days are the high cost of insurance. This is the reason that it has not been done at the open days in the past two years. We are however hopefull that with a changed format to the open days next year we can include engine runs, and possibly not just the Shackleton. WR982 ran all four at a “private” invitation only event on the 1st of Nov. Although the old girl was b****y stubborn about starting! Conceded in the end though…
Peter Mills
By: Joe Petroni - 12th December 2003 at 12:38
Yes well done Peter, obviously a lot of hard work as gone in to the restoration of the aircraft, and all the more remarkable whebn you consider both aircraft were dismantled and moved by road.
Are you planning any open days in 04 when the aircraft are going to be run?
By: pmills - 12th December 2003 at 11:05
On behalf of those who have worked on this aircraft I thank you for your kind comments. This is mostly due to Peter Vallance himself. The inside is almost complete, its well, fitted out but some of the instruments etc are not correct yet. Although this continues to be a process of trying to get the authentic items in place. Sadly WR974 (K) is not running (YET!) however her sister WR982 is running and again more systems are being brought to life almost weekly. I am shortly going to update the Shackleton web pages to include shots inside both aircraft. For those interested in the Shackleton I can highly recommend the DVD/Video from www.shortfinals.za which is entitled the “Death of Pelican 16” a remarkable and moving story superbly told.
Once again thanks for the kind remarks, its always great when someone appreciates the sometimes lonely work carried out by small museums without the benefit of huge sums (well huge to us!) of publics funds.
Peter Mills on behalf of Gatwick Aviation Museum
By: danohagan - 12th December 2003 at 10:06
Looks excellent from that picture. Too often the smaller collections’ work is overlooked, while larger museums allow rare exhibits to fall into disrepair and end up getting scrapped (Vulcan B1 at Cosford anybody?)
By: Arabella-Cox - 12th December 2003 at 08:04
Yep, been here not when engines running though, got to give credit to these people for keeping our heritage alive with little or no funding.
Edited to add the website
Sign In
December 12, 2003 at 2:36 am