Both were scrapped in late June, seriously scrapped! we at GAM were able to see the whole saga across the fence, The Comet was completely destroyed in about 8 hours,despite our willingness to take the noses from both aircraft. It seems that BAA didnt want any complications,took the bull by the horns, and crushed them both over 2 days. The scrap merchants were not local, and very little was saved. As far as parts go for the Nimrod restoration, there wasnt much worth taking off of G-MB before it was scrapped, let alone after. I will dig out some pictures of the final hours!

MJR

http://www.gatwick-aviation-museum.co.uk

Hatton,

I agree completely. The CAA, BAe and Marshalls wouldn’t go anywhere near this unless they had complete faith in feasability of the project and its chances of producing a flying aircraft operated to the utmost standards of safety.

I admit, I have been sceptical it could be done, but as it now seems so close I am right behind everyone involved.

Kev – no need to withdraw.

All of the concerns in the thread have no doubt been well covered by the powers that be, before a decision was made to allow the project this far. As quite rightly pointed out above, Marshalls, Bae, CAA, would not co-operate with this project, if they were not 150% confident of impeccable standards, and stringent/ restrictive permit limitations, . 558 will be under incredible constant scrutiny by CAA/Marshalls. The risk managed, remains, whether a type is operated privately or by the MOD, The nature of the beast!

airshows need Vulcan, I think the risk is worth it, though the displays will undoubtedly be subdued in comparison to before. Most of the land based uk airshow displays (in my opinion) are dull now, and worsening, in no small part because of the increasing restrictions imposed on envelopes, dwindling U.S/ Russian presence,and shrinking U.K Millitary turn out. We need fresh input. Maybe the risk is acceptable in order to move on and open new doors?

MJR

http://www.gatwick-aviation-museum.co.uk

andrewman,

I think my reply may have been a tad misleading.

It wasnt my intention to suggest that HLF dosh was the sole persuasive tool in gaining CAA approval. However, this situation has never arisen before, the HLf funding can only have indirectly strenghtened the CAA decision, because proper DA backing/infrastructure and logistics from Marshalls are secured.
Without huge dosh, there would be no Marshall backing, we are talking a cummulative budget of approx 5Million!! and probably much more in realistic terms!…..a lot of business. I doubt many past projects concerning one airframe have had that kind of budget to approach any DA??. The CAA’a policies are well known and publicised with regards to millitary types and backing, just take the infamous reaction to Thunder City lightnings and DA backing as an example, and yet, If you had such backing, funds, training resources, pilots etc (example: BAe operating 3 private lightnings in the early nineties), the CAA wouldn’t blink.
The DA’s aren’t interested in romantic notions etc etc, they are interested in business. Money. get the DA onboard and the CAA are far more positive. The CAA will no doubt be watching VTS closely, but if this partnership works out well, it can only have a positive outcome for CAA thinking in future.

mjr

shame, judjing by the fact that it looks complete,I bet it was in nice condition when it arrived, its particularly tragic when oraganisations (big and small) get a nice example and it then rots beyond redemption.

mjr

if this is true then it’s political correctness gone crazy. If we are going to be that ridiculous, we had better remove all the russian markings from russian aircraft displayed in the UK, all the saudi markings from f53 lightnings in the uk,all swiss markings etc etc.

MJR