Went camping at the weekend down to Woodhall Spa and the road from Coningsby back to woodhall Spa in a farmers field was this poor looking thing a Hunter i think?
Didn’t have the camera it’s about 1/4 a mile up from the old raf base between the base and the pub on the corner on the same side as the base, what’s it’s history do you know?
And a great thanks to the pilots of the BBMF for giving my lad a spitfire map of targets on the Sunday he was well chuffed they took the time to talk to the kids and answer questions very well done to them.!!
By: Arabella-Cox - 17th August 2012 at 16:57
Looking through my logs, the last time I saw XL578 was at the Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Display, 14 Sept.,1963. Coded ES-89 and belonging to 229 OCU, RAF Chivenor. I think she was in the static park and not flying.
Jim
By: Deskpilot - 17th August 2012 at 03:20
Had time on my hands so I decided to check out my version of GoogleEarth. Found the Lightning but no sign of the Hunter. However, a few miles up the road is the Petwood Spa Hotel, ex 617 Dambusters Sqdn Officers Mess. Now owned jointly by some cousins on my mothers side. One day, I’ll get back to Blighty and look them up. Only found them 2 years ago and now regularly talk on Skype. Just sent them an e-mail querying the ‘T’ in the trees. Any ideas?
By: piston power! - 16th August 2012 at 22:28
Thats good i had no intention of trespassing i may take you up on that next time im over that way.:)
By: dh82jon - 16th August 2012 at 21:10
Hi all
Yeah she is still there and made from 3 hunters (XL578 XG290 and a mystery wing, most of the missing parts for the old girl are in my shed and when I can get my trusty forklift (air portable eager beaver) down there I shall put them on:). Was hoping to put the screens in this sunday with my friend and co-owner but see how we go as its not top of my list this year (family problems). Trying to get her looking a bit more complete then I can move the old lady to my garden where she can stand proud once again (with a lick of paint). If anyone knows of a rudder or nosecone we are in need :confused: and some fairings around the fin but thats about it really now. Anyway please dont trespass but if you PM me i can sort something out easily (next door keeps his eye on her and is a top man for doing so) and when she is finished and moved to a safer and happier location people can come look no problems.
Jon
By: Thunderbird167 - 15th August 2012 at 10:56
dh82jon is the man
By: Groundcrew - 15th August 2012 at 10:16
It has been there a couple of years , as mentioned it is a composite from 4 different craft I believe, it is about a mile up the road from the Lightning at Thorpe Camp.
By: CIRCUS 6 - 15th August 2012 at 10:02
Yep, it’s definately where PP said, I’ve passed it a few times. Missing a windscreen and various panels if I remember correctly.
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August 14, 2012 at 7:08 pm