I first met Peter in August 1993 when visiting his aircraft collection at Gatwick, where I signed his petition to the local Council. He and I talked for ages, mainly about Buccaneer XN923, which originally came from West Freugh, where I was a member of its groundcrew.
Peter was a “true aviation person”.
I don’t know who can fill his shoes in the aviation preservation scene.
RIP and condolences to his family.
Iain

Before I’m accused of being a “smart Alec”, but for the sake of accuracy, G-APZV (which became the prototype HS 780 Andover G-ARRV) was the prototype Avro 748. G-ARAY, mentioned in this thread, was the first production 748. A sad affair nonetheless.
Iain

Steve,
Sorry to nitpick, but the Shack was WG557. Take a look under the port mainplane.
I noted this at Farnborough on 9.9.61. At one stage in its life it wore ROYAL NAVY titles. For what reason I know not.
Regards,
Iain

Hi AdlerTag,
In answer to your query regarding codes and serials being painted on “backwards”, Roger Freeman’s Air Pictorial article does mention that N5229V was noted at Manston after the tailwheel incident with “127742” painted on the port side of the fin in “mirror” form.

Propstrike,
Thank you for welcoming me to the forum.
Iain

There were three Fortresses used in the making of the “War Lover”, two ex US Navy PB-1Ws, N5229V (ex 44-83883/Bu77243) & N5232V (ex 44-83872/Bu77240) and one B-17G, N9563Z (ex 44-83563).
N5229V suffered a tailwheel collapse at Manston and was broken up. N5232V was broken up at Bovingdon and N9563Z was flown back to the USA, leaving Gatwick on 16th May 1962.
N9563Z still exists in the USA as “Fuddy Duddy”, after service as a fire bomber.
Regards,
Iain