VC Tenderness

Just out of interest what steps were taken to re-home the C1Ks with museums, both in the UK and abroad? I know the VC10 is BIG but…

I’m not a happy bunny, but know that we are not talking Hunter or Lightning…

For insurance purposes it would be good to see two C1Ks preserved – perhaps one as gate guardian to RAF Brize Norton? But I guess that has already been considered.

I thought I read somewhere else that the formation was originally going to be the three remaining C.1Ks (but one going tech) to mark their retirement – is that wrong then?

That is a great picture, as is Keiths.

I think that was the original rumour. It seems the actual plan was, whilst ‘241 was on holiday back up in the UK, to do a final formation with all three remaining models of the ’10. “Bob”, the C1K leading, with a K3 and the K4 behind.

As it happened, ‘108 became ‘241’s “body double” for the day!

I thought I read somewhere else that the formation was originally going to be the three remaining C.1Ks (but one going tech) to mark their retirement – is that wrong then?

That is a great picture, as is Keiths.

I thought the K4 was in the Falklands?

It has been in the UK since 30 July but has been undergoing maintenance at Brize, ZA150 is currently down south to replace it. The formation flight was planned now as this may have been the last opportunity to fly the three types together but on the 28th ZD241 was still groundbound although she was seen on the detuners making noise.

Great photo by the way!

In a very “loose” sense! I think it depends on the definition of passengers!

There’s passengers and there’s passengers… I should’ve stuck the word ‘officially’ in there somewhere I guess. 😀

Unfortunately some tech issue kept the K4 on the ground

I thought the K4 was in the Falklands?

As they looked through Coningsby

VC-10 RETIREMENT PARTY by Gaz West, on Flickr

I know this is wishful thinking in the extreme, but wouldn’t it be great to see the K.4 painted up in its old BOAC ‘Super’ colours before it retires!

And to keep the record straight, the VC10 hasn’t been used in a passenger transport role since 2010.

In a very “loose” sense! I think it depends on the definition of passengers!;):D

Oh alright then ….one of my best from a bad day at Marham yesterday ! … but still 3 VC-10s in formation in 2012 !

Keith 😎

I think a lot of people are going to be going out to see the last of the VC-10s flying.

And perhaps they’ll try again next week? (hint, hint… any RAF personnel reading this? :D)

And if they are, please consider taking in St Athan, still a few people here that would like to see this formation, or even one of the type flying through!

XR808 will go to Cosford, as it was the second oldest VC10, but the first to arrive at Brize, XR807 having undertook acceptance / trials work.

XR808 was handed over on 7 July 1966, together with XR806. Looking at the first flight dates she was the third oldest of the initial RAF batch.

The rest are reduce to produce, think one was offered to Duxford who turned it down, crying Shame really when you think of the plethora of Grimrods rotting away all over the Country, but only 2 VC10’s and several noses.

Well, there’s G-ASGC at Duxford, A4O-AB at Brooklands along with the fuselage of G-ARVM and the test nose section and there will be XR808 at Cosford and another VC10 live at Bruntingthorpe. Looking at the problems museums have in keeping large airliners preserved I would not call that all that bad a situation. There’s also G-ARVF but she’s in Germany.

And to keep the record straight, the VC10 hasn’t been used in a passenger transport role since 2010. The flypast was done this week as this presented the only chance left to get the three types together in the air. Unfortunately some tech issue kept the K4 on the ground but that should not dampen the spirit, the formation still looked great to me (but I’m biased).;) And perhaps they’ll try again next week? (hint, hint… any RAF personnel reading this? :D)

The official plan is still to keep flying until March 2013 but two C1Ks are due for retirement soon which will leave 1 C1K (XR808), 1 K4 and the 4 K3s until March.

XR808 will go to Cosford, as it was the second oldest VC10, but the first to arrive at Brize, XR807 having undertook acceptance / trials work.

One Ten will go to Bruntingthorpe and will remain live as a ground runner / taxier..

The rest are reduce to produce, think one was offered to Duxford who turned it down, crying Shame really when you think of the plethora of Grimrods rotting away all over the Country, but only 2 VC10’s and several noses.

Can someone confirm what is to be preserved? I still think that more than one C1K should be preserved, but they aren’t exactly small.

So much for the Cmk1 the k3 and k4, it turned out one was 108 and another 808 in the formation.

Full retirement is due in March 2013, the type will be used purely as a tanker between now and then.

Thanks; still a chance to see one in the air then. 🙂

I believe it marks the end of the pure RAF C.1K in service, the K.3/4 retiring next year sometime, although Archer will know better.

Is that it then for the VC10; retired from RAF service?

That’s good that she will be preserved then..

The one with the tail art (XR808) is already earmarked to go to Cosford.

Edit: we crossed posts there…

Edit 2: More photos of the three-ship are here: http://www.vc10.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=580 and here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151207455487386.506060.699792385&type=1