Duxford Friday 8th March:
Nord 1002 G-ATBG has returned to Hangar 3, nicely parked for photos:
Not far away are a pair of Naval aircraft sharing a birthday today.
Gannet XG797 first flew March 8th 1957,
Sea King XV712 first flew March 8th 1972.
Gannet ECM.6 XG797 was one of the first museum arrivals at Duxford, and has been hangared for most of her 40 years with IWM. She is probably very low houred, having been in Squadron service for only four years out of a service life of 15. When roaded to Duxford on 21st May 1972, XG797 was marked as BY/766, pictured here (by Tony Clarke) in July 1974:
Duxford 5th July 1984:
A repaint late 80’s/ early 90’s (exact date anyone?) into the 831 Sq colours she wore 1965-1966. Seen here 8-10-04:
Seen 6-2-13 in her present home in Hangar 3:
The Sea King HAS.6 XV712 had a much longer service life, from 1972 to 2000, retiring after 9161 flying hours. I’m sure her career is recorded somewhere, all I can find is use by 814 NAS in the Gulf War 1990-91, and also in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Painted in Tiger marks 1997 and seen here at Fairford 19-7-97:
Roaded to Duxford 27-5-10 and seen here the next day:
Like most Duxford exhibits, XV712 has moved around a few times, seen here in Airspace 5-1-11:
Presently on view in Hangar 3:
Duxford Tuesday 5th March:
The TFC maintenance schedule has now turned to the P-47G:
Aeronca 11AC G-BRXL was today’s visiting highlight:
Based Stearman G-RJAH was taking advantage of today’s warm sunshine:
Not flying today, but looking good outside:
Duxford Sunday 3rd March:
The Spitfire sculpture in Airspace was part of an event held by ‘Eggs For Soldiers’, a fund raising brand of eggs supporting ‘Help For Heroes’.
Meanwhile, a couple of sorties by the real thing. If wartime propaganda was successful, these were made from frying pans. All we need is a Messerschmitt made of bacon….
The 6 Apache flypast was an impressive sight (and sound):
Duxford Sunday 3rd March:
A new Spitfire has just been revealed in the Airspace hangar at Duxford. No serial known yet, finished code will be ‘EGS’. Constructed of lightweight materials ( Any puns involving scrambles and pancakes will be frowned upon )
Duxford Friday 1st March:
Nothing much to report today, the Strikemaster is now in Hangar 4 awaiting some TLC:
Some random images from around the hangars:
Now that’s what I call patina:
This is actually a head-on shot of a Messerschmitt:
Duxford Wednesday 27th February:
Lots to cover today, but sadly no pics of the BBMF Hurricane PZ865 which engine-ran early this morning.
As posted by Duxman, the Golden Apple operated F-86A Sabre G-SABR / 8178 flew this afternoon for the first time since October 2011. Great to see her back in the air:
The sun eventually shone on the Twin Otter:
Some upcoming corporate events in Airspace brought the Shackleton and Victor outside again:
Inside Airspace, some different angles on very different aircraft, DH.9 and Typhoon:
And, as mentioned, a few of the Hangar 3 residents were getting some sun:
Duxford Wednesday 27th February:
An interesting arrival yesterday afternoon was this British Antarctic Survey Twin Otter. It must be the cold weather:
Duxford Tuesday 26th February:
Just a brief visit this morning on a very grey day. The F-86A Sabre was on the move for some engine runs:
Outside during the shuffle was Chipmunk G-BBMV / WG348:
Work is underway in Airspace on the Strikemaster cables, it could be back on the ground later:
Duxford Sunday 24th February:
More cold weather today, and not much to report. Visiting Chipmunk G-BWMX / WG407 gave a spirited display on arrival:
Another visitor was this smart Gazelle:
Although Hangar 3 features the Spitfire strongly at the moment, there’s a new angle on the Duxford based Nieuport 17 replica:
With the BBMF Hurricane PZ865 nearing completion, here’s a look back at her career so far.
First flight was from Langley on July 22nd 1944, piloted by the same man who flew the prototype in 1935, ‘George’ Bulman. Final Hurricane of the 14,533 built, and retained by Hawkers. In 1950 PZ865 was registered G-AMAU and painted blue for a brief racing career in the hands of Group Captain Peter Townsend (Second in the 1950 King’s Cup)
First public appearance at White Waltham 14th May 1950:
At Hatfield 14-6-53:
At Wisley 1956 or 1957 with Spitfire AB910:
Repainted as ‘Last Of The Many’ PZ865 was used for trials (eg Kestrel chase duties in 1960) and flown at airshows by Bill Bedford.
At Wethersfield 28-5-60:
At Biggin Hill, believed 1964:
Farnborough 1964:
The ‘Battle Of Britain’ filming in 1968 saw PZ865 fly in various marks:
In 1972 the Hurricane was presented to the RAF for use by the BBMF, becoming ‘DT-A’ to represent Tuck’s aircraft from 257 Sq.
Duxford 1975:
Coningsby 1977 (with ‘Burma’ badge):
Next marks (1978-1981) were ‘JU-Q’ of 111 Sq:
August 1979, unknown location:
PZ865 returned to ‘Last Of The Many’ titles from 1982 to 1988:
July 1984:
1989-1992, and ‘RF-U’ to represent 303 (Polish) Sq:
West Malling 9-88 (with Czech badge):
‘J’ of 261 Sq in desert scheme 1993-1998:
Duxford September 1993:
‘Q’ of 5 Sq in SEAC marks 1999-2004:
Biggin Hill 18-9-04:
‘JX-E’ of 1 Sq as ‘Night Reaper’ from 2005:
Arriving at Duxford for rebuild 15-11-10:
All photos except the last two are from Tony Clarke’s Collection, many thanks as usual for his help.
Duxford Friday 22nd Febrrrruary ( Part 2 ):
Making an appearance this morning was the BBMF Hurricane IIC PZ865, resplendant in the new SEAC colours. On rebuild with ARCo for a while, she was treated to a little fuel from the bowser. Hopefully no leaks, and engine runs not far away….
Next in line for the ARCo treatment:
Duxford Friday 22nd Febrrruary ( Part 1 ):
Not a day for the wimps today- freezing cold with strong winds. However, we had plenty to see as Terence was very busy rearranging the ARCo stable. Moving East was the L-39 G-CCWB:
Outside Hangar 3 was the HAC Spitfire LF.Vb G-MKVB / BM597:
F-86A G-SABR / 8178 outside Hangar 2:
OV-10B G-BZGL out in the car park:
T-28B Trojan / Fennec N14113:
Temporary resident, the ‘Boultbee’ Spitfire Tr.9 G-ILDA / SM520:
Moving from Hangar 3 to Hangar 2 was Firefly TT.1 G-CGYD / SE-BRG:
Hangar 3 now boasts 5 Spitfires:
Further shuffling at the ARCo Hangar left the HAC Hurricane G-HURI / Z5140 outside:
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