Victor grazing at Gaydon

Was anyone else at RAF Gaydon in 1962/63(?) when one of four Victors made a mess-up of a mock 4-minute scramble?

I think it was the second aircraft to move forward off the ORP (operational readiness platform) that carried on straight across the runway until the nosewheel ran off the far side and sank into the grass. How we laughed!!!

The RAF were extremely embarrassed but the laugh was on us, the audience, as the presence of a Handley Page Victor stuck partially across the end of the runway severely curtailled the rest of the flying programme.

I have to say though, other years when it worked as it should it was damned exciting.

Roger Smith.

I’ve just had word that the Vimy has landed safely at Turweston.

That’s great news – will have to pass Turweston on way to Woburn tomorrow (sorry that’s now today) so might call in to see if it’s beat us there.

Roger Smith.

Yup. Overhaul going on at Dunsfold today and yesterday. Engine runs later today, moving to Turweston on Friday (Don’t know time yet) and then Woburn at weekend.

Melv

Any update on how the Vimy is getting on????

308 Squadron, as you probably already know, were based for about six months at Baginton (Sep, 40 to May, 41) for protection of Coventry and the industrial Midlands.
Several members of the Squadron are buried in the local churchyard, including three that apparently ran towards a descending parachute (at night?) not knowing it was a air-mine.
I think the local Polish community have a memorial ceremony in the churchyard each year.
Try contacting the Midland Air Museum who should be able to furnish more details of 308’s time at Baginton.
There is also an ATC Squadron based at Baginton – No. 84 (2nd City of Coventry) Squadron if that’s any use.

Roger Smith.

grrrrreat – enjoyed them a lot
Roger Smith.

Have just bought a reel of 8mm film off ebay taken at Finningley in 1981.
Have got to go around to a mate’s house to watch it as I haven’t got a projector!

Roger Smith.

I hope Pathfinder appreciates the leg-pulling that has gone on and is not offended by it.

Thanks Pathfinder for bringing this to our attention – I, myself, won’t be bidding for them but have enjoyed looking at them.

Roger Smith.

Breese trainers on flight line – 1918

Specifications:
Wingspan: 14’4″
Length: 19’2″
Top Speed: 35 mph
Engine: 28hp Lawrance

On Loan: Friend’s For Long Island’s Heritage

Breese Penguin
Farmingdale, 1918

During World War One the Army wanted to develop a non-flying trainer which would give student pilots the feel of airplane controls at near-flying speeds, without the danger of actual flight. The only aircraft of this type produced was by the Breese Aircraft Corporation of Farmingdale. In 1917 Breese received a contract for 300 trainers called “Penguins”. The Penguin’s wings were too short and its engine too small to allow it to fly. They were equipped with engines built by Lawrance which was also located in Farmingdale. These “aircraft” were intended to be just as unmanageable as real aircraft, thus they had no brakes or steerable wheels – which made them quite difficult to control. This original is the sole surviving example.

go to http://www.cradleofaviation.org/exhibits/ww1/penguin/index.html

the picture (not reproduced above) is a period shot of a line up – looks like a cross between a Bleriot XI with the undercarraige of a Blackburn Monoplane.

Roger Smith.