Haven’t been on here for a while. The eight month ‘detachment’ to Duxford has something to do with that.

Anyway, when I saw C-FHHR mentioned, I had a wry chuckle as memories came flooding back.

“Hey, camlobe. Wanna come for a flight?” asked the chap who was staying in the same hotel as me. Never one to refuse an opportunity to go flying, and as the weather was below our minima for a flight test following the replacement of the port engine on our Dakota, I readily accepted.

We taxied out, Hans, the KLM 747 pilot getting checked out was in the left seat, my hotel drinking buddy was in the right seat, and I had somehow managed to stand, jamming myself into the narrow ‘doorway’, my head in front of the fuel tank selectors, allowing me a view out of the windscreens. Then ATc asked if we could do a flyby of the tower as there was a party of school kids visiting. My buddy heartily agrees the request, and we line up and go. Hans flies the big old bird smoothly and considerately. As we circle the airfield, my buddy says to Hans “drop down and aim between the windsock and the tower”. “OK” says Hans and maintains a perfect 200 feet AGL. “Go on, drop it down”. “OK”. Still 200 feet AGL.

” I have control”. Stick shoved forward, windscreen full of grass, and I am now realising how mortal and fragile human flesh is, and asking myself what colour is adrenaline? And then we level out. And I am convinced that the lower half of the aircraft must be subterrainian. For the first time in my life, I am in an aircraft with the wheels retracted, and I am looking UP at a windsock. Hans is quiet, but sweating profusely. Stick back, and a windscreen full of sky. Phew. “You have control” and a non-eventful flight followed in C-FHHR, the worlds oldest airworthy PBY.

That evening in the hotel bar in Eindhoven, I ask my buddy what he guessed our keel clearance was? Without any delay, he matter-of-factly stated “eight inches”.

Chuck Ellsworth and I continued to drink more beer.

camlobe

Many thanks for your replies and concurrences. The owner is now a happy man.

Then he showed me his Lanc tail wheel assembly complete with almost pristine tyre. And then his B 17 (as in Bristol) turret firing control, etc, etc.

Camlobe

Like many here, I have been following this project thread with fascination, incredulity, awe and admiration. The total package of “breath of fresh air” approach to a seemingly impossible project has been astounding, and congratulations are most definitely in order to the team ‘oop North’. I feel certain that all of us followers have felt that, due to the writings of BB Mike and BB Bill, we have been there, looking over the shoulders of each and every member of the team, and learnt new skills, relearnt patience, and realised that nothing is beyond help. Well, nothing engineering wise at any rate. Thank you.

This ‘sea change’ is not about insurance. It is not about an unsigned contract. Nor is it to do with clash of characters, or dissatisfaction with the end product. All these points are merely smoke screens.

In 2010, the UK Government introduced SDSR 2010. This Strategic Defence and Security Review was an important name choice for budget cutting of the nations armed forces. These scathing cuts affected not just the front line forces, but also led to the closure of many long-established bases, and the reduction or complete removal of assisted funding for non-frontline establishments. It also slashed manning below 1 Star level while increasing it above. The UK armed forces are now reflecting the civilian corporate world with having a disproportionate top-heavy manpower structure never seen before.

Next year, we will welcome SDSR 2015. You can work out what kind of changes are coming.

Taking the above in context with the Barra project, what is happening is nowadays termed ‘protectionism’. The FAAM will try and bring the Barra home to roost, and along with any other ongoing projects, use these as ammunition in their attempt to secure sufficient funding from any and all sources to keep the museum, and help the RN keep Yoevilton. Yes, the future risks are that big.

So, take heart everyone. It isn’t just about the Barra. There is a lot more at risk.

Camlobe

Beech Staggerwing.

Very impressive pics of the Lincoln and the Lanc with three feathered. Seem to remember seeing a pic and a film clip of a Shack circa early ’50’s at Farnborough doing similar…with an ASR lifeboat underneath, and the runner was the starboard outer. That was really impressive.

Camlobe

D1566,
You are very welcome. It was one of those occasions that was memorable for all the best reasons.

Camlobe