1954 Avro Shackleton Mr2
Discussion
Hi all,
I spent yesterday down at Coventry working on the Shackleton. To give you all a quick update...
We have found damage to the camshafts on three engines. The oil has become contaminated and has attacked the chrome plating and allowed them to wear. We can only put this down to how long 963 was stood idle since her last run. The experts say this is a common occurrence.
As a result we have a lot of repairs to do!
Here's a couple of pictures from what was great day.
Regards,
Rich
I spent yesterday down at Coventry working on the Shackleton. To give you all a quick update...
We have found damage to the camshafts on three engines. The oil has become contaminated and has attacked the chrome plating and allowed them to wear. We can only put this down to how long 963 was stood idle since her last run. The experts say this is a common occurrence.
As a result we have a lot of repairs to do!
Here's a couple of pictures from what was great day.
Regards,
Rich
Hi,
Thanks for the compliments!
After 29th of this month the "Airbase" project opens (Air Atlantic Classic Flights new museum). Access to the airfield at the moment is restricted somewhat unless you're expected... but if you want to visit the Shackleton; I'll post a list of the work days on here and then just let me know when you want to come.
The airfield is under new ownership and should be open to general aviation soon. Midland Air Museum is still open too, so there's still plenty to see!
Regards,
Rich
Thanks for the compliments!
After 29th of this month the "Airbase" project opens (Air Atlantic Classic Flights new museum). Access to the airfield at the moment is restricted somewhat unless you're expected... but if you want to visit the Shackleton; I'll post a list of the work days on here and then just let me know when you want to come.
The airfield is under new ownership and should be open to general aviation soon. Midland Air Museum is still open too, so there's still plenty to see!
Regards,
Rich
Hi all,
I thought I'd pop a brief update on here regarding the restoration work we're doing on the Shackleton, I know there was quite a bit of interest in it!
Visitors to Coventry have noticed by now the scaffolding that has gone up around the starboard wing.. the rumours have been quite interesting to hear! (we've been breaking her up, we've taken the undercarraige off.. ) The truth is far more mundane.
WR963 is finally getting a much needed repaint. The scaffolding is there to help us work on the wing in safety. The paint scheme is going to be her old 224sqn colours from back in 1954, so she will be white overall. She will be carrying her own former code letters of "B" on the fuselage, and "M" on the nose.
All the old paint has been taken back on the top surfaces, areas of corrosion addressed, and we've used yards of ceconite sealing tapes and dope to make it all weatherproof, all done as per the original AP's. We've had to go round all the drain holes (hundreds of 1/8" holes) and found some were quite blocked despite looking clear. Water ingress is our biggest enemy what with being outdoors!
The top surface of the starboard wing got its first coat of paint on Saturday (21st Aug), and it looks really well for it. There'll be more going on this saturday, hopefully some white too. We've had various engine panels taken off and sprayed off site; so the engine cowlings should be done fairly soon.
Our engine guys are busy finishing the pre-oiling system off, the pipes and pumps are being put in over the next few weeks. It's something that's never been done on a Shackleton before, but should prolong the life of the Griffons quite a bit. The pumps will be activated off the old oil dilution system.
We've also sent away various air bottles for pressure testing so we can get the pneumatic services back in good order. We want to taxi WR963 in the near future, so we need brakes; and the brakes need lots of air pressure.
I'll pop a couple of pics up when I get home...
Regards
Rich
I thought I'd pop a brief update on here regarding the restoration work we're doing on the Shackleton, I know there was quite a bit of interest in it!
Visitors to Coventry have noticed by now the scaffolding that has gone up around the starboard wing.. the rumours have been quite interesting to hear! (we've been breaking her up, we've taken the undercarraige off.. ) The truth is far more mundane.
WR963 is finally getting a much needed repaint. The scaffolding is there to help us work on the wing in safety. The paint scheme is going to be her old 224sqn colours from back in 1954, so she will be white overall. She will be carrying her own former code letters of "B" on the fuselage, and "M" on the nose.
All the old paint has been taken back on the top surfaces, areas of corrosion addressed, and we've used yards of ceconite sealing tapes and dope to make it all weatherproof, all done as per the original AP's. We've had to go round all the drain holes (hundreds of 1/8" holes) and found some were quite blocked despite looking clear. Water ingress is our biggest enemy what with being outdoors!
The top surface of the starboard wing got its first coat of paint on Saturday (21st Aug), and it looks really well for it. There'll be more going on this saturday, hopefully some white too. We've had various engine panels taken off and sprayed off site; so the engine cowlings should be done fairly soon.
Our engine guys are busy finishing the pre-oiling system off, the pipes and pumps are being put in over the next few weeks. It's something that's never been done on a Shackleton before, but should prolong the life of the Griffons quite a bit. The pumps will be activated off the old oil dilution system.
We've also sent away various air bottles for pressure testing so we can get the pneumatic services back in good order. We want to taxi WR963 in the near future, so we need brakes; and the brakes need lots of air pressure.
I'll pop a couple of pics up when I get home...
Regards
Rich
You've probably flown in ours then, she was one of the last few that made it all the way to the end! Sold by the RAF in 1991, total hours 15,337. If you fancy getting re-acquainted, we have her open to visitors on Saturdays.
She last ran in January (it seems so long ago!) hopefully it'll not be long before we treat Coventry to the sound of the Griffon again.
Regards,
Rich
She last ran in January (it seems so long ago!) hopefully it'll not be long before we treat Coventry to the sound of the Griffon again.
Regards,
Rich
Wish I could remember Rich, I seem to recall one was called Florence? My first trip was a 'round robin' which was uneventful till we touched down at Thorney Isle and one of the brake drums started locking, freeing off then locking again, I was sat on that side of the AC by the waist observers blister and was quite alarmed at seeing smoke belching out. We came to a halt and let the damn thing cool off and it worked fine after that!
Another trip was following the sun on the longest day, once we had climbed out there was a powerful smell of fuel and someone said the space between the spars had fuel in it. The Captain told everyone to extinguish their fags and wait for it to drain off before striking up again! very laid back these Shack crews. Mind you, many hours in an immersion suit is no picnic I can tell you
Another trip was following the sun on the longest day, once we had climbed out there was a powerful smell of fuel and someone said the space between the spars had fuel in it. The Captain told everyone to extinguish their fags and wait for it to drain off before striking up again! very laid back these Shack crews. Mind you, many hours in an immersion suit is no picnic I can tell you
All the 8 sqn Shackletons had names! Ours was "Ermintrude" (but not any more, due to the new paint). I think "Florence" may be one of the ones on Cyprus, I'll have to check.
We also have the nose of VP293 at Coventry now, which was RAE Farnborough's "Zebedee", and the one that started it off after a rather bouncy landing!
Regards,
Rich
Edit: "Florence" is still around, she is one of the Cyprus pair as I thought. Fading away now though... shame.
We also have the nose of VP293 at Coventry now, which was RAE Farnborough's "Zebedee", and the one that started it off after a rather bouncy landing!
Regards,
Rich
Edit: "Florence" is still around, she is one of the Cyprus pair as I thought. Fading away now though... shame.
Edited by richw_82 on Thursday 26th August 15:37
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