I uploaded a video of the aircraft’s return to Binbrook yesterday. You can see it here via my blog: A Warrior Returns.

There are are plans for some of us from the LPG to go over soon and give her a once over, waxoil, clean up etc and also do a recce to see what needs to be sorted prior to an anti det run some time before the end of 08.

That’s really good to hear.

We’ve recently moved our office up to Binbrook camp. I can offer access to a kettle, mugs and teabags galore :D. Also shelter from the bitter winter we suffer up hear on the Wolds which seems to start in September!

Iain
PlanesTV

Ian – The problem is a 747 flying to the U.S is carrying quite a few more passengers than the Vulcan can plus the passengers of the 747 are paying for the privledge. I don’t think it’s got to charging the crew of the Vulcan yet for the privledge! Regards funding they are at £82,000 so far – with a good push thye can probably achieve enough money to keep her safely in the hangar and out of the air!

David – I appreciate that the fundamental problem is a financial one and me making comparisons with 747s isn’t going to solve that. I just think Paul raises an interesting point and that a carbon neutral vulcan (or any other display aircraft for that matter) might make for a more attractive sponsorship package. I’ve no idea how viable that is, which was half the reason for making the point here amongst those that might. 🙂

Yup, one of the first members here, was at the first Lightning Rally at Binners in July(?) 89 and then at Cranfield in Sept 89 helping Adrian with the club stand and Barry P with ‘showing off’ of the 6 x Lightnings. Seem to recall a group photo of us all appeared in Flypast at the time.

Hi Firebird, I’ve been delving through boxes looking for that Flypast issue. No luck, but I have just found an archived copy of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph, the front cover featuring XR724 and ‘Pilot’s Pal model Caroline’ ! I don’t suppose time has taken the same toll on her looks… 🙂

XP701 was airlifted from Binbrook to Kent by a USAF HH-53

Beat me to it Tim.

I’ve been avoiding posting this pic of 724. Taken mid october on my mobile.

The aircraft is now fenced in on private land and not open to the public

My dad started the Lightning Association back in the day and THIS aircraft and those early Lightning Rallies at Binbrook are what sparked my interest in aviation.

Are there any old Lighting Association members out there?

Iain

One of my most memorable flying experiences involved a Connie. My dad filmed the MATS Constellation European tour in 1998. During its Swiss leg he took the opportunity to do some air-to-air over the alps and dragged me (14 at the time) and my smile up too 😀 That was special – if a little bumpy! 😮

Please forgive the shameless plug but that tour DVD is currently DVD of the Month which means its selling for £2.49 rather than £15.99.

I believe the MATS connie in now on static display in S.Korea, a real shame as far as I’m concerned… Its probably been asked before but how many flyers are there left?

Because the runway is so long it doesn’t need to – it looks like a ****** to pack 🙂