Sad to read this, one hoped that they would get a lucky break somehow. The next best option must surely be a museum now, preferably under cover. The volunteers made a big difference, and brought it back from dereliction.
”Its with a heavy heart and great sadness that we as a society and charity must announce the closure of our beloved society. Despite the unwavering dedication and efforts of our members, we have come to the difficult realization that it is no longer economically feasible to continue our project.
During the last three years and in particular during the Covid pandemic all of our grants and funding which was promised was subsequently withdrawn and redirected to Covid related causes.
During this time the members and volunteered did their very best to keep the project alive and in fact managed to get three engines running after rebuilding the number three engine during this period.
The extreme elements have also taken its toll on the airframe and a recent survey uncovered the need to replace the main spar and wings of our aircraft should we want to get it to flight condition. The estimated cost for this repair alone exceeds £300,000, and there is uncertainty about the extent of other potential corrosion issues that we would uncover. After careful consideration and consultation, we have determined that proceeding with such a significant financial burden would not be prudent.
In light of this decision, we are currently in the process of donating our ground equipment to the Sally B aircraft, ensuring that our resources are put to good use within the aviation community. Additionally, any remaining funds will be donated to the Veterans Foundation, in honour of the brave men and women who served our country.
On behalf of the committee, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our members for their unwavering support throughout this journey. In particular, I want to acknowledge the dedication of our weekend engineering team, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in our endeavours.
While it saddens us to say goodbye, we can take pride in knowing that we gave it our best shot. The memories and camaraderie shared within our society will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Thank you once again for your support, and may we all continue to cherish our shared passion for aviation in whatever paths we pursue.
The C-54 Skymaster Society and Charitable Trust.” 16 Feb 2024
By: mark_pilkington - 9th March 2024 at 21:11
Static display DC-4’s have been moved before – surely there is a suitable museum collection it can join and be preserved and displayed long term somewhere?
By: Sabrejet - 27th February 2024 at 20:39
God that’s depressing: I saw it fly a few times and now that’s all that’s left.
By: Prop Strike - 27th February 2024 at 19:40
At White Waltham 2021.
By: TEXANTOMCAT2 - 27th February 2024 at 16:41
Ah turns out Stuart got it from Wings and he sold it on to Shoot Aviation
By: TEXANTOMCAT2 - 27th February 2024 at 16:10
I’ll check with Stu as he had it at his farm!
TT
By: FarlamAirframes - 27th February 2024 at 13:30
This was the C119 at North Weald that went to Wings Museum and then a new home and is now a film prop.
https://www.wingsmuseum.co.uk/our-work/aircraft-restoration/fairchild-c…
By: TEXANTOMCAT2 - 27th February 2024 at 12:51
Didnt Stuart Gowans save a C119 cockpit from NW?
TT
By: ericmunk - 27th February 2024 at 10:42
Apart form the C-119 reported as broken up, and the cockpit saved, there’s this:
Fairchild C-119F N3267U, North Weald, 07May89 | This 1953-vi… | Flickr
(other one is in the background). Said aircraft ended up in Namibian desert for the remake of Flight of The Phoenix.
By: bazv - 27th February 2024 at 07:58
Beware Links from pop up/new members above ^
By: Pects1961 - 26th February 2024 at 04:56
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to preserving aviation history, and may the legacy of The C-54 Skymaster Society live on in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts everywhere.
By: FKA Trolley Aux - 23rd February 2024 at 08:28
Was there not two Box, Nort at North Weald, definiately one flew out, I was there but I cannot for the life of me remember what, twin boom, and possibly it was red
By: Liner1955 - 23rd February 2024 at 01:38
The dedication of volunteers like those in the C-54 Skymaster Society deserves recognition, even if the project couldn’t reach its ultimate goal.
Pilotweb.aero: https://www.key.aero/article/north-weald-c-54-skymaster-update basket random
By: adrian_gray - 22nd February 2024 at 22:27
Thank you for the correction, Fargo Boyle!
Thank goodness someone knows what they are talking about, because I obviously don’t!
By: Fargo Boyle - 22nd February 2024 at 19:03
The Noratlas/Boxcar was actually a C-119 Packet which left North Weald in bits. However the cockpit section was rescued by the Wings Museum in Sussex. More details here
Fairchild C-119 ‘Packet’ Cockpit Section Salvage | Wings Aviation Museum (wingsmuseum.co.uk)
By: FKA Trolley Aux - 22nd February 2024 at 13:38
ahhh, yes, Noratlas, struggled to get out of ground effect.
you are correct, cheers Adrian. It was a long time ago
By: adrian_gray - 22nd February 2024 at 12:46
I have to say that I thought the Boxcar left in pieces too. I had a vague feeling it was a Noratlas but Im often wrong.
By: FKA Trolley Aux - 22nd February 2024 at 08:49
For some reason I always thought the other C-54 flew out but I was obviously mixed up with the Boxcar
Photo Credit, not mine but happy to credit if we know
By: FKA Trolley Aux - 20th February 2024 at 14:42
I did hear this was possibly happening, knowing a former worker on the aircraft I had pointed him to the great work at East Kirkby and rebuilding wings to a taxiable condition, he realised it was never going to fly again.
How long has it been at north Weald outside? It must be over 20 years and obviously there was a second one.
it is very sad to see, but, what is it worth as it stands?
how much to try and transport it elsewhere?
Who and where would be happy to take it on?
By: cometguymk1 - 19th February 2024 at 08:32
It is sad to see this project wound up as pre covid they were making some progress on her. Big transport aircraft sadly aren’t seen as sexy even though they are the same vintage as many prised aircraft types (Just ask the guys at Cov when they wound up Classic flight).
By: Beau - 19th February 2024 at 04:38
Sad news indeed, a shame considering the role played by these aircraft during and after war.
It’s also sad to see the snide comments in this page
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February 16, 2024 at 3:21 pm