Theft from Vulcan XJ823

Well if I remember rightly, XJ823 was delivered into retirement at Carlisle by Neil McDougall – whose previous Vulcan trips included Black Buck 5 and also 6 – with it’s unscheduled detour to Rio. So it’s possible the Pope’s smile might indeed be a bit rigid if he was ever to pop in.

The fact the Pope is an Argentine I’m sure is of no relevance.

Really good news that it wasn’t more serious: she’s a gem.

And I’m sure the Pope won’t take it personally when he visits…

Just to update

Thanks for the concern everyone. Just to clarify, although there was evidence of what appears to be preparation for theft, no significant items have been taken. We have suffered minor theft in the past. The Vulcan remains open to the public and is the only one in the UK where you can arrive at the museum and guarantee you will get a tour. We close at the end of this month for our winter recess and open again on 25th March 2016. Check the webpage for further details.

To expand a little. The incident that primarily concerned us was the unscrewing/loosening of mounting screws to the periscope on the engineer’s station which was clearly the action of an adult with intent rather than a thoughtless opportunist. Although we would be at pains to not attribute blame too quickly, the incident was reported shortly after a photographer was granted exclusive entry for a photo-shoot. It could be coincidence, maybe we had not noticed before. We have since briefed all our staff that no-one, including the Pope, is allowed into the cockpit without direct supervision.

From a post on Facebook…Apparently some scumbag stole some items from XJ823 recently.. relief tubes and unscrewed and removed part of the aeo’s panel.. please keep an eye out for anything online and let the museum know if anything shows up for sale?

Hi All,
Such a shame that some retard thinks that helping himself to someone else’s hard worked on and looked after by volunteers aircraft is o.k. because it’s there. Yet again spoiling enjoyment for others with this single narrow minded individual, absolutely disgusting especially when you think it’s in the 75th BoB anniversary year and it coincides with XH558 last ever season just shoot the *******s….:mad:

Geoff.

It was on a post on facebook of someones young lad in the cockpit and they mentioned the thefts and that you couldnt go into the cockpit anymore?

Carlisle, Cumbria.

It’s the one at Carlisle: real shame for them as she’s immaculate inside.
There’s nothing on their own (Solway Aviation Museum) Facebook page about it – perhaps Peter can post the link he’s seen?

For clarity Peter, what part of the world is that particular Vulcan in?