Hi all.
My first post in the historical section.
I just wondered (if anyone agrees that the current restoration work on the ex Air France/Air Inter Viscount) if its at all possible to get 2 x Rolls Royce Darts in running order ? according to the web site, that is what they plan, however, these engines have perhaps not been run since the early-mid 70s and with the lack of Viscount spares around, it would seem very difficult to be able to get 2 engines running once the restoration is complete.
A friend of mine, a former BEA/Northeast airlines(uk) pilot told me that the dart engine is very robust, but can soon corrode if left in cold damp conditions, being as this viscounthas sat in a part of the country where its generally cold and damp most of the year, I wonder what type of condition these engines are in now.
I suppose they could try and get spares from the viscount at Tenerife, but these are the more powerful darts seen on the V800 viscounts.
Whats everyones thoughts.
P.s I notice the viscount web site has not been updated for a while, has all restoration work come to an end ?
By: robmac - 21st March 2008 at 05:50
As Martin has already stated, Victoria Lynne is still a very lively project and although things have not been updated on the site we all have our reasons for this and I can safely say that Martin has his hands tied up with other issues, i.e. his wife to be and house move, but this project is certainly not at any stopping point.
Martin has paid considerable attention to Vicky even though he has other things to do and he is not alone. The project has a huge following with other members and hopefully things will take a turn for the better very soon.
Keep watching the site and updates will arrive.
By: Arabella-Cox - 18th March 2008 at 19:56
That is great to hear about the sponsor Martin, speaking from someone who had been inside Vicky at MAM i can attest to the work done and the work left to do but it is a great aircraft.
I will have to let you know about the Meet though as i might be working.
curlyboy
By: Lindy's Lad - 18th March 2008 at 17:19
Nordjet, obviously I can’t comment on the specific project – there are far more qualified people than me (i.e. actually running the project).
However, as an aircraft engineer I can say with absolute certainty that anything can be made to run again providing the skills are present. Corrosion can be removed, and parts replaced or manufactured. Airworthiness is an altogether different subject, but ground running?… no problem.
All the best to the Viscount guys..:D
By: Phantom Phixer - 18th March 2008 at 16:29
Cheers Peter,
I have some pics of some of the work completed so far, so will do a posting when time allows.
I agree with your comments Jon, my excuse been a house move, a wedding to plan and earning a living. And how could I forget also spending time with Mrs Phantom Phixer to be.
For those that maybe interested and Im sure that the Vickers Viscount net guys wont mind me telling you about this we are having a Viscount meet at the museum in April. If anyone wants further details please drop me a pm.
By: Peter - 18th March 2008 at 16:20
Phantom Phixer,
Great to hear you are making progress with her restoration! It will be good to see the old girl go back together.
By: Jon H - 18th March 2008 at 16:12
Sit tight and see what the guys who are doing the work say – they all post on here!
Websites can be a blessing and a curse. Take ours for example – according to that the last time we worked on the Brit was October 27th. In reality we have done tons of work but due to our webmaster having a baby daughter arrive has meant no time to update things.
By: Phantom Phixer - 18th March 2008 at 16:08
Your are quite correct that the www hasnt been updated for a while. One of the things that I really must get on top off.
Has work stopped on the project?
Well Im sat here freezing cold with dirty hands and cut knuckles after a days work on her so I can safely say that work has not stopped on her. 😀
The winter has been spent working on parts of the airframe that are not on public display. Various Black boxes from the cockpit section, co-pilots seat and a few other bits and bobs.
Also the winter period has found us in a great position with a number of freebies been donated, the best been that we have found a sponsor who is providing crane hire to put the old girl back together in a couple of months time.
Sign In
March 18, 2008 at 3:50 pm