Discussion
Nigel_O said:
Gretchen said:
Slightly off topic, but the Lancaster's engine is repaired and she's out of the hangar for a 2pm take off...
Apparently it flew today - wouldn't it be brilliant if the Vulcan's final flight was accompanied by the Lanc?I'd travel anywhere in the country to see that
I had hoped to see her at Popham but instead had a fantastic view from my home as she flew over the M3 from Farnborough towards Popham / Middle Wallop.
Sadly the first and probably the last time I'll see her in the air
must admit it brought a tear to my eye. I don't think any of the modern aircraft will be capable of that, they just lack the soul of the older generation.
Sadly the first and probably the last time I'll see her in the air
must admit it brought a tear to my eye. I don't think any of the modern aircraft will be capable of that, they just lack the soul of the older generation.
aeropilot said:
Sounds like my first exposure to Vulcans, and probably why they've had a lasting impression on me for the past 45odd years since.
Late 60's, and several family holidays at a Caravan site in Ulwell village, near Swanage, and this then young boy would be whooping in delight as you'd hear that Olympus howl shake the ground, just before the regular site of a Vulcan appearing from behind the hill of the caravan park at low level on it's climb out to sea from Poole harbour behind.
That was the memory that I had in my mind when at Farnborough yesterday and watched 558 cruise off into the distance for the very last time.
Ditto for camping holidays at Priddy in the Mendips- woken up every morning by them flying low over the hill behind the site. I thought it may have been an airbase but think it was actually a bombing rangeLate 60's, and several family holidays at a Caravan site in Ulwell village, near Swanage, and this then young boy would be whooping in delight as you'd hear that Olympus howl shake the ground, just before the regular site of a Vulcan appearing from behind the hill of the caravan park at low level on it's climb out to sea from Poole harbour behind.
That was the memory that I had in my mind when at Farnborough yesterday and watched 558 cruise off into the distance for the very last time.
Funny isnt it that a plane like this can cause such emotion. I love any planes and the technical aspect of it. Ive followed XH558's journey and as well all know its been a up and down process. Many said there was questions about how it was all being managed and certain people were coming in for critism and the usual "why spend all that lottery money on it when there is something else it could be spent on".
Roll forward to its first flight and although very important and in the news, there wasnt the interest i dont think its getting now. People then got to see the plane at various displays and interest started to rise, probably more so with the younger "those that didnt really know its history" element.
We are now seeing it in its swansong and everyone is making the effort to be somewhere on its flightpath. I afraid I am 3000 miles away watching the modern equivalents (UAV's with missiles underneath) taking off....nowhere near the same effect!
But i watch the daily updates on Youtube of that days flights and i know its dusty out here but its amazing the affect this thing has on people.....its just a load of smoky engines bolted onto a wing.....brilliant!!
Roll forward to its first flight and although very important and in the news, there wasnt the interest i dont think its getting now. People then got to see the plane at various displays and interest started to rise, probably more so with the younger "those that didnt really know its history" element.
We are now seeing it in its swansong and everyone is making the effort to be somewhere on its flightpath. I afraid I am 3000 miles away watching the modern equivalents (UAV's with missiles underneath) taking off....nowhere near the same effect!
But i watch the daily updates on Youtube of that days flights and i know its dusty out here but its amazing the affect this thing has on people.....its just a load of smoky engines bolted onto a wing.....brilliant!!
I think it comes down to the uniquely British love of a mechanical contrivance..
It's a wonder to behold in the metal, and makes a noise that is somewhat bone chillingly prehistoric.
Years ahead of its time, yet still seems fairly modern by today's standard...
As described by the commentator at wings and wheels "she's the rock star of the aviation world"
It's a wonder to behold in the metal, and makes a noise that is somewhat bone chillingly prehistoric.
Years ahead of its time, yet still seems fairly modern by today's standard...
As described by the commentator at wings and wheels "she's the rock star of the aviation world"
Cfnteabag said:
Anyone know where it is going today? Just had a message via the app that they have crewed in and engines started?
Vulcan XH55835 mins ·
Welcome to a flight-day information feed for honoring formation flight raffle prizes next to XH558. We will have more here soon. THIS WILL NOT BE XH558's FINAL FLIGHT. Thank you.
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