1954 Avro Shackleton Mr2
Discussion
Eric Mc said:
Can't answer that question but Aeroplane Monthly this month had an In Detail look at the Shackleton.
The old Shackleton factory at Woodford is due for closure soon so a rummage through sundry skips might reveal all sorts of goodies. It's amazing how callous companies are when clearing out. Often vital historical artefacts and documentation is discarded without a second thought.
On my last visit down to Coventry I asked about drawings that survive for the Shackleton. The answer I got was that they are all with us; owned by and in the care of the Shackleton Preservation Trust. These came from Woodford some years ago. The old Shackleton factory at Woodford is due for closure soon so a rummage through sundry skips might reveal all sorts of goodies. It's amazing how callous companies are when clearing out. Often vital historical artefacts and documentation is discarded without a second thought.
The total amount comes to around 16 tons (not sure whether that was metric or imperial!) in sealed fireproof containers. They are ALL the drawings for ALL of the Shackletons.
WR963 has been moved slightly to make way for the new aquisition (Nimrod) but work is continuing. We recently found the cause of a bad misfire on the no 3 engine was down to a badly damaged camshaft... so more engine work to do! The list grows as fast as we get down it.
Quick question for you all... what scheme was your favourite on the Shackleton? White and sea grey, grey with a white top, or the AEW colours?
Stay tuned for more...
Ric
My Uncle used to work on Shacks at Langar when AVRO had a maintenance depot there. I still have bags full of aero-grade nuts and bolts somewhere, I know we used a few on the hovercraft.
It was a bit strange going down the road from Langar to Harby and seeing these enormous planes next to the road. Would have been about 1967-8? I got to do my first 100mph (indicated) down the runway at Langar in his Triunph Vitesse 6.
It was a bit strange going down the road from Langar to Harby and seeing these enormous planes next to the road. Would have been about 1967-8? I got to do my first 100mph (indicated) down the runway at Langar in his Triunph Vitesse 6.
Is there the Shackleton still at Long Marston airfield or has the earth finally reclaimed it?
This is the Jet Aviation Preservation Group collection at Long Marston in slightly better days - http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/hangar/museums/longma...
This is the Jet Aviation Preservation Group collection at Long Marston in slightly better days - http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/hangar/museums/longma...
The white with a grey top is a Coastal Command scheme. I don't think there was any real reason for them differing, probably just ministry thinking at the time. The MR2 went from all white, to white with a grey top, to grey with a white top...
I'll ask about when I'm next down there to see if I can get a better answer for you.
Ric
I'll ask about when I'm next down there to see if I can get a better answer for you.
Ric
richw_82 said:
The white with a grey top is a Coastal Command scheme. I don't think there was any real reason for them differing, probably just ministry thinking at the time. The MR2 went from all white, to white with a grey top, to grey with a white top...
I'll ask about when I'm next down there to see if I can get a better answer for you.
Ric
They are both Coastal Command schemes. The white sides and grey top surface was based on the WW2 era scheme although during the war the upper surfaces also had a dark green disruptive camoouflage pattern as well. In the late 50s, the grey and white pattern was reversed.I'll ask about when I'm next down there to see if I can get a better answer for you.
Ric
Over the decades, much research has gone into camouflage schemes and patterns for aircraft performing various duties in various environments. Based on this research, wwhich goes on pretty much constantly, ideas change and evolve.
The year might be a little hazy but I remember seeing 6 of these in formation flying over the North east. I think it was around the time they were being finaly phased out, Probably around 88 0r 89? I remember it vividly. I was sitting in an A level geography class when the aluminium windows started to Vibrate. The noise was something I shall never forget. The whole of the area stopped and people were transfixed.
N
N
Two ror three years ago I took a look at the (what else can I call it?) mess at Long Marston and came away totally dispirited
They have so many aircaft that mean something to me (see the HAR10 back there as well as the Shack) and all of them seem to be slowly dissolving into the landscape.
Maybe they need volunteers or simply a cash injection but I was gutted at the appearance of the exhibits.
The museum was fenced off and no sign of anyone lavishing care on it...
Sad
They have so many aircaft that mean something to me (see the HAR10 back there as well as the Shack) and all of them seem to be slowly dissolving into the landscape.
Maybe they need volunteers or simply a cash injection but I was gutted at the appearance of the exhibits.
The museum was fenced off and no sign of anyone lavishing care on it...
Sad
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