Why the Vulcan?

[Jigsaw]

I agree about 558 being alive she has soul, she spirit and she does have a guardian angel.

Saying all that - on the ground and taxiing 655 is the business and where my allegiance would lie.

Thats only 'cos you fancy the driver!

(or just his joystick ).

[Ducati Boy]

Oh boy, your brave!!

[Mayfly]

No he's stupid!!!

[Ducati Boy]

No he's stupid!!!

Do you still have your big stick MF?

[Mayfly]

Oh yes and it needs an airing!

[Jigsaw]

I knew I would get it in the end

[Mayfly]

Literally if you are not careful!!

[Jigsaw]

Literally if you are not careful!!

[Ducati Boy]

I knew I would get it in the end

Getting it in your end could be really painful, More likely you will get the end of it.

[Jigsaw]

[Blue_2]

Vulcan, Victor, anything from the era when this country could actually build cutting edge aircraft does it for me. I'm 31 now, and was lucky enough to be able to watch every Finningley airshow from '89 onwards from the roof of the METS building. The displays I remember clearest from all those years ago? Vulcan, by far. Especially the 'Farewell'...
I hope the Vulcan naysayers found liberally in any and all of the Aviation forums regret their attitude towards 558 once she finally does bow out. Because she really will leave a BIG hole in the sky when it happens. Until i win the Euromillions and get our Victor flying again...!

[Robdsn]

Vulcan, Victor, anything from the era when this country could actually build cutting edge aircraft does it for me. I'm 31 now, and was lucky enough to be able to watch every Finningley airshow from '89 onwards from the roof of the METS building. The displays I remember clearest from all those years ago? Vulcan, by far. Especially the 'Farewell'...
I hope the Vulcan naysayers found liberally in any and all of the Aviation forums regret their attitude towards 558 once she finally does bow out. Because she really will leave a BIG hole in the sky when it happens. Until i win the Euromillions and get our Victor flying again...!

More or less the same as my story. I started going to airshows in the mid to late eighties, I never had the pleasure of seeing Vulcan operating in frontline service, however saw plenty of VDF flights which were far more spirited than these days. As a teenager I was also a volunteer at EMA on XM575 which only strengthened the interest.

I cannot explain what it is about this machine, the sight, sound, the fact that against all odds she is flying again or what, however something about it just makes you stop and stare mouth wide open.

Robdsn

[MOD]

Yes indeed - 'Why the Vulcan' ? After a lot of thought about this ; here's my answer.

My first view of a Vulcan was at RAF Finningley in the 70s when they performed a 4x ship scramble.

The sound of 16 Olympus engines, more or less bursting into life simultaneously, had me hooked on all things Vulcan from that day to this. That particular memory is a vivid one as the crowd line, that day, had been located far too close to the rear of the Vulcans which were parked side by side at approx 45° to the runway. After the smoke had cleared a huge section of crowd fencing was lain flat together with a fair number of spectators who had gone 'base over apex'.

Yet everyone seemed to be smiling - but they all must have been deafened by that incredible noise.

Yes that day got me absolutely hooked on Vulcans and I still am hooked on XH558 and XM655. Although for quite different reasons. To have a flying Vulcan AFTER ALL THESE YEARS is an awesome - almost unbelievable - achievement and the VTTS Trust and everyone associated with keeping her airworthy deserve massive respect imo.

But you can't get as close to 558, as you can 655, when they start to make a noise. WWW is THE place to be in June. http://www.xm655.com/events.php

ibw