Thanks for posting the link. The pilot’s reaction when the realisation dawned that he was watching his own belly landing of almost 70 years ago was truly moving.
PP
I thought you might enjoy that feature! 😎 A couple of the photos I used were scans from glass plate negatives found in the back of a filing cabinet at the museum – it’s amazing what turns up.
PP
This was the instrument panel/cockpit when I photographed it on arrival at Tangmere. Judging from Peter P’s posting above I must assume that the panel has been restored to pretty much its original fit since this photo was taken?
Now I wonder why you’d presume that? Unless I’ve missed something, my reply to Black Knight describes exactly what your photo shows – the main panel complete except for the missing instrument at bottom left, the extra panel above with all 7 instruments missing and the blank space to the far right. Looks to me as if it’s still exactly as it was when it arrived.
PP
Looks like Tangmere1940 may have missed this question so I hope neither of you will think me impolite if I jump in and answer it myself.
WB188’s cockpit is in excellent condition with all the various buttons, switches and flying controls in place. The main instrument panel is complete bar one missing instrument at the bottom left – not sure what it is but it may be the standby altimeter removed as a keepsake by Neville Duke himself and which now resides in a nearby display cabinet at the museum. Above the main panel, where the gun sight lives in other Hunters, is an extra panel – presumably for test and/or backup instruments – from which all 7 instruments have been removed. There are also another couple of items missing from additional panels to the top left and top right of the main panel.
Being a prototype, WB188’s panel is very much a one-off. In summary, the main panel which has a standard layout is complete but many of the additional instruments which, I presume, were fitted for test purposes are missing.
PP
Chance would be a fine thing! 😉
It seems to be their current policy to preserve aircraft with the engines out these days. I’m sure one of the experts on here can explain the reasoning behind this.
PP
Just a quick update – 744 has now been reassembled and is in a temporary location at her new home. Next stage is a full wash-and-brush up before complete restoration in No 1 Squadron colours.
PP
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As you can see from this photo taken a couple of hours ago, back in one piece with the cockpit canopy off.
PP
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As required by the RAF Museum, WB188’s engine has been removed and is now displayed next to the airframe. The fuselage is back together after this removal but I think the canopy was off last week – I’ll have a look today and let you know the latest state of play.
Pete
Some interesting photos here showing its current condition: http://www.tangmere-museum.org.uk/events-gallery/harrier-xv744-arrives-at-tangmere
PP
I have allways wanted to go to Tangmere, and its one I have not got too yet – whats the best way from London?
You’ll find a location map and other useful information to help with your visit here: http://www.tangmere-museum.org.uk/tickets-and-visiting.
The rest of the site is worth a look before you come, too. 🙂
PP
I’m afraid I don’t, Phil but I’d be very pleased to hear from anyone who does – especially if they have a photo.
(Another) PP
744 was indeed the back up machine.
No it wasn’t a back-up machine. Both aircraft took part in the race -XV741 from London to New York flown by Tom Lecky-Thompson and XV744 from New York to London flown by Graham Williams.
Pete
I may be wrong, but I think he must be the last of the Tangmere Wing from 1941…
Last Sunday I had the great pleasure of talking to Bob Large, a 161 Squadron pick-up pilot, during an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Jean Moulin’s flight to (and rather bumpy arrival at) Tangmere with Hugh Verity.
I know Bob flew with the Tangmere Wing in 616 Squadron during 1941 but perhaps he arrived after Bader’s loss and so doesn’t qualify as a member of the BBC?
PP
Well if you’re saying that he sounds the final ‘e’ in Focke to make it sound a little like the word “Fokker” then that’s the correct pronunciation. The final ‘e’ is sounded in German words.
The ‘W’ in Wulf should sound like a ‘V’ in English so the correct pronunciation is something like Focke(r) with the ‘e’ sounded as if there’s an ‘r’ to follow it and Vulf.
The one way it shouldn’t be pronounced is Fock Wolf.
PP
Thanks very much Paul. That’s exactly the info I was after – much appreciated.
Thanks also to Tangmere1940 for responding.
Best
Pete