RE: XV474

Hi Ashley,

Alconbury’s Phantoms were the RF-4C reconnaissance variant, operated by the USAF’s 1st TRS (Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron) from the 10th TRW (Tactical Reconnaissance Wing), also assigned to the 10th TRW at that time were the TR-1A of the 95th TRS. The TR-1A basically being an upgraded, new build U-2. Did you know that the U-2 hanging in the AAM at Duxford came from Alconbury! (how many anorak points do I get for that then ?), it never flew with the unit but was use for training purposes, being towed around the airfield.
The 10th TRW was also the parent unit for the 526th AS (Aggressor Squadron) that flew the brightly coloured F-5E Tiger. With the run-down of USAF units in the UK in the 1980’s the RF-4C where replaced by A-10A ‘tank busters’, until they also where returned to the USA and the base closed. Another ex Alconbury machine at Duxford is the A-10A, I will have to check but I believe this airframe had a mishap and was grounded and temporarily used as a gate guard, until being moved to Duxford.
When I have time I will post some photos taken at Alconbury at that time, Oh happy days!

RE: Avro York

Hi Moggy,

I think you will find that the Avro York (and the Ambassador) arrived from the Dan Air engineering base at Lasham during the mid 1980’s. The aircraft has never been painted at Churchill’s personal aircraft, although the York at Cosford these carried false marking in the past.
At about the same time Dan Air scraped their last Comet4 at Lasham, but what happened to their DC-3 ?

RE: aircraft wrecks in Scotland

It would be better that a coordinated approach to the recovery of some of these significant aircraft be carried out or else they will be slowly robbed of all valuable parts. I would assume that technically the wrecks are still the property of the MOD, so a lot of paperwork will be required before any recovery could be planned. Once recovered I would hope that the parts could become the center piece of a museum dedicated to those airmen that loss their lives in all high ground accidents.

RE: Defiant replica

I totally agree with the construction of this sort of aircraft using as it does some original components. Indeed it probably has more original parts than most of the flying Spitfire and Hurricanes. It is of great credit to the small team at the Boulton Paul Association for seeing this project through. I understand that the collection is only open to the public on a prior permission basis which is shame. Although not wishing to steal the project from the BPA it would be great for the project to receive greater public attention. Might I suggest that the finished Defiant ‘go on tour’. For example 3 months at East Fortune, 3 months at Cosford, 3 months at Duxford, 3 months at Yoevilton. Each of these venues have airshows so the Defiant should be able to attend some of these events, but please remember to park it outside and give the photographers a chance. Hopefully a sponsorship deal could be put together (Flypast ?) which would cover the transport costs. With a little coordination the Defiant could also pass by Elvington, Newark, Waddington Airshow and even London (Hendon or IWM) Although not as glamorous as the Spit and Hurricane the aircraft is distinctive enough to draw attention from the general public.

RE: Images of War

To Ja Worsley,

Exactly what point are you trying to make with these photos ?

P.S. are you aware that you may be in breach of copyright by scanning and distributing them ?

RE: R6D-1 or if you prefer VC-118B

I guess that this is really a new thread but I agree with Roger S that a preserved DC-4/6/7 or Carvair would be great. I expect that because the aircraft are still so well used around the world that even damaged or time expired airframes are still too expensive for museums to purchase. The engines alone are worth a fortune.