Duxford Sunday 1st January:
A new year, and a new thread where I hope to record events at Duxford on a regular basis. Any contributions, corrections, comments and updates are always welcome.
Although there’s plenty to look forward to in 2012, it’s pretty quiet at the moment, so I thought I would start the thread with a Birthday. On January 1st 1965, Duxford’s Super VC-10 G-ASGC made her maiden flight from Weybridge to Wisley. After only 14 years in service, she arrived at Duxford in 1980, and has been parked on ‘Airliner Row’ ever since:
The aircraft is owned by DAS, who have been fighting the elements for over 30 years:
DAS volunteers open the VC-10 to the public regularly, allowing a sight of the flight deck:
A close inspection reveals one engine throttled back. On leaving Heathrow for delivery to Duxford on April 15th 1980, Captain Bill Outram was forced to shut down one engine, making the last of 16,415 landings on three engines:
The passenger cabin has a very 1970’s feel:
Only two engines are presently installed:
Last passenger flight was Amsterdam-Heathrow on 22-10-79 (total hours 54,623)
Here is an early shot of G-ASGC at Heathrow in August 1965 (next four shots from Tony Clarke):
Later in her career, wearing British Airways colours at Heathrow in April 1977:
These photos shows ‘GC in May and July 1980, shortly after arrival at Duxford:
Such a long exposure to the weather is bound to take its toll, DAS have worked wonders to keep ‘GC in good condition. However, her long term future depends on volunteers and a regular cash flow- DAS and the VC-10 need you !
Can anyone confirm the date she was repainted at Duxford ? Photos welcome !
By: Moggy C - 1st January 2013 at 11:23
From myself personally, and the rest of the moderators a huge thank you to all the contributors to what we consider one of the jewels of Historic.
Now closed and awaiting the emergence of its 2013 version.
Moggy
By: flygg - 1st January 2013 at 11:07
when, where since 1917
Many thanks to DCW, Duxman, Pen Pusher plus all of the contributors.
Personally my favourite out of the last set of photographs of 2012 by DCW has to be the Albatross and Nieuport 17. Two opponents from the same era in the sky together … when, where since 1917 … Duxford 🙂
By: Bruce - 31st December 2012 at 23:46
Coo, 20 years ago; where did that go!
248 was one of my first Spitfires, but not my last. Hopefully, that moment wont come for a few years yet.
14 mins to go – Happy New Year one and all.
Bruce
By: pmpat - 31st December 2012 at 20:01
Thx for an intrsting thread…
Can`n t wait for next year..
Happy new year to all in this thread. Hope to see you on Legends 2013 😉
By: Yak 11 Fan - 31st December 2012 at 19:28
Just to echo the thoughts of all others who have contributed and enjoyed this thread over the past year both in the UK and worldwide. Living locally to DX for past ???? years has its benefits particularly when one can get ones daily exercise at what is a unique active museum airfield and meet up with fellow enthusiasts and invariable see some form of aircraft activity. Thanks therefore to DCW for all his efforts,hardwork and research and of course his company on many visits during the year.
The last day of the year rarely sees much activity and today looks to be no different with rain and windy conditions. 20 years ago today however saw what is believed to be the first visit to Duxford of one its more familiar warbirds – Spitfire XVIe TD248 / G-OXVI. Its restoration was completed at Audley End by Historic Flying for Eddie Coventry and it made its first flight on the 10/11/92 proceeding to Cambridge where it was based until at least mid February 1993.
Seen here landing at Cambridge on 10/11/92 after its first flight. The writer just happened to be present at the time !!
Then on the 31/12/1992 it has heard routing into DX from Cambridge and was captured there in somewhat gloomy winter conditions.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year which undoubtedly promises more activity and surprises.
See you at– Duxford 2013
DUXMAN
That was the best 248 ever looked, had a good deal of fun looking after her and her Russian stable mates
By: B-17 Buff - 31st December 2012 at 18:52
Thank you gents, this really is a fantastic thread as many have said before for those that cannot be there day to day…
By: AnthonyG - 31st December 2012 at 18:43
Thank you guys for such a great thread. Its good for us guys over this side of the planet (New Zealand) to see all the great activity.
Whilst my Auster T7 rebuild keeps me poor, I hope to one day make it over to see all these planes ‘in the flesh’ one day!
Thanks again everyone
Anthony
By: Peter D Evans - 31st December 2012 at 15:17
…and my thanks to DCK, Brian (PenPusher) and all the other regular posters here for their sterling work in keeping us updated with what’s going on at Dux… 🙂
Happy New Year to everybody
Pete
By: bomberflight - 31st December 2012 at 14:55
One last image from me too for 2012 🙂
By: Stevie90 - 31st December 2012 at 14:27
Thank you once again DCW and all who have contributed to the thread. I particularly like the last shot of Sally B, really emphasises what a special sight she is.
Happy New Year to all !!!
By: Moggy C - 31st December 2012 at 13:59
Only so i get Legends date on it and the leave booked before anyone else !!
In 2013 IWM Dux will be hosting four air shows:
Spring Air Show, 26 May
Flying Legends Air Show, 13-14 July
The Duxford Air Show, 7-8 September
Autumn Air Show, 13 October
Moggy
Sorry to hear about the job issues. Hope you get fixed up soon.
By: Duxman - 31st December 2012 at 13:40
Just to echo the thoughts of all others who have contributed and enjoyed this thread over the past year both in the UK and worldwide. Living locally to DX for past ???? years has its benefits particularly when one can get ones daily exercise at what is a unique active museum airfield and meet up with fellow enthusiasts and invariable see some form of aircraft activity. Thanks therefore to DCW for all his efforts,hardwork and research and of course his company on many visits during the year.
The last day of the year rarely sees much activity and today looks to be no different with rain and windy conditions. 20 years ago today however saw what is believed to be the first visit to Duxford of one its more familiar warbirds – Spitfire XVIe TD248 / G-OXVI. Its restoration was completed at Audley End by Historic Flying for Eddie Coventry and it made its first flight on the 10/11/92 proceeding to Cambridge where it was based until at least mid February 1993.
Seen here landing at Cambridge on 10/11/92 after its first flight. The writer just happened to be present at the time !!
Then on the 31/12/1992 it has heard routing into DX from Cambridge and was captured there in somewhat gloomy winter conditions.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year which undoubtedly promises more activity and surprises.
See you at– Duxford 2013
DUXMAN
By: wamb17 - 31st December 2012 at 12:49
Yes a big thank you from me to all involved in providing us with excellent Updates on Duxford and the resident warbirds. It’s been a great year at DX. I’d like to thank all the guys who work at DX that keep such an amazing place alive with living history. Thanks to all the engineers from all the diffrent company’s who give there time giving these old birds there much deserved TLC..
Thank you and a very Happy New Year to all…..
By: 8674planes - 31st December 2012 at 12:27
My thanks to DCW,Pen Pusher,Duxman and all of the contributers to this thread for the fantastic photographs and information. Bring on 2013!
By: Bob - 31st December 2012 at 10:37
I promise not to out-scoop David (DCW) in 2013 – well maybe just once. Or twice….
🙂
See you somewhere around DX…
By: charliehunt - 31st December 2012 at 07:19
Wonderful, wonderful – and thanks to all who contribute to make this the most consistently enjoyable thread in the forum ( with Lindy in 2nd place!!:)). I look forward to the 2013 thread in eager anticipation! Happy New Year to all.
By: pimpernel - 31st December 2012 at 07:07
The best thread of the year for me, very informative and well documented.
Thanks to all those involved, all the work, time and effort providing up to date info and movements at Duxford during 2012.
Finally – the photos, excellent work by all contributors.
Thank you:D:D:D
Brian.
By: Avro Avian - 31st December 2012 at 06:59
Well done fellas!
Many thanks again to DCW, Pen Pusher (with his sidelines as Aeroplane Pusher and Chock :D) and all the others who have made this wonderful thread possible this year. All the best for 2013!
By: steve jaksic - 31st December 2012 at 05:02
To All involved with this forum and DCW and associates. Many thanks, looking forward to 2013. Hope to get back to Duxford from W.A. one day soon.
By: alohha1234 - 30th December 2012 at 23:15
DCW that last picture has to be a classic truly inspiring especially as this year was the 70th anniversary of the USAAF arrival in east anglia.
Thank you for starting this thread its bookmarked so the first page i log onto bring on 2013
Happy New Year
Chris
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January 1, 2012 at 11:11 am