Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

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st24
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Re: £5m Shackleton return to flight

Post by st24 »

capercaillie wrote: A full display was flown at Cosford '91, certainly the last display I can remember seeing in service, I'm guessing they may have flown a solo somewhere when they performed the last "tour".


Aah- didn't do Cosford '91 - I think I was at Twenthe that weekend. Now you mention it I seem recall reading in the aviation press at the time that Cosford was the last public display as retirement took place later that month. :sad:
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CH2
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by CH2 »

Last time I saw one flying was in North East Nottingham, Bilborough to be precise in 1994, what I hear you say, impossible. Anyway my mates looked on in total astonishment as I jumped around shouting "look it's a Shack it's a Shack!". Think it was 790 before it went stateside either a test flight or goodbye to Rolls at Hucknall. Never did get to the bottom of it.

Yep would be good to see one flying, first one I saw was sat on my dads shoulders at Lossie, 75.
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by Maisie »

Rich, although my Russian Flyin that I'm holding this year is aimed at Russian aircraft, my offer still stands to bring the nose section once I've spoke to Jeff about it.

Hopefully be a better turn out next year and get some donations for this!

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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by MikeG2012 »

You have my full support, Rich. Yes it will be challenging to raise £5m but this sort of investment will potentially provide decades of display flying with relatively minimal annual costs. A fine investment which will give so much pleasure to millions during its new lease of life.
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by Mad Dan »

CH7 said:
first one I saw was sat on my dads shoulders at Lossie, 75

Your Dad must be ever so strong - but why did he have a Shack on his shoulders, may I ask?

Edit to add - this is a fine idea... Nothing sounded like a Shack - the Argus came close, but not too many things looked like a Shack either... Good luck with all your endeavours.
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CH2
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by CH2 »

Damn, struck down by the grammar Police :grin: Yep he was a strong chap then; since long gone out of service, like the Shack, although looks like the Shack might return, to the air that it is.

Any plans to put it in a hangar?
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by Mad Dan »

CH2 said:
Damn, struck down by the grammar Police

Taken in the spirit it was meant...but shouldn't that be hanger???
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by trebleone »

Mad Dan wrote:...but shouldn't that be hanger???


... only if your getting your coat off it :grin:

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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by RRconway »

trebleone wrote:
Mad Dan wrote:...but shouldn't that be hanger???


... only if your getting your coat off it :grin:


or your AVRO jacket-ton.... :lol:
I know you think you understood what I said, but I'm not sure you realise that what I said is not what I meant.

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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by CH2 »

Mad Dan wrote:CH2 said:
Damn, struck down by the grammar Police

Taken in the spirit it was meant...but shouldn't that be hanger???
:ghost:


:lmao:
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by TIGER TIM »

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but I have been informed that a former SAAF Shackleton MR3 based at Ysterplaat Airbase had been scrapped for the sum of £5.500. :sad: :sad: :sad:

Just out of interest just how many MR3s are there left????

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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by NAM Updater »

There's one here!

Keep the faith Rich - "Shackletons are wonderful things - in their own way!" :up:
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by timuss »

TIGER TIM wrote:I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but I have been informed that a former SAAF Shackleton MR3 based at Ysterplaat Airbase had been scrapped for the sum of £5.500. :sad: :sad: :sad:

Just out of interest just how many MR3s are there left????


Isn't there still one in South Africa that is pretty much airworthy??? Or is this the one that has been scrapped?
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by richw_82 »

Thanks for all the messages of support. You'll be seeing us spreading the word at airshows this season, so if you spot a Shackleton cockpit section come and say hello.

TIGER TIM wrote:I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but I have been informed that a former SAAF Shackleton MR3 based at Ysterplaat Airbase had been scrapped for the sum of £5.500. :sad: :sad: :sad:


SAAF 1720, the gate guard for 28 years. Apparently too corroded to conitinue and was considered a safety hazard.
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Russ
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by Russ »

This is great news. Will follow the restoration eagerly and support it. A bonus living not too far from Coventry as well. :cool:

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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by chrisward123 »

DanO1978 wrote:1722 is the "airworthy" example. Lack of airframe hours and experienced crew finished it off as a flyer, I believe?


http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=41900
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by DeanW »

1722 still regularly makes engine runs though, so it must still be in good nick. Hopefully one day they'll find a crew, cash and/or enough parts to get her back in the skies again!

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richw_82
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by richw_82 »

Hi all,

Sorry for the long time between posts, but I come bearing good news.

Subject to servicablility WR963 will be taxying on Sat Aug 3rd.

This is NOT a fast taxy as it is intended as an assessment of the aircraft for further taxy runs in the near future. This will be the first time WR963 has moved under her own power since 2008. We will be giving notice 24hrs beforehand if WR963 is unserviceable, or any circumstances change that prevent taxying.


I'll endeavour to keep this thread better updated as I'm ashamed to say I've let things slip.

Kind regards,

Rich W
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by CJS »

You've had other things to think about Rich, like getting a Shakleton nearer the skies again!!! So you don't need to apologise :clap: :clap:
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by wezgulf3 »

Really looking forward to next Saturday and hope the Old girl has no hitches!

One question though On saturday is it Ticket only or Pay at the Gate?

Wes...

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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by Maisie »

Don't think I can make Saturday.... GUTTED.
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by richw_82 »

wezgulf3 wrote:Really looking forward to next Saturday and hope the Old girl has no hitches!

One question though On saturday is it Ticket only or Pay at the Gate?

Wes...


Neither, though we'll be rattling the donations bucket for fundraising purposes. :smile:
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by capercaillie »

Is there a likely time of day this will happen? Don't want to turn up in the afternoon if its a morning thing :grin:
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by richw_82 »

I'm told early afternoon, but if I can get more accurate I'll let you know. In the past we've usually ground run about 1pm, and it looks like this is going to be similar timings.
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Re: Shackleton WR963 - [Official Topic]

Post by Maisie »

Taken from Facebook -

Following on from our priming pump failure on 25th January, we have rebuilt a tired pump that had good components and fitted it to the port side. The good news is - with a little care and attention the pump runs smoothly, holds at pressure, and flows a good amount of fuel with no leaks. So it seemed rude not to test it properly... and WR963 ran on all four engines at midday today!

So, we have WR985 at Long Marston to thank; as that pump was one she donated three years ago.


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