Duxford disposals

re;

(air space, milestones of flight & the BofB beacon) to put their name to the fore.

curlyboy[/QUOTE]

Is that ridiculous beacon idea still going ahead? Where on earth is the money coming from? A fraction of the money could be used to save and relocate one or preferably all of the famous Radar masts

Hi,

Reading this thread, i have some questions. On the list there above is a Gypsy Major, does anyone know if its still available? if so who do i have to i have to contact at the IWM?

Thanks in advance

Will J

Might help if you spell it correctly, its a GIPSY!!!!:diablo:

Well he does say longest serving ‘Growler’, but if he means still RAF owned it’s still a long way behind WL795 and WR960, both seen around 28 years service.

However as I said in the other thread, XF708 really should be kept at IWM or moved to another national collection, where presently no Shackleton is on display.

Where on earth do you get your information?

Mk.3 XF708, entered RAF service Mar 59, delivered to Kemble Jan 72, just under 13 years servivce. to IWM Duxford

Mk.3 WR977, entered RAF service Sep 57, delivered to Finningley Nov 71, just over 14 years servivce.

MR/AEW.2 WL747, entered RAF service Mar 53, delivered to Pathos July 91, just over 38 years servivce.

I think Firebex is making the supposition that XF708 is still owned by the RAF…

The IWM tried to offer out the Shackleton until they where told in no uncertain terms IT IS NOT THEIRS to start with it is the longest serving growler on the books of the RAF.

Where on earth do you get your information?

Mk.3 XF708, entered RAF service Mar 59, delivered to Kemble Jan 72, just under 13 years servivce. to IWM Duxford

Mk.3 WR977, entered RAF service Sep 57, delivered to Finningley Nov 71, just over 14 years servivce.

MR/AEW.2 WL747, entered RAF service Mar 53, delivered to Pathos July 91, just over 38 years servivce.

Couldn’t the Varstity be a possible contender as a ground runner at somewher like Brunty?
Strange how props aren’t as populor for this as jets are.

Hope to God it does get saved, along with Sea Venom.

The Sea Venom can be moved as a wide load with wings folded, and booms removed.

The Vampire is dismantled and will go on a medium sized Hi-ab truck.

Bruce

If we dont win either if someone here does and is stuck for moving let us know we have some very usefull trailers and tackle that could move either plus other transport options at without mentioning the M word unbeatable rates of exchange.that is for coming North of the Midlands.

Mike E

www.aircraftrestorationgroup.webs.com

Realistically I don’t see much chance of the Varsity being saved unless a museum like Elvington takes an interest. I hope initially the tender excludes scrap merchants otherwise the Varsity might well be the second one to die at Duxford in twenty years!

It depends how much aluminium and mixed metal is assessed to be in her and the current price. It may be that scrap value outweighs by large numbers the historic value to a collection.Or collector and there is also the risk of someone buying it to cut the nose off (sorry cockpit collectors no offence)and then selling the rest to get their money back plus a big wedge to spend on something else.

mike E

The Sea Venom can be moved as a wide load with wings folded, and booms removed.

The Vampire is dismantled and will go on a medium sized Hi-ab truck.

Bruce

Realistically I don’t see much chance of the Varsity being saved unless a museum like Elvington takes an interest. I hope initially the tender excludes scrap merchants otherwise the Varsity might well be the second one to die at Duxford in twenty years!

The Storch would have fitted in well at either East Fortune (in place of their Criquet) or Middle Wallop.

Sadsack -the Vampire and Sea Venom are about the easiest you can get in terms of moving an aircraft -any collection could afford to move them. I dont think anyone should worry about either being scrapped -there will be multiple bids in for them.

What I’d like to know is when did the submarine in the Air Sea hangar last fly from Duxford….

………..The IWM tried to offer out the Shackleton until they where told in no uncertain terms IT IS NOT THEIRS to start with it is the longest serving growler on the books of the RAF….

What is believed to be ‘The’ longest serving Mk3 Phase 3, left the RAF’s books in May 1977 as part of the ‘Silver Jubilee Cull’ at RAF Finningley. 😉

It’s all in the books! 😀

Mike this link about sealed bids was first posted in #183 in this thread

http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections-review/disposals/sealed-bid-disposals-june-2012

Thanks TwinnOtter on their way.

Mike E

The surveys make very interesting reading on the various aircraft ,very interested to see what their view of very poor condition is compared with what most of us think is um not bad we can do a lot with that.I think they expect it to be pristine for ever without having to do out to it.

as for a comment earlier up the pile on the Shackleton.Just to restate what was said miles ago on another posting .The IWM tried to offer out the Shackleton until they where told in no uncertain terms IT IS NOT THEIRS to start with it is the longest serving growler on the books of the RAF.

How to make friends and influence people !!!!!!!!!

By the way possibly a post for another section but is it right that there is trouble at mill at MOSI and some of their aircraft may be on the way out ??.I have been told this now by three different people and one of them is right on the spot so to speak.(sorry MODS if you want to move this last bit to a new post)

Mike E

Yes, it is open to individuals and museums, so if you are interested, then give them a call and organise an inspection.

Thanks as always Bruce offers/bids gone in we might get lucky with one of them.Not holding my breath.

Still looking for a Goblin engine Complete for a Vampire if anyone knows to one as Xd547 is missing its engine.

Mike E

I had a quick wander round Hangar 3 this morning and the Sea Hawk, Sea Venom, Sea Vixen, Gannet, Buccaneer, Wasp and Sea King make a coherent Cold War collection of naval aircraft. Arguably they replicate Yeovilton but perhaps Duxford has a different catchment area and it would seem a shame to break up the collection.

Yes, it is open to individuals and museums, so if you are interested, then give them a call and organise an inspection.

Mike this link about sealed bids was first posted in #183 in this thread

http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections-review/disposals/sealed-bid-disposals-june-2012