Roger,I would say it’s far less likely to have an accident in a Spit than a Buchon.It’s not a case of if a Buchon has an accident,but when,and that’s a statement from a guy who’s flown them.The only decent Buchons are the ones that have been re-engined with original DB’s.I worry about what the future holds for the Buchon under restoration at Brieghton.
As for MH415,I’m glad to see it’s come home atlast.Can’t have too many Spits! 🙂

Well it would certainly be good news if BA can pull this one off.I do wonder though how practical the idea is and how long they would be able to keep things going for.Mustn’t be pessimistic…
As for Concordes going to UK museums,you have to consider what long term future one would have when the majority of preservation groups don’t have access to decent shelter for the exhibits.Perhaps one to Wroughton for the Science Museum,and perhaps one to Duxford.Then possibly a taxiiable example at Bruntingthorpe?After that you really begin to run out of options. Most UK museums simply can’t handle an exhibit of such size and complexity,so I don’t think we can really complain if a number of ‘our’ Concordes go abroad for preservation,or if one or two go to museums which already have one.

As a follow-on to Andrew’s post,there’s an interesting item about the Fire Services Central Training Establishment at Manston on the f4aviation site.
http://www.f4aviation.co.uk/Hangar/2003/manston/manston.htm

“they have an ex skyraider r3320 engine and prop and an a-26 invader colwing for it so im told if they cant get the centaurus going i could be wrong though,any ideas anyone??”

I think the CAA would have a few words to say if anyone decided to try fitting one of those great American brutes in the SeaFury. Americanised SeaFuries have been discussed on the board before (quite some time ago) and the general conclusion was that the CAA would be very unlikely to allow one to fly.
You also have to remember TFC’s commitment to authenticity,I honestly don’t think bunging an American engine in it would meet TFC’s exacting standards of accuracy.

Great news Strinbag,thanks 😀 She looks gorgeous!

Whilst it’s true that prop torque might be something to do with it,there is also human instinct to consider.Apparently,if you’re right handed,you’re more likely to swivel round to the left than the right if you sense something behind you.This is meant to be a natural defence against attack-your left hand can guard against whatever might be coming at you,and you can hit back with your right.
This is also something that is mentioned in Derek Robinson’s ‘Piece of Cake’,where the squadron photo is ruined by a noise in the hangar behind,with the result that everyone swings thier head round as the photo is taken.All the pilots swivel thier heads to the left-except left-handed Moggy Cattermole,who swivels to the right.Interesting theory,no?
It was at some point officially recommended in RAF training that you broke to the right if you came under attack,as breaking to the left was meant to be the expected direction.

Well I’m afraid I can’t tell you much about T2807 specifically,but it appears to be (or have been) a Mk.1C with the windows in the nose.My guess is that some of the damage atleast has been done by the incoming tide,and the photograph was possibly then taken as the tide went down again.Sounds extreme,but I’ve seen other wrecks lying in the surf with similar tidal damage.
I know one or two members of the board have access to books and other sources regarding Bomber Command losses,so perhaps something more specific will turn up in due course.
As for Snapper,he is one of our most respected forum members and is a knowledgable chap really.Think that last post of his might have had something to do with the consumption of a certain volume of alchohol,a substance our Snapper is no stranger to…;)