I have a vague recollection of a similar discussion on here a couple of months back. I think it was said ‘ The nose turret was restored, but a survey of the fuselage revealed that it was too badly corroded or damaged to restore the original structure.’ or something along those lines anyway…..

Keep it as it is, but perhaps a better presented display may be a more fitting tribute. Green lights and watery sounds….. and a few stuffed fish…., oh and in its own enclosure NOT stuck next to complete aircraft…

Well thats my opinion anyway…..

Wasn’t that the last time that any of them flew, I can’t remember the date though. I was able to get down the field at the end of the runway and video the whole event, it was quite an experience to be behind a Victor on take off. A good take off sequence too, the first took off, turned, then flew back over the other as it took off, etc. Unfortunately all three flew across at right angles to the runway, I don’t recall them overhead, then they landed in the opposite direction. Sorry can’t replay the tape on my new camera to check the date.

No, a few weeks later Lindy flew to elvington, Brunty’s victor flew there, and the last victor flight was the RF museums example which flew into Stafford or shawbury (can’t remember which) since Cosford’s runway was too short.

The flight referred to in his thread could have been any one of them OR a special flight arranged before the delivery flights.

Here’s a thought – if the aircraft had a clean wing (i.e. no tanks on at all) then it was the RAFM’s victor on its final delivery flight…..

sea Venom:

http://www.alandh112.freeuk.com/
–
Stone, Staffs – at least in 2006 it was listed as being there…, but it is seen being removed from Long Marston….

Didn’t that one form part of a bigger group of exhibitions on one site? I have a postcard somewhere with the aircraft, a rose garden or something, and possibly a butterfly fam too…..

If its the one I vaguely remember as a kid, the very first aircraft I went into was their whirlwind. Some older kid wou;ldnt let me up the stairs to the flight deck and it scarred me for life.

Pretty sure there was a sea venom there too. As I remember it, all the aircraft were parked out on the grass….

Thats a blast from the past…..

edit: a quick search turned this lot up:

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=24500

#11 21st April 2004, 21:13
robbelc
Rank 5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: on the end of the runway at Farnborough
Posts: 699

I remember the place well as (apart from Exeter airport) it was the only interesting place on family holidays in Devon in the 70’s! It was very out of the way on a hill with what looked like converted farm buildings providing some shelter. The Messenger,Avian,Proctor and Tiger were under shelter the rest outside..
list from 23/10/78
XJ393 WHIRLWIND
XN351 SKEETER
WV679 PROVEST
XE995 VAMPIRE
XG629 SEA VENOM
WM961 SEA HAWK
XF877 METEOR
WN499 DRAGONFLY
WB758 DHC1
XG544 SYCAMORE
NP184/G-ANYP PROCTOR
RG333/G-AKEZ MESSENGER
G-EBZM AVIAN
G-ANFW DH82
G-ALFT DOVE
Plus hurricane,Spit and Me109 Battle of Britian replicas

No help whatsoever, but XL231 was the lead aircraft in the Vic that overflew the disbandment ceremony of 55sqn at marham.