Lindy’s LadAnd with the utmost respect,
Outside of the bubble of hardcore aviation enthusiasts, what percentage of the general public would like to see a reproduction Stirling built? How many do you think would recognise a Stirling? How much historical significance would you attach to the reproduction, non moving Stirling, rather than a living, breathing, shining example of Cold War heritage?
Don’t forget that an enormous amount of the cash raised for XH558 has been raised, not by the small band of Aviation Purists, but by the general public, who saw, and were impressed by the Vulcan, during her Clod War years, and want to see her in the skies again.
It is the peoples money, and they have given towards it, and raised it, as they saw fit. All the ‘What if’s’ and ‘We could have had’ means nothing, if the people putting the money in, do not wish to see an another example of A. N. Other’s favourite aircraft. People have put their money where their mouths are, all of this conjecture and speculation is completely pointless in my opinion.
Flipflopman
well said that man! I too would like to see certain extinct types raised from the dead, but 558 is a worthy cause. If, in the next ten years, she inspires as many kids as she did in her last ten years flying (i.e. ME!), then our industry will be full of keen, young engineers and pilots who will continue to keep the memories of our aviation heritage alive long after us miserable old b******s. May 558 bring joy to everyone who sees and hears her!
If you want a Stirling, build one! (See also YAM’s Halifax and David Collin’s Hornet). I want a whirlwind, but am I complaining about the millions spent on 558? I am not. I am planning……….
Lindy’s LadI thought the well-documented issue was the the man from the CAA turned up to do a flight test and upon starting had an engine fire?
I don’t know much about it to be fair, whether she was on the ground or not.. She was a mess though. She creaked rather badly even when there was no wind…. The wing was held up with trestles…
Lindy’s LadThe 440 was moved from Coventry early this year. Not sure about B&B, but she was nearly a BBQ…. the reason she was scrapped was a rather large engine fire which threated to burn the wing off – not good at altitude. Needless to say, the aircrew had brown trousers. I’m sure AlanL or someone with a bit more info on the incident would be prepared to give us the inside track. Oh, I’m renting B&B space in a Mignet Pou de Ceil… £200 per night
Lindy’s Ladthere is one other qualm with elvington, i have been told that since lindy has been a resident, the length of the runway has been shortened, so even if there were unlimited resources to hand, im sure someone had mantioned before that she couldn’t fly out due to there not being enough runway :confused: anyone care to correct me?
Not strictly true. A section of the runway was given a decent surface to enable small aircraft to land / take off. The BBMF’s Lanc and Sally B managed quite happily, as well as fast jets – the Sea Vixen being a good example. That said, the original length of the runway – 2.5 miles or so I think… is still fine. All it needs is a good sweep! There are no big potholes. Elvington airfield would not take much to be a world class landing field. As I am aware, it is still on the list for NASA’s shuttle if it had to divert to Europe….last resort obviously. It also has the largest hard standing of any airfield in Europe… or at least it did when it was open.. built for B-36 Peacemaker deployments.
Lindy’s LadI think Andre would have kittens if someone suggested killing Lindy (Although he has threatened it himself from time to time…) Certainly for now, No victor will fly so far as any sane person can see. That said, I’m not sane……. and money has changed the minds of many men…
Build me a hangar at Elvington, buy the Marham Victor and move it to Elvington, brainwash Andre, and give me a huge pile of cash; and you will have a flying Victor but like I said earlier :
Victor – Return to flight….. —-> not yet….
Lindy’s LadJust had another thought assuming the funding could be met and the aircraft were able to be repaired….
Bruntingthorpe’s example would probably be the best bet for an airworthy one, simply down to the fact that Bruntingthorpe has better facilities. Elvington does not have a Hangar big enough for Lindy, added to the fact that she does NOT belong to the museum. Effectively, the indoor space for lindy consists of the owner’s house, garage and a couple of truck backs….. Sorry Andre and the guys…. Again, I am assuming that Brunty’s Victor is in as good condition as Lindy – she is pretty damn good!
Lindy’s LadWonder where the QRA Metro went… great photos and I have to say that you guys do a brilliant job…. well done so far. Here’s to the next 19 years!:cool:
Lindy’s LadThere is another Victor at RAF Marham (for now) but I’m not sure it could be considered ‘complete’ as I think it has been described as gutted on this forum.
The Victor is, for me, one of the great missed opportunities – I wish I had gone to see them while they were still flying.
ah yes, forgot about that one. It was retired some time before the last few, and was extensively caniballised to provide spares for the rest…. its a no-go I’m afraid…..
Lindy’s Ladimpounded i heard, something to do with the propeller servicing not being paid for, and the hangarage not having been paid either :confused:
to quote a rather funny Sci-fi series….. SMEG!
Lindy’s Ladim curious, if the CAA will permit an aircraft as large and as complex as a Vulcan to fly, why is there no possibility that a “Frightning” could fly :confused: i cant see them being as complex as a Vulcan, obviously there must be other factors involved here, still …. Buccaneer would be a hell of a sight, then again there will be one soon. LL, you are basically saying for Lindy or the one at Brunty to fly, you’re looking at stripping them to pieces and then fabricating and replacing the spars?, in that case wouldn’t it be easier to offer Duxford a reasonable amount for theirs, as even though she’s not in as good condition the main factor would be flying life gained for the money injected into the project, i heard someone mention that the B.1 at Duxford’s systems have been powered up in the last 5 years??? something along those lines anyway, thoughts anyone?
Fatigue index is the main factor in Return to flight Victors. I know nothing about the K1 at Duxford, aside froim the fact that spares would be a nightmare (The series 1 is alot different to the 2). An incredibly detailed inspection of the spars would have to be carried out on either of the K2’s which would mean vertually removing them from the aircraft. The aircraft does split reasonably easily though. Worth a thought, but not yet….
Lindy’s LadWell we don’t quite have a Vulcan yet, but once we do a Gannet would be nice.:)
There’s one on its way……. eventually. Is it in Canada or USA still? I know its waiting to be moved back here…
Lindy’s LadAn aquaintance’s friend’s uncle’s tennis partner’s nephew who just happens to be connected with the project mentioned 27th… June or July, I know not…… I know its heresay, but hopefully it will be soon! Hyds are on I am led to believe….
Lindy’s LadIs it a container containing definite proof of Santa Claus? A complete Whirlwind fighter? The Brabazon?….. Please tell…:confused:
Lindy’s LadWhat are people’s views on what they would like to see fly next? what are the practical implications of getting a victor flying again? (prob never happen but still…):D
There are two Victors which could be considered for flight: The one at Bruntingthorpe (Sorry, don’t know much about that one) and Lindy (XL231) at Elvington. The other two complete victors are at Cosford and Duxford.
duxford – would need to be completely restored as it is feeling sorry for itself – Cosford – Wiring chopped to pieces when it was dismantled and taken by road to Cosford. Not Pretty.
Bruntingthorpe – runner (potential flyer……)
Elvington….. my namesake. (potential flyer) I worked on Lindy for several years and had this conversation with Andre and the other techies… XL231 is 99% complete and all the systems work as far as we could tell. Things like the U/c retraction, pressurisation, etc could not be used just for a taxying aircraft, so these are unknowns. The fatique life is the killer. The Victor’s life was extended long past their sell by date, and the spars stand a good chance of being knackered. For a return to flight, all the spars would have to be replaced with new. Take the cost of XH558’s restoration and multiply it by a factor of 10…
Public support is a major factor too – 558 is an icon remembered by many. Victors sadly, are not. I wish a victor could grace the sky again… but I’m afraid from a financial and technical point of view (notice I have not mentioned legislation), a victor will not fly. One day I hope to be able to eat these words….
Lindy’s Lad[QUOTE=jeepman;1130846]if you are thinking of a replica/reproduction, Peregrine engines are going to be a problem – I think Steve Vizard has cornered the market in available engines. They only built a relatively small number – hundreds rather than tens of thousands. The last survivor’s engines were used for propeller testing I think
In the days of the old WIX Whirlwind project I recall there was some debate about substituting modified Kestrels.
QUOTE]
This is so early on in the project, and the engines already seem to be a major stumbling block. So far, Kestrels seem the best choice, athough de-rated Merlins with a different cooling arrangement (similar to mosquito) also get the grey matter ticking over. American engines too have their advantages (Allisons) namely availability, but would they fit?!!!! For a static reproduction, engines are not a problem – can’t see them with the cowls on, but one has to think ‘flyer’. If a flying example is the benchmark, then even with huge problems preventing flight it will leave us with a decent static airframe… My brain hurts. Keep the ideas coming!
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