Message From Seafuryfan

Update

Hello,

A quick update for you. I’ve identified and finally photographed two aviation parks in Baghdad.

The first one is as described by DB and contrailjj (Dove, L29 etc). It’s situated in the north-western corner of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior (Google Earth, find a large circular monument in the Green Zone and the Iraqi Air Force aviation park lies immediately to the north-west.

The second park is located, at a guess, a couple of kms WNW of the first site, on the south side of a disused airfield. Runway orientation is approximately 120/300 (but you won’t see a runway, just an open area). About a dozen aircraft are sitting on jacks in a circle. At least until the war, they appear to have been well looked after, as they show signs of preservation. Amoung these exhibits is the Fury (camoflaged, as the OFMC/TFC Duxford flying example used to be). The canopy is missing and there is a rope on the outer port wing, I saw a child using it as a swing on one flyby. The entrance to the museum appears to have been walled off and the accompanying single-storey building may be being used as housing. At least the walled off entrance is affording the exhibits some measure of protection (hopefully the curator lives there!).

I have taken photos of both parks and will put them on the net when I return to the UK (shortly). Expect a new thread along the lines of, ‘Baghdad Air Parks- Current Photos’.

keep safe SFF… watch your back and where you put your feet…

I’m going to go out on a limb and assume this would be the same particular location that contains an L-29, MiG-21 and Sukhoi all with rather unique paint jobs in a rather run-down/overgrown out-of-doors setting??

JJ

Could well be the one, contrailjj, in which case it’s known about already. The aircraft is indeed outside and arranged with the others (mainly soviet types) in a circle. IIRC correctly there are about half a dozen aircraft altogether, and I suppose it must be an ISS variant. David, I’ll have a look for the Dove. I’m confident that after my driver’s confidence has built up he’ll go slow enough for some decent photos.

Is Yeovilton really that secret?

Stay safe….

SFF,

So you finally got to Cuba. 😉

Mark

Wonder if it’s the same location with a very old Dove series 1?

keep safe SFF… watch your back and where you put your feet…

I’m going to go out on a limb and assume this would be the same particular location that contains an L-29, MiG-21 and Sukhoi all with rather unique paint jobs in a rather run-down/overgrown out-of-doors setting??

JJ

Hello again everyone. I’ve arrived somewhere hot and sunny, and am able to access the internet.

I’m very excited (much to my colleagues bemusement) to report that I have found what I was looking for: an air park of historic aircraft. Best thing of all, it contains a very intact, sitting on it’s landing gear, single seat Sea Fury. I will try to get some photos to add to this thread when I return in November. This could be a tricky one due to it’s location, but I will pull all required strings to get proof. However, I have seen it with my own eyes – fantastic!

I’m sorry I can’t give any more details. but contributions to the net are monitored and I’m sure you’ll understand the lack of details at the moment.

Cheers,

SFF,
Good luck, hope things go well, I know that posting initiation ceremonies are banned, but do you know what it will be? (more Hubi Schnapps?) 😀 😮

Snapper, you playing for the other team now? And a married man with children too 😮

Moggy

Haha, no. In fact it’s my anniversary today. 60 years I think. Haven’t smoked for 3 days either – wonder how long that’ll last.

… have a good time and bring us back some fags…..!

Snapper, you playing for the other team now? And a married man with children too 😮

Moggy

If it’s where I think it is, then good luck and look after yourself. If it isn’t, have a good time and bring us back some fags…..!

Yes, it’s sure to be going still – this may even be the Bader forum by then….