TwinOtter23…,

I’m sorry – now I have revisited my previous post. It does sound very negative. Of course, the two issues I spoke about were outside of NAM’s control.

There has indeed been some very good work done over the last twelve months by you and the rest of the team at Winthorpe. Off the top of my head:

Vulcan B2 XM594 – 40th anniversary of her arrival. I was there when she arrived.

The museums 50th anniversary of first opening. My first visit was during the early Spring, following the opening. Until a decade ago I had visited 3 or 4 times a year. Following a work-related move to the West, I haven’t visited since COVID restrictions. But I keep an eye on activities.

Vulcan B2 XM594 – 60th anniversary of entry to service.

Shackleton MR3/3 WR977 – Excellent work carried out on the nose section with still more to do on the rest of the airframe.

NAM has many exhibits from the Cold War. This timeframe is my “specialist” area of aviation history. Many of my school chums had Vulcan aircrew dad’s who served in the 1960’s and 1970’s at RAF Waddington. I guess that was what started my interest in aviation and the Cold War in particular.

Following my joining the RAF in mid-1974. My first posting was to RAF Binbrook (North Lincolnshire). Where I served with the Lighting QRA force. During my time there I flew in Lightning T5 XS417 no less than five times. She too is, of course, one of your Cold War exhibits.

Keep up the good work in 2024 and beyond.

It was going to move from SDA – and by road. The details are in this thread. However, the local authority have purchased the site and granted XH558 a right of stay.

But if you are talking about it moving to Scampton the first hoop to jump throu’ is in the hands of the Home Office and pending legal action WLDC/SHL v Home Office date TBC.

The possibility of it ever flying again was done and dusted some months ago by the CAA.

TwinOtter23.Mk.19,

I was just wondering do you report on the activities of/at NAM in an official capacity?

Sorry to hear about the fate of Canberra PR7 WH791. It is one of the PR7’s I never got the pleasure of flying in. However, it was on the gate at TTTE Cottesmore when I arrived there in mid-1984. Having later been sold to a private collector and placed on display at NAM. The owner then refused to engage with the museum about its condition.

Its condition on arrival, at NAM, was not good. There is a set of gate guard maintenance instructions – but they often don’t see the light of day. Once rain water gains entry the humidity, within the structure, goes up and I’m afraid the airframe(s) begin to rot from the inside. Sad end but pleasing to know that certain parts will be reused on other restoration projects. 

WLDC have stated they intend to appeal the recent High Court ruling against them.  So its back to Court in the new year.  Lets hope common sense will be seen this time. Good luck WLDC and SHL.

Just heard the High Court has ruled against WLDC and SHL. The Home Office’s illegal continuance, of work, was acceptable! Initially the plan was for 1 year (I believe I read somewhere) is now for 3 years starting 2024.

Haven’t heard from SHL yet but I fear their plans for the site may well be cancelled. A very sad day for the legendary Scampton site.

Just been informed that WLDC have issued a temporary STOP NOTICE on further development of the former RAF Scampton site.

The notice was issued under Sect 171E of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It was issued at 07.00 today (8 Sep 23) and can last for up to 28 days. 

There is concern that ground works, being carried out on the site, will alter the historic heritage of the site. The Home Office have refused to engage with WLDC in order that the works can be understood and risk managed against potential damage to the site.

Further work on the site would be a serious offence against Sect 171G of the said act. 

So it was an unplanned ……..

Whilst this equipment, SkyEcho, has been around for a few years now, I have not seen it before. A great aid to situational awareness. Developed for the GA market.

My background of fast-jets and the Chinook use a system under the generic title of TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System). However, the limited space available in BBMF aircraft I suppose needs another – just as capable solution.

But don’t try using, SkyEcho, it in the USA!!!