ray c is dead ray603 lives...

[Ray C]

Some of you will have read my short posting this morning [at woodford waiting for 558] Yep i know
she wasan't comming.

Well i decided to put the morning to good use He He, what do you think ?
I wanted a better view than this,

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So i got this view,

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Fences obscure good shots don't you think ? so i got these shots,

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"Oh no it looks like rain i need to take shelter".......!

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OK let me point out i have not broken into Woodford, However, By my charm and negotiating skills
i got up close to 603, Then under and around her, And then in her.

"Please Don't all start turning up as it won't happen again" Their words,
You conclude as to her condition.

Finally I was told in no uncertain terms "she will be moved [they have the trolly to move her], To a new position by the new heritage building during 2014".

Maybe a sheet over the cockpit section before winter to keep out the damp would be handy.



A day i won't forget

Ray 603

[Xplumberlives]

Very nice, but who's the little bald chap that spoilt the head on shot?

[Ramshornvortex]

Finally I was told in no uncertain terms "she will be moved [they have the trolly to move her], To a new position by the new heritage building during 2014"

What do you mean by trolley, Ray?

Were you able to have a close look at the condition of the nose wheel leg, particularly the drag link?

Anyway, well done on your negotiation skills - glad you had a good day!

[Jigsaw]

I think I can safely say what happened today more than made up for the lack of 558 eh Ray?

Nice one mate and thanks for sharing. She is looking a bit sorry for herself though

[Hihonyr8811]

Awww bless her, looks like she needs some TLC.
But excellent job
Bet it took your mind off not seeing 558

[Ray C]

I have more shots of 603 , Maybe there is a nose wheel close up.
I have to say plane and man look good together .

[Mayfly]

I'm surprised they allowed you inside from what has been said before about her condition so well done you!

[Xplumberlives]

I have more shots of 603 , Maybe there is a nose wheel close up.
I have to say plane and man look good together .

Try Specsavers, if you can find them!

[Ray C]

Jealousy is a terrible thing XPl........

[Xplumberlives]

Jealousy is a terrible thing XPl........

Is it, not as bad as being delusional though!

[Bovril]

one for xpl

[Xplumberlives]

Thanks Roger!

[Ramshornvortex]

As Roger has pinched one of my photos taken on 9 November 2009, here are some more for you....

This was immediately after we had spent a week tidying up the old girl and reducing the weight on the airframe by about 4.5 tons (no, not by propping the aircraft up on our van!!)....













and finally, I notice that the joysticks have disappeared since 2009. Hmmm.........?

[Xplumberlives]

Bloody souvenir hunters!

[Ray C]

I don't think they would complain if the other two engines were removed and put to good use......!

[Sooty655]

I don't think they would complain if the other two engines were removed and put to good use......!

The two remaining engines are not in very good condition ~ I turned over the LP rotors and they are decidedly "clunky". It might just be coming from the accessories (fuel pump, etc) but they would need a lot of work before I would be happy to try to fire one up.

They would be useful as a source of spares, of course, but sadly there is no space at Wellesbourne to store another two engines at the moment.

If the Avro Heritage guys want them removed, we would be happy to provide the equipment and expertise to do it, and perhaps at least one of the engines could be put on display in the new heritage centre. The first task, of course, would be to acquire or build suitable stands to put them in. At MaPS we designed and built our own lightweight stands, but unfortunately they don't come cheap.

[Jigsaw]

Ray. Try being at Woodford on 9th September. Apparently plans are afoot for XH558 to flypast the Heritage Centre on that day.

[Ray C]

Thanks for the info Jigsaw, I wonder if it's before or after Southport.....?

[Mayfly]

Does this shot show if the Nose Wheel Peg/Drag Link are present ?

[Avro683]

What a shame to see her like this.. Look at the flat tires and chopped off joysticks.. A damn shame considering the love and attention that was lavished on her by the volunteers.. I wonder what has happened to all the spares for her as seen in the videos?

[Grapefruit]

Totaly agree with you Avro683 the condition of this Vulcan is awful when you think of all the work that went into keeping it running once it came back to Woodford.

Lets just hope it gets better looked after now.