British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Discussions regarding historic aircraft, restoration and preservation etc
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T_J
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by T_J »

Is that 206?

Labelled as Vietnam cruise


Vietnam Cruise 1972 to 1973. The USS Saratoga CV60 can just be barely seen to the left of the tail of the forward F4.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/oldphotog ... 881128782/

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tc2324
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by tc2324 »

In reply to TJ`s posts, the colour photo is 5574 taken circa 1976.

The Vietnam cruise photo`s are not as 5574 never served in the WESTPAC fleet.

Cheers for the questions though TJ. :thumbsup:

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

Another event that occurred during the recent working weekend at Manston was the handover to the BPAG of the two flying helmets obtained and refurbished by Paul West. These are dedicated to the memory of the only two aircrew lost whilst flying the F-4J(UK), Flt Lt Ewan Murdoch and Fg Off Jeremy Ogg. These have been donated to the Group and after a suitable cabinet has been obtained, they will be ready for display when events and gatherings are permitted once again. Many thanks to Paul for his hard work and generosity.

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T_J
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by T_J »

tc2324 wrote:
Sat 08 Aug 2020, 9:05 pm
In reply to TJ`s posts, the colour photo is 5574 taken circa 1976.

The Vietnam cruise photo`s are not as 5574 never served in the WESTPAC fleet.

Cheers for the questions though TJ. :thumbsup:
No problem. Thanks! :thumbsup:

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

A busy weekend for the BPAG. With one team occupied with ZE360 at Manston, it was up to a separate small detachment to collect the fin of XV494 from Brenzett Aeronautical Museum. This piece was surplus to museum requirements and space is needed for new items. The BPAG have gratefully made it part of their collection and another piece of British F-4 history has been secured for future display.

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Many thanks to Stuart Forth and Mike Davey for giving up their Saturday to sort this one out and to Pauline Judge for the pics.

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

As mentioned above, this weekend was a busy one. The main focus of activity was once again on ZE360 at Manston and as such the British Phantom Aviation Group and the 74 Squadron Association are pleased to announce that another milestone in the preservation effort has been reached. On Saturday 15th August, ZE360 was towed away from an area of waste ground, where it has sat since 2015, and back onto hardstanding elsewhere within the facility.

This event was delayed by the current Covid-19 pandemic, when work at the site was forced to cease for four months, and follows replacement of the main wheels and nose wheels by the BPAG engineering team, which allowed movement of the aircraft to be attempted. The relocation to hard, level ground will now allow access for engine removal apparatus and once this process is complete, permit entry to the inner fuselage area to commence the wing/fuselage split. This will be the final step before transportation off site can be planned.

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Firm ground also meant that the stabilator could be safely removed and the extra overhead clearance gained has allowed work on previously inaccessible areas of the underside to commence.

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The rest of the weekend would inevitably be overshadowed by Saturday morning's achievement but that does not mean that what the team got finished through the rest of the day and into Sunday is in any way less vital. More progress on leading edge flaps and panel removal and the RH hydraulic reservoir was also taken out, which is necessary to access the ring mounting bolts. CL tank is still stubbornly hanging on but that should hopefully be sorted on the next visit. Many thanks to all our volunteers for their hard work. We also couldn't have got this far without the unstinting support of the officers and staff of DFTDC, our gratitude also goes out to them.
Last edited by BPAG on Wed 19 Aug 2020, 4:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

Domvickery
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by Domvickery »

What a cracking update!

Well done to the team
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by Spiny Norman »

Good luck with this, be good to see in restored form.

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

Domvickery wrote:
Tue 18 Aug 2020, 9:45 pm
What a cracking update!

Well done to the team
Spiny Norman wrote:
Wed 19 Aug 2020, 10:03 am
Good luck with this, be good to see in restored form.
Thank you both for your kind words. It is a great source of satisfaction and relief that it went well. Even though the airframe and wing structure and undercarriage had been thoroughly inspected and assessed before planning the move, you still can't help but worry. We put aside half a day to complete the process but in the end were finished in 40 mins. The old girl didn't bat an eyelid. Very pleased.

Plenty of video available but haven't had chance to edit it together yet.

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

The Bank Holiday weekend saw BPAG back onsite at Manston. Undeterred by the cold and wet weather on Saturday the team got stuck in to the ongoing process of preparation for the separation of wing and fuselage. The principle task was the removal of the centreline tank, as when installed it prevents both the opening of the engine bays and work progressing along the centre of the lower wing. Despite having been untouched for decades (and thanks to some very clear instructions from one of our supporters, a former armourer) the tank actually released as it was designed to. Cue much celebration from the BPAG Chairman. With the tank out of the way, we now have clear access to the engine bays doors.

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Whilst this was happening other volunteers removed the remaining speedbrake. Sadly, the corroded bolts would not give in, so the decision was made to cut way the brake from the aircraft. An unfortunate outcome- and such decisions are not taken lightly- but as both time and progress are at stake, some compromises have to be made to keep to an agreed timetable.

Sunday's weather was no better and owing to last minute changes, we had limited team numbers on site. Preparation work continued inside Door 22, where many of the components will have to be removed to gain access to the wingtank/front fuselage joints and disconnection of the inboard undercarriage doors was started. Highlight of the day was opening the rear most engine doors for the first time in 3 decades. Elsewhere, the inboard leading edge occupied a lot of time and effort, corrosion had made bolt removal impossible and attempting to drill out ¼" thick bolts to a depth of up to 1" was not proving successful. Once again, after much deliberation, the decision was made to cut away the structure holding it up. This was already beyond saving owing to corrosion, but we still don't like cutting into the jet.

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Monday dawned bright and clear, with the leading edge STILL refusing to come down. Further investigation and searching revealed a hidden bolt, one which is not present on F-4K/M, and once removed (by drilling out, naturally) the leading edge was finally lowered down.

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Attention turned to the engine doors, and despite further corrosion related problems, both Aero 27A missile launchers were removed from the underside of the aircraft, which will allow the main engine doors to be lowered on a subsequent visit.

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Many thanks to our members and volunteers for giving up their weekend and to the staff at DFTDC Manston for putting up with us once again.

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Blue_2
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by Blue_2 »

Good work; nice to see the Wattisham stencilling still on that launcher. I love it when stuff like that is sat there waiting to be rediscovered!
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by baz1962 »

Haven't been to this site for a few months but very glad I did! Well done guys! Yes it's a shame to have to cut when you would rather undo but hey you are doing the work and needs must to achieve the goal!

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

The weather gods smiled on the BPAG as our largest volunteer contingent to date assembled at Manston last weekend. Further progress made with stripping out systems and components inside D22 but there's still a long way to go there. The front cockpit was relieved of many of its remaining parts, including the main panel and some instruments. The latter have gone off site to be refurbished by Paul West, in his own time.

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Elsewhere, both full sets of engine doors are now lowered and engine disconnection has started. Both sets of lateral control runs and a plethora of hydraulic lines and electrical looms have been removed, along with the left hand leading edge BLC duct. Access was also gained to the trailing edge flap actuators and these are scheduled to be removed at the next visit.

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As ever, it was an ongoing battle with the corrosion and lack of servicing, meaning that even simple panel removal takes much longer than it would normally.

Effusive thanks to our volunteers, who braved the hot weather and the usual terrible jokes. You really are the lifeblood of the group. Many thanks also go to all at Manston, for your ongoing hospitality and tolerance.

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

Recently received back from refurbishment- original nosewheel from ZE360. Cleaned up and prepared by Paul Wright and powdercoated by Andy Groves at JW Smart Services. Many thanks to Andy and JWSS for donating the time, labour and materials to get the job done.

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Ant.H
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by Ant.H »

Looking good as new, great stuff! Looking forward to the rest of her getting the same sort of treatment.

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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by TonyC »

I've never been a huge fan of the Phantom (yes, I know, kill the Heretic :lol:) but this post, along with Blue2's NF.14, is quickly becoming a favourite!

Simple question, will the Jaffa Cakes need to be divided between the two airframes or are your teams taste buds, arranged differently?
...and pray that there's intelligent life somewhere up in Space cos there's bugger all down here on Earth!

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

Ant.H wrote:
Mon 28 Sep 2020, 7:28 pm
Looking good as new, great stuff! Looking forward to the rest of her getting the same sort of treatment.
Many thanks. Plenty going on, stay tuned.

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

TonyC wrote:
Tue 29 Sep 2020, 2:26 pm
I've never been a huge fan of the Phantom (yes, I know, kill the Heretic :lol:) but this post, along with Blue2's NF.14, is quickly becoming a favourite!

Simple question, will the Jaffa Cakes need to be divided between the two airframes or are your teams taste buds, arranged differently?
BPAG world is all Hob Nobs. King of biscuits!

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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by Domvickery »

Controversial!
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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

The new social distancing rules and a dodgy looking weather forecast meant that activity at Manston had to be downscaled for last weekend's work party. With just a small group present, any milestone moments or herculean efforts were unlikely but some good headway was still made on vital smaller tasks.

Saturday saw further progress on engine disconnection, also pipework removed for access to LH wing root and RH inboard leading edge was finally lowered (without cutting) before increasingly poor weather called a stop to proceedings at 14::00

Our volunteers persevered with undoing the electrical plugs on the engine harness on Sunday. What would have been a minute's work when in service ended up taking around 5 hours. The RH inboard fixed leading edge removal was made up to withdrawal of the hinge pins, at which time our old friend corrosion took control and the pins refused to move. They're currently soaking in penetrating oil, ready for next working party.

Our gratitude once again goes out our volunteers and, of course, to everyone at DFTDC Manston.

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Brenden S
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by Brenden S »

Great work by all of you. Is there anything else at the Manston fire dump worth saving at all? My parenti-in-laws live just around the corner.

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BPAG
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by BPAG »

Brenden S wrote:
Mon 05 Oct 2020, 9:18 am
Is there anything else at the Manston fire dump worth saving at all? My parenti-in-laws live just around the corner.
Yes, plenty. Tornado F.3, Buccaneer, a couple of Harriers, Nimrod, Jaguar and a few helicopters too- unsure of the exact types of those though.

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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by Gt5500 »

BPAG wrote:
Tue 06 Oct 2020, 11:32 am
Brenden S wrote:
Mon 05 Oct 2020, 9:18 am
Is there anything else at the Manston fire dump worth saving at all? My parenti-in-laws live just around the corner.
Yes, plenty. Tornado F.3, Buccaneer, a couple of Harriers, Nimrod, Jaguar and a few helicopters too- unsure of the exact types of those though.
Its crazy, I've driven past there so many times and you simply have no idea what is lurking there until you check out Google maps.

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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by NAM Updater »

Some items at Manston are up for disposal at the moment, details for the Nimrod were circulated yesterday!

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AndyXH558
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Re: British Phantom Aviation Group (Official Topic)

Post by AndyXH558 »

Hob nobs, and jaffa cakes..

All made in the same factory, mcvities at heaton Chapel, stockport.

Keep up the great work, I always liked the j model, and I'm really glad that you've saved her..
Life's a piece of S*** if you look at it!

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