1954 Avro Shackleton Mr2
Discussion
Hi all,
On Dec 15th we're due to carry out a ground run of Shackleton WR963 at Coventry if anyone is interested. Its a scheduled run as part of our upkeep of the aircraft as she has been quiet since September. The run is usually carried out around 1300hrs, but you're welcome to get there a bit earlier if you choose. Bear in mind that now Airbase is closed, your entry won't cost you anything but you will be restricted somewhat on where you can walk about in the immediate area.
This is not a taxy run, as there's still a few little niggles to be resolved with No 2 engine before we can wake it up. Taxi runs are still on the cards though for next year, as the aircraft is staying at Coventry.
WR963 will be open for inspection, but we will be asking for a donation on the door of the aircraft. As is usual there are no barriers inside or outside, so if you fancy a sit in the Boss's chair or want a close up look at a particular widget, be our guest and do so! There may also be spaces available on the aircraft during the run.
Come on over and help support Avro Shackleton WR963!
Kind regards,
Rich W
Shackleton Preservation Trust
On Dec 15th we're due to carry out a ground run of Shackleton WR963 at Coventry if anyone is interested. Its a scheduled run as part of our upkeep of the aircraft as she has been quiet since September. The run is usually carried out around 1300hrs, but you're welcome to get there a bit earlier if you choose. Bear in mind that now Airbase is closed, your entry won't cost you anything but you will be restricted somewhat on where you can walk about in the immediate area.
This is not a taxy run, as there's still a few little niggles to be resolved with No 2 engine before we can wake it up. Taxi runs are still on the cards though for next year, as the aircraft is staying at Coventry.
WR963 will be open for inspection, but we will be asking for a donation on the door of the aircraft. As is usual there are no barriers inside or outside, so if you fancy a sit in the Boss's chair or want a close up look at a particular widget, be our guest and do so! There may also be spaces available on the aircraft during the run.
Come on over and help support Avro Shackleton WR963!
Kind regards,
Rich W
Shackleton Preservation Trust
Today was well attended for WR963's last run of 2012, with even the weather being relatively gentle compared to the last few days. It was nice to meet some old friends - and make some new ones - including a gentleman who was an ex pilot of 37 Sqn, who flew a Shackleton in the Coronation review in 1953.
But the run wasn't as much the highlight of today as something else...
The highlight was this; the Trustees of the Shackleton Preservation Trust have given permission for work to continue once again towards returning WR963 to the skies. This is official and we are now in communication with the CAA regarding finding a way to make this happen. There is a lot of work ahead and a lot of things to be worked out; not least of which is whether the existing main spar booms can be safely used or whether total replacement is the only option.
We'll be keeping you updated on progress.
Regards,
Rich
But the run wasn't as much the highlight of today as something else...
The highlight was this; the Trustees of the Shackleton Preservation Trust have given permission for work to continue once again towards returning WR963 to the skies. This is official and we are now in communication with the CAA regarding finding a way to make this happen. There is a lot of work ahead and a lot of things to be worked out; not least of which is whether the existing main spar booms can be safely used or whether total replacement is the only option.
We'll be keeping you updated on progress.
Regards,
Rich
They're being very helpful, and suggesting solutions rather than problems which is encouraging. We all know the worst case scenario is replacement of the spar booms and we're not trying to sidestep that.
We're going to give it our best shot. The feasibility study reckons 5 years minimum to see it done.
We're going to give it our best shot. The feasibility study reckons 5 years minimum to see it done.
kooky guy said:
Fantastic news. Do you have any ideas on how you plan to fund it yet? Similar model to the Vulcan perhaps? Not sure that worked out too well though.
Funding will be raised along similar lines but not same. We will be starting asking for donations at shows and online in the new year, but we're also working to try and make some money for the work out of the archive material we hold and the rights we own for the design.
Thanks! While I might be the most vocal of our group on the internet, there are over 30 of us that give our time most weekends to see the Shackleton in good health.
2013 is shaping up to be a good year, and we should get some significant steps towards flight out of the way.
Happy New Year everyone,
Regards,
Rich
2013 is shaping up to be a good year, and we should get some significant steps towards flight out of the way.
Happy New Year everyone,
Regards,
Rich
Hi all,
Not much work happened on WR963 this weekend what with the cold weather conditions. Despite attempts to hide out of the weather early on there wasn't much warmth to be found and there were a few muttered comments about the sanity levels in our team. I'm glad to report though that all thoughts of rebellion were quashed, and it was a productive day..
We have been getting all the covers we have out to try and protect WR963 somewhat from the coming harsh weather and much fun was had trying to fit engine covers, cockpit covers and the like. Its much easier in good weather when covers and fingers aren't cold and stiff. Cockpit cover in particular is a necessity now due to all the new glass that has been fitted.
We've also closed the bomb doors to try and keep things as sealed up as we can - a task which involved an unsuspecting victim (why is it always me?!) manning the hand pump for the hydraulics in the starboard undercarriage bay.
Inside, there has been some minor work on replacing some of the damaged upholstery. We have to be careful as we don't want to remove the well used look WR963 has, but attention to specific areas works wonders and can be noticed. Things like damaged rudder pedal grips, the protective pads under the instrument panel and various capping strips here and there.
On the return to flight side - there's still contact going back and forth with the CAA as we try to supply them with the information they require. The level of detail required on even minor items at this initial stage is impressive; but we're rising to the challenge. There's some major digging going on through archive material.
Other news
The next ground run is going to be in early February (weather permitting).
Volunteers wanted, to work on Nimrod..
Regards,
Rich
Not much work happened on WR963 this weekend what with the cold weather conditions. Despite attempts to hide out of the weather early on there wasn't much warmth to be found and there were a few muttered comments about the sanity levels in our team. I'm glad to report though that all thoughts of rebellion were quashed, and it was a productive day..
We have been getting all the covers we have out to try and protect WR963 somewhat from the coming harsh weather and much fun was had trying to fit engine covers, cockpit covers and the like. Its much easier in good weather when covers and fingers aren't cold and stiff. Cockpit cover in particular is a necessity now due to all the new glass that has been fitted.
We've also closed the bomb doors to try and keep things as sealed up as we can - a task which involved an unsuspecting victim (why is it always me?!) manning the hand pump for the hydraulics in the starboard undercarriage bay.
Inside, there has been some minor work on replacing some of the damaged upholstery. We have to be careful as we don't want to remove the well used look WR963 has, but attention to specific areas works wonders and can be noticed. Things like damaged rudder pedal grips, the protective pads under the instrument panel and various capping strips here and there.
On the return to flight side - there's still contact going back and forth with the CAA as we try to supply them with the information they require. The level of detail required on even minor items at this initial stage is impressive; but we're rising to the challenge. There's some major digging going on through archive material.
Other news
The next ground run is going to be in early February (weather permitting).
Volunteers wanted, to work on Nimrod..
Regards,
Rich
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