As for parts… You may want to contact this guy:

http://forum.keypublishing.com/member.php?u=38157

Regards,

PP

I’m quite surprised she is looking this good still although she could warrent a new repaint! I also noticed, those 200 series jet pipes are starting to go like they do!!

THUNDER CITY

As much as this report has highlighted the true ‘beast’ that was Thunder City, I thought I’d look at what was achieved before all went sour…

Bright Future

I should say that in my post #40, I’m not being anti Everetts, I have benefitted from a good deal from them in the past and they were very easy to deal with.
I am however constantly befuddled with the MoD release system and how these two Phantoms seemed to have slipped through what should have been an open process.

Re moving said beastie, I do know that a Phantom wing ground jig (amongst other things) was disposed of at Saints, might even be in Suffolk now.

Anyway, let’s hope an arrangement will be met where the aircraft will be preserved, even running at Brunty or Bentwaters – could even a loan system be considered whereby it remains in the current ownership but others care for and run it?
I would certainly be happy to donate towards keeping a British Phantom active.

I can but only whole heartily agree with the above statement! I would love to have the disposals process looked at and altered so that smaller groups had a fighting chance in obtaining surplus equipment. Unfortunately the MoD feels more secure in selling on old equipment (and not ending up in the wrong hands) through commercial enterprises such as Everett’s and Jet Art etc.

Having contacted James Everett regarding his ‘potential’ Phantom purchases, I think it is safe to say both aircraft HAVE a future and will not end up like many Phantoms did post 92′

I haven’t had any dealings with Everett’s myself to give a 100% accurate brief about the guy but my first impressions were that of a switched on businessman. He has also given me some pictures which I’ve been allowed to post here to show. His aircraft don’t seem to get stripped down as mentioned earlier but more the other way around…. I’ll let the pictures below do the talking!!

BAe Harrier T.8 ZD992 – Before

BAe Harrier T.8 ZD992 – Post Restoration

BAe Harrier GR.7 ZG509 – Before (overstressed and stripped of spares by RAF)

BAe Harrier GR.7 ZG509 – Post Restoration

….and also how many ‘already stripped’ Jaguars arrived at Bentwarters:

Any updates on this yet?

Hunter can only be number 1