Another cracking update Graham, and quite an extensive one at that! I can't help but spot that the "Top Shelf" seems to be filling up nicely with stock - which implies that much intensive work is forthcoming resulting in the need for sufficient stocks of course ;) Good to see Zebedee havin...

What an incredible update Graham! Not only the meatbox bits, which of course are the main reason for reading, but your rather impressive stores system coming together! Noticeable that the top shelf material is the most important stock for your team to carry out such arduous tasks in all weathers ;) ...

Wow that electric string part of the project is quite the challenge!
Nice progress being made with the additional manpower available - and more steps towards the end goal!

Catching up with previous updates - nice to see some Chippie progress too!

Keep up the good work all of you!

Cheers TT! Wondered if anyone was paying attention out there! Always paying attention here Graham, as well as over on that facial reference paper reading material thing folk rave on about. Still full of admiration, still amazed at the progress, still noting the other fleet airframes popping up from...

A quick update on the aircraft at the Manchester airport RVP. Our volunteer team is now 26 strong and around 12 or so turn out a couple of Saturdays a month in all weathers. Nimrod MR.2 XV231 has been given a fair amount of attention recently, especially the exterior. Lots of washing and we've star...

I reckon Graham's just secretly found an unloved single seater, hacked the nose off, and convinced us he built a 'replica' in the form of a 'rig' only because he left off the damaged outer skins where the chainsaw marks were.... You can't fool me with that ultra-realism looking just like the real th...

Brilliant progress update there Graham - we're getting used to how comprehensive your updates can be regardless of the airframe concerned... I feel a tad guilty that I could not offer any help for 963 but sadly my health isn't what it used to be when it comes to clambering all over her like I used t...

In her former identity flown by Air Atlantique out of Coventry as G-AMPZ and wearing her military serial KN442, this airframe was well known to have documented history of taking part in the Berlin Airlift. I haven't seen the actual paperwork, but here's a potted history of that airframe online: http...

I would just like to say Graham how much I admire and respect this wiring work that is ongoing on 788. A very daunting prospect must have faced you when you first saw all the cut looms and/or missing chunks. Most restoration would involve existing but potentially corroded wiring, but you took on a h...

Eurodemobbed reminded me of this this evening when looking at the mass exodus of Sea Harriers this year from Culdrose to St Athan, there are some photos of it online preserved at Culdrose last year, but no idea where it is on base, or if visible from outside, can't find it on Google Maps satellite ...

Don't forget hunterxf382 that Graham does actually have one extra day of 'Jaffa-eating' (my Bad!) I meant fixing stuff on Feb 29th 2024. :wink: Well that's it then.... absolutely no excuse whatsoever for 788 not to be ground running by the year end now! That extra day has tipped the balance already...

Blue_2 wrote: ↑

Fri 29 Dec 2023, 7:45 am

Breaks? What are these breaks of which you speak?!

Ooooh I'm sorry.... my bad lol

Jaffa's eaten during 'slightly slack' periods with a much needed brew then?

It's funny Graham, but despite following along with all the updates as they happen; by the time you post your yearly round-ups like this - it seems that so much more work has been carried out in the quest to transform 788 into a thing of beauty! Quite an achievement indeed, and you and the rest of t...

Pete, you know where you can stick your RB199's, preferably with the thrust reverser buckets deployed for maximum discomfort! Bit harsh lol Just think of the improved spectator impact... the availability of spares etc...lol Oh well, at least I raised a response ;) On a more serious note - I do reca...

It really is one of those issues I can't decide, there's pros and cons to each which is why I've put it to you lot! 5944, Mercuries do sound good... but Derwents sound even better! The devil in me says use the soundtrack from the mighty RR RB199 Graham ;) You know you love a good Tonka soundtrack.....

That replica windscreen is a work of art! So realistic and perfect for the purpose... Although I am now doubting your intentions and reckon you're secretly starting to produce a clone of 788 bit by bit, starting with the cockpit 'rig' which will fool many, and slowly working backwards until you have...

Comet102 wrote: ↑

Sat 09 Dec 2023, 8:32 pm

Someone on Facebook believes it's a Engine Control Quadrant from a Westland Lynx.

I would say that's a perfect match, even the levers!
Take a close look:

Graham (and team) - I appear to have missed a few updates with the passage of time, so I've binge read back all of them just in case I may have missed something important over on your facebook offerings. I don't envy you at all when having to deal with the cold weather and metal skinned aircraft bit...

Returning home to Belgium after a trip to Gloucestershire Airport

TEXANTOMCAT wrote: ↑

Mon 11 Sep 2023, 11:58 am

Jaf-fa Jet Jaf-fa Jet Jaf-fa Jet

It felt like a privilege back then to be fair. We knew how special these two were in their twilight years, and always treated them carefully! At least my Halton trade training felt more appropriate on old kites like these. We had our legendary "Puddy" Catt flying them too, who's presence h...

I have a get-out clause on that one then Graham ;) Brawdy's 2 Meteors were maintained and flightline crewed by the small crew of us on our VASF section - Winston being our target-towing aircraft of course. It formed part of our role as we were also responsible for 4 x JP's as well. Kind of a mini-sq...

I will get there to see all this handiwork one day Graham
I'm wary though of feeling rather old if you insist that ex-Meatbox crews sign the panel - having worked on the infamous "Winston" and "Clementine" at the end of their service lives of course (up until 1982)....

According to the caption on this - there were 22 Airliners in total!!!!

[[/url]

Been a while since I commented on progress Graham, what with a busy summer getting the better of me etc etc, but now that I've caught up with the many many updates on work, I'm smiling at the temporary results of the eviction process which gives a tantalising glimpse of what is to come ;) Almost loo...