Me and the gang take a look around some fantastic Cold War jets Now it’s time to get @PartridgeExteriorCleaning down and get these Aircraft washed 🧼 More on these soon…
Mm. All this whinging about lack of preservation. Look at the vast amount raised by the Vulcan to the Sky Project, only to have it grounded again. The reality of it is that it costs a fortune just to store and do basic maintenance with these craft, let alone keep them running. Just not affordable these days, and any effort just to keep them from being scrapped is to be appreciated. Maybe one day someone with very deep pockets will cough up to restore it, but I doubt it.
Every time socialists start a world war, preservation and cultural history takes massive damage and every time the socialist loose, the war machines are preserved until the next time. I hate to see any machine go to waste because very few machines today are worth owning, let alone saving (excluding some military hardware of course).
@@gazzertrn He got it professionally cleaned (the video came out today on Partridge Exterior Cleaning), and the difference of just the cosmetic maintenance is amazing. It makes it much easier to visualise it in its prime. They'll finish the clean later this month (limited winter daylight, plus it being a massive plane, they only managed one side, which is fair going for 2 blokes alone), but honestly you should go and see what it looks like not covered in green stains.
Oh wow - I haven't seen XM715 for years. I did the artwork for the anniversary decal that's to the right of the crew access door. I thought it was only a temporary thing, I had no idea it was still on the aircraft. By way of thanks, the guys printed it out and had it framed, signed by Bob Prothero, Bob Tuxford and Mike Beer. It's hanging on the wall behind me as I type this...
That was extremely interesting to me for two reasons. I am an ex Royal Air Force aircraft engineer. I worked primarily on the Nimrod, based at RAF Kinloss in Moray but also deployed worldwide. I worked on the Canopus Comet that belonged to Boscombe Down, which is now in that yard. In 1992 I was part of the team that carried out the Major Servicing on this aircraft at NMSU at Kinloss. There are structural repairs on the pressure floor of that aircraft that I did. As for Nimrod MR2 XV240. I worked on every single MR2 Nimrod in the fleet, and a few of the R1's. In 1999 XV240 diverted to Valley having lost all hydraulic fluid from the "Green" (rainbow colour coding system) hydraulic system. This was one of the four main hydraulic systems of the Nimrod. I was dropped off on another Nimrod at RAF Valley with Stu Patterson and another engineer whose name I cannot now recall. The aircraft that dropped us off picked up '40's crew and returned with them to Kinloss. We repaired '40 and carried out an engine ground run to verify that all was good. We then found ourselves stuck at Valley since no aircraft was forthcoming to bring a crew to fly '40 and us back up to Kinloss. After the weekend, Monday morning and I said to Stu, "What are the chances of them coming to get us today". Stu looked at me and said "I think 60-40". With that we heard the utterly unmistakeable sound of four RR Spey engines which was obviously a Nimrod come to drop our crew off to take us and '40 home. We gathered our equipment and personal effects and went out to the pan. There, sitting next to XV240, was XV260. The tail numbers adjacent to each other did not lie. 60 - 40 just as Stu had predicted.
It was in flying condition up until about 7 years ago when Bruntingthorpe turned into a car storage site rather than preserve these vintage British jets
I painted that plane when it was the Gate Gaurd at RAF Marham for the 75th anniversary of the RAF in 1993. I was a Painter & Finisher in the RAF. I remember we used pressure rollers and there was about 10 of us.
I was at Marham for the 75th, I used to love the old girl sat outside SHQ. Such a big aircraft as gate guard, she took up so much space on the parade square/carpark. Was billeted in the blocks facing the square so saw her every day. I remember the ground techs turning up at landings of the big beasts with the industrial gaffer to put bits back on, ready for retirement, but did a fantastic job till the end.
If it wasn’t for these people unfortunately history would be forgotten. What an amazing plane I hope the future is bright and we can see more videos like this. Good job guys 👍🏼
That typewriter thing is part of the RATT radio airborne teletype. Capable of sending and receiving encrypted messages via the V/UHF and HF radio's and receiving LF messages also. The round dustbin shaped things aft are the rotary launchers used to drop sonobuoys when the aircraft is unpressurised. The little tv above is is used to indicate to the tactical navigator which type and channel buoys are loaded into which slots. I can assure you that the escape hatches do work having had to climb out of one after an engine caught fire during a ground run. Aircraft was ok. Fire was contained by the firewall and wad put out by the ground crew before the 6 wheeled range rover fire wagon turned up.
It has been vandalised, by the weather. It should have been undercover in some hanger rather than left to rot away. Its a disgrace that we cant look after our history.
@@davebryant6905 Hangar space is very expensive and usually set aside for very expensive but airworthy planes for obvious reasons. These planes most likely lost their airworthiness certificates over 30 years ago and as military aircraft they were designed to be sitting outside in the weather for long periods on the tarmac. At least the owners have kept vandals away. But yes, it would be nice if they had been kept in environmentally controlled hangars for the sake of posterity, but as they're now privately owned aircraft, the annual hangar storage expense alone is more than what the aircraft are worth, and it would take millions to restore them just to be static displays, let alone restoring them to airworthiness again.
The owners have had so much crap spoken about them online over the last couple of years but, as you rightly point out, without their money and support over decades these three big planes likely would be long gone and almost certainly wouldn't be complete and in almost-running condition today. Glad to hear the access issues are getting a little better and that they're going to get a wash and a service.
People forget the covid period all too quickly. Those years where we were locked down things that needed work didn't get it, I'm no engineer and live on the south coast, too far to come for wax on wax off and elbow grease, however if there is anything I can help with get in touch 😊😎🕊👏
I have spent many hours flying in Nimrods from St Mawgan in the '70s and '80s, with both 42 SQN and 236 OCU. I've experienced this beast at its best and when it was potent. Forlorn as she looks now - this aircraft manoeuvred incredibly at low level over the sea, most often the North Sea and Baltic - amongst other 'exotic' locations. The galley was a popular hang out for the crew; Always a pie or two on the go in its small oven, as well as an urn of a tepid substitute for coffee. The power and sound of four Speys either side of you is unforgettable to this day.
What happened at Bruntingthorpe was a disgrace. So many incredible aircraft looked after in running condition now slowly deteriorating. Maybe give the Bluebird Restoration guys a shout as they got Vulcan XL319 running after 36 years.
Loved the fast taxi of the cold war jets...so sad to see that it now no longer happens and that they are not in the pristine condition they once were...annoys me that all the arty farty and the so called diversity groups get millions from the lottery with some organisations even getting regular grants..... whereas this history should be a priority for a grant so they can be kept running for future generations...
Well sadly our gov/caa and in general the people in charge of our airfields etc… dont give a toss about them, the aircraft, the airfields and its history. Look at RAF Scampton the home of 617 sqn and the base that was used for the dambusters operation as well as where the Red Arrows/BoB Memorial Flight were based has been closed down and torn apart to build housing… The last airworthy Vulcan which was shamefully grounded is now also trapped at a airfield it is not allowed to fly from or NOW stay at is more then likely going have to be chopped up to be moved because the owners of the airfield have ended its lease.
Be happy ... and have nothing appears to be the current government wishes.. . Oh, and health and safety must play nanny and micromanage any remote risk to us lot.. the great unwashed.
What do you mean by "involved"? They haven't got a clue of what they are looking at. If they really intend to get things running again (in a sustainable way), they will obviously need a lot of help. And money. And it could potentially make for some good videos, but the goofing around of the present video is not getting us anywhere.
Amazing to think that The HP Victor, which was designed in the 1950's could stand in for pretty much any sc-fi movie or tv show space ship with minimal or no dressing up and still look the part!
A tale ... not sure just how true it is, but ... early 70s a RAF Victor is over in the USA to attend an airshow somewhere. One American, obviously more well-read than the average Yank, commented 'F@ck me!, Looks like it was designed by Jules Verne!'.
XM715 was at RAF Marham when I served in the late 80’s early 90’s. She served as a tanker in Op Granby doing Air to Air refueling for the numerous coalition aircraft that were flying numerous sorties into Iraq. I believe she was also used in the refuelling role as part of Operation Black Buck - the Vulcan bombing raid of Port Stanley airport during the Falklands conflict . Glad that something is being done with her and that her proud history will live on a little longer
One of my happiest memories is attending fast jets day at Bruntingthorpe. It was pouring with rain. XH558 did her run and afterwards the spectators sheltered from the storm beneath the wings of the tin triangle whilst she ticked herself cool. The Lightning pair did their run in the murk, it could easily have been Lossiemouth in the 70's. All is not lost, currently the heritage railway industry is a multi-million pound industry with new restorations or creations starting every day. And there's a huge amount going on in aviation too, Lancasters, Stirling, Spitfires, Hurricanes.... Cold War airframes might yet have their turn.
@@suzyqualcast6269 I don't know exactly but I can give you a lead. The main guy is Jacob who's one of the technicians working at East Kirkby on Just Jane. In his spare time (!) he's working on a brand new build of a Stirling from the original plans. I noticed two installments on their website, they've started with the bomb bay. You could check Neville Weeldon's videos about JJ as he's added a link of some kind to The Stirling Project and/or google. Hope this helps.
Do you know I think that's the first time I've seen your serious side. With you responding to the complaints it's not being cared for. I fully support and cheer you on in calling them out! It's all too easy and fashionable now to complain, to point out it "should be done" this way and that. Well done Sir. Because those complaining, aren't doing. You are. The volunteers are. Do what you can, save what you can. Don't just winge. Now honestly, I'd never heard of this plane before. Flying things don't normally interest me as much as tracked and wheels dirt churners. But this is interesting, it's introduced me to the beauty in the sky too. Thanks mate for what you do. Nothing but love 👊🏻
As someone who was truly gutted that the Brunty running days ended, Thank You for this little update on the collection and look forward to hopefully see then running again. The volunteers do an amazing job and Thank you to David Walton for keeping them going as long as they did.
It's been over 11 years since my last visit to Bruntingthorpe for a Lightning twilight run. Any idea what has happened to the rest of the airframes that made up the Pheonix air museum?
@@jonathanfeetham4812 Some were chopped up and sold for scrap. If you look on google maps, you can actually see a lot of what was there either in one little compound or scattered around the area.
Handley Page had an amazingseries of aircraft culminating in the magnificent Victor. She deserves far more than a coat of moss. Do please take care of her. We all owe her so much, not least our freedom. Ian, Canada
You have freedoms in Canada? I thought your wannabe dictator Trudeau took them all away from you, paid off terrorists, and froze the bank accounts of anyone he didn’t agree with. You can’t even buy a handgun anymore and he thinks that will stop all gun crime. And it probably would if criminals followed the law and couldn’t still get them. But I guess that’s why they’re criminals. But the gun grabbers know that, they just don’t want you to have them.
Well done for speaking up for those trying to do the best they can in difficult circumstances to care for these historic aircraft. If, instead of giving what sounds like abuse, those people gave their time and/or money things might improve for these historic aircraft.
What an awesome bit of history - and she was THAT Victor....Also that Nimrod...shame you didn't get inside the Comet as they are both "the same plane". Oh, and what a treat at the end!
A crying shame what has happened to these aircraft. Especially after all the love and care that was put into them over the years. I always lived a bit too far from Brunty to go and help out, but I went to quite a few of their open days. Me and my Dad even got a trip on Canopus thanks to the owner. Bruntingthorpe closing its doors on the collection has been a huge blow to the UK's aviation heritage.
When I was a kid, I went to an air show in the south of England. All three 'V Bombers' were there actually flying. Unfortunately I was to young to appreciate what I was seeing ☹. But, I can still remember standing on top of my dad's Morris Minor watching them. I was probably about seven or eight. A long time ago!
My late dad used to service these aircraft at Raf StAthens and say either it fly,s or not, yet the Victor valcan valiant, back then it was the cold War in fear of nuclear war but in reality I realise Russia had no intention of nuclear war, this cold war aircraft I hope can be saved it is remarkable that young people understand the significance of these aircraft I grew up going to air shows with spitfires flying over head and such aircraft, the reality is they came from another time and world.
You are exactly the kind of people I wouldn´t let anywhere near my classic plane collection. Fidgety hands and pokey fingers end up breaking stuff. Still a fun video, and lovely lady I must say.
If I remember correctly, this aircraft flew on the Black Buck 1 mission bombing the runway at Port Stanley in 1982. She was one of 15 tankers which transferred 3 full loads worth of fuel for one Vulcan (XM607) in 18 transfers over a 7600 mile mission. She also supported Black Buck 7. XM607 still survives. Nimrods were the most feared Anti-Submarine aircraft of the Cold war. The Soviets hated them. They carried torpedoes, depth charges, Sidewinder missiles, rescue buoys, sonar buoys and were regularly deployed by the RAF for search and rescue missions. A great loss to the RAF and the UK...
Always remember seeing the Nimmy's (as well as hearing their old RR Spey engines) as they passed over my house doing their landing circuits at Kinloss. What a noise. Sadly missed aircraft.
It wasn't that long ago that the MOD cut up Nimrod worth about £4 billion, partly because of flawed integrated technology solution and constant revisions. Let's face it, the UK has ideas above its budget.
Both my Dad and my Step Dad flew on Nimrods out of Kinloss. My Step Dad used to drive the road to Findhorn and time it right so we were at the end of the runway as one landed, whole car used to shake uncontrollably 😅 they make quite a racket
@@mobilrzBritish Politicians screwed it up again. Faced with a choice of new updated airframes enabling correct installation of high tech equipment, or a rebuild they chose the cheap route which turned out the expensive route. The reason the Ruskies where worried was they could not hear it, (props make to much noise) and it’s weapons suite and the Nimrod could loiter for hours and hours and hours. The UK had the opportunity to build a new airborne reconnaissance aircraft we need and sell it to others and we blew it instead on a bodge job. Sounds familiar, the US bought the Hawk and the Canberra as they where the best available. Politicians should stop shooting the country in the foot.
What an amazing presentation on a rarely traveled road. Just listening to you talk together is uplifting and fun and it would make such a wonderful day just to follow you all around not to stalk you, but just to enjoy the grace that you see in the day.
20:20 when on patrol the plane could drop sonar buoys from altitude, that would float on the water and listen for submarines, the data was the then transmitted back to the plane. You can see the rack on the left as you enter the rear compartment for storage.
Old man worked on Hunters, Harriers, Victors and a Lightning just once (which he said was horribly tight), seeing nearly all of them there brings back childhood memories of his RAF stories.
My Grandad worked on the Hawker Hunters for 111 and 74 sqn as a armourment and ejection seat fitter. His service was cut short after he fell on his back wile working on top of a hunter
Such a shame what happened to Bruntingthorpe, remember going there to watch the final flight of the Vulcan that was restored there. Just one big car park now days 😢
I knew I guy based in Cambridge who was a part owner of one of these, maybe this one. He was just an ordinary guy, not a millionaire - so rips to him and his friends for keeping these going!
Love the video and the way you got inside :) My father used to be a AEO and occupy that entry space with the myriad of dials. He was in 543 at Wyton for many years and managed to get away with only one year on the ground before retiring, he loved flying and particularly the deployments to south America.
It's such a shame to see those aircraft in such a state. I used to love going to the Fast Taxi run days. I'm so happy that people are still trying to look after them, despite the issues that the new owners at Bruntingthorpe have caused
Started watching you bunch of nutters some time ago and really enjoy you videos but to see your love of my favourites plane the victor you’ve gone up in my mind. I am in my 70s and served in the RAF in ground radar in the early 70s and would love to help keep this aircraft tidy. I live in Corby not far from you.
Now it's a wild dream,but I like it, an Avro Victor it'll be fly again like the Avro Vulcan XH558. These years at 2010's when the Vulcan worked at the airplane tattos, it's like the Vulcan is a Superstar. Greetings from Hungary!
Great video. The Victor is a looker and should be at least tidied up and run. Its British cold war aviation history and must be cherished and celebrated for its quirky uniqueness. Super collection and the guy is clearly doing his best.
Hi, retired aircraft engineer here, here’s my simple aircraft flying control explanation. The ailerons are the flappy bits at the ends of the wings, they control the rolling side to side of the aircraft. We won’t complicate things by mentioning all the bits that stick out of the wings. The elevators are the flappy bits at the back of the aircraft on the bits that stick out the sides, they control the up and down of the aircraft. Both these the ailerons and elevators are connected to the control wheel thing sticking out of the dashboard you were pulling in and out plus turning side to side. Doing that like you did during a flight would lead to a very exciting time and probably have you reaching for a sick bag. If you noticed the pedal things on the floor they control the rudder at the back of the aircraft on the bit that sticks up. The rudder controls flat side to side turning. Also on the rudder pedals are the brakes, very important to remember where they are, when as you trundle down the runway you realise either you’re not trundling fast enough to leave the ground or you’re about to exceed your skills level. A decision that needs making rapidly, closely followed by the full application of the brakes and the necessity of uttering more than a few expletives, Jack would excel or at least assist greatly at this. If you decide you are trundling fast enough pull that control thing out of the dashboard, after a few seconds you’ll know how you’re doing with the skill levels, another point where either a huge smile will appear on your face as you soar into the air, or a barrage of expletives will erupt out of you as you plummet back to earth, again a Jack would be very handy if the latter is the case. If you learn how to fly, a combination of movement of ailerons, elevators and rudder can either be very rewarding, very scary or kill you! And yes all the little spaces and holes are full of gubbins, all of which are quite important. In the old days we would refer to an aeroplane as thousands of spare parts loosely held together by loads of red tape and paperwork flying in close formation. But of course now in our health and safety, molly codling not allowed to scare anybody world we can’t say that any more! An example I have is about 30 years ago as we left an aeroplane that was being boarded, a colleague was asked by a passenger how many times do these aeroplanes crash, he just answered he with “only once” and walked off. She didn’t look impressed! You’ll probably be surprised at how much an aircraft actually weighs, an empty Boeing 747 weighs around 180 tons. It quite scary when you jack it up on three tripod jacks it has to go up a long way to get all the wheels off the floor and then walk under it, even more so when the landing gear is functioned and disappears. So yes it may be made out of aluminium, but a lot of aluminium. Yes it is a shame to see them outside in the weather, but the idiots that complain about these aircraft being left outside have absolutely no idea of the size and cost of a building needed to put them in.
@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234 The Hawker Siddeley HS.801 Nimrod is a completely different aircraft with a different type certificate, designed by a different company decades later, the production aircraft share no significant parts or assemblies in common with any Comet.
*_"In conclusion, it must be emphasised that the Nimrod is not a Comet"_** **_"it is an absolutely brand-new aeroplane"_* Michael Wilson, issue 887 FLIGHT International June 13th, 1968
Your RIGHT at the start of the video about the people bitching about the aircraft. People NEVER want to do anything to help but they can moan all the time. Same with my Air Ambulance can bank and sawmill people want MORE NHS and everything but are too lazy to give their few tin cans for it or buy a 20kg bag of kindling wood for £5.00 so there is always an Air Ambulance for them and others. Let me bet £100.00 most of the people bitching about the aircraft in this video are using stupid fake names on RU-vid yet again.
I have been an active member my local aviation society/museum for 20 years and I will still say that what has happened at Bruntingthorpe is a disgrace. No idea why Mr Hewes is getting hate (tbh I have not seen any in the comments). I commend him for offering his help but the planes will need a long term plan put in place to preserve them.
The one at Duxford has just had a full restoration (pretty much). There are only so many that can be kept indoors and have money poured into them. This one used to do taxi runs and the like for the paying public, but now Bruntingthorpe has new owners who have put a stop to all of that.
One thing I love about people who like engine stuff is it never matters where you find them but if it flies, floats or rolls it's always a source of fascination and curiosity. Also shared is great respect for the people who designed, built and operated them, no matter how simple or complex. Great collection of iconic planes in a great video - thanks! BTW did the dent pop back out of the Mercs roof?😂
I did two tours of RAF Marham during my time in the RAF and passed the Victor every day numerous times. On my last tour of Marham just before leaving the RAF, my accommodation overlooked the Victor, and I was able to watch the dismantling process from my window. A lot of people dont realise that even a static display aircraft has to have maintenance which costs money and once the airframe deteriorates there comes a point to which it is no longer safe or viable to maintain as a display which I believe was the case at Marham.
G'day to you again, it breaks my Heart to think such a Magnificent Piece of Aviation History is not in a Museum somewhere all in Perfect working order, I did the 24hr flight to see IWM and the Tank Museum sadly could not get to Airforce Museum,I love what you are doing,thanks Mate! PS fav. Aircraft ,Victor, Valiant, Vulcan and Buccaneer shows you what age Bracket I am LOL!
Brilliant day out Lads and Lass so thanks for sharing. If ever an aircraft looked exactly what it was built to do it was the Victor. It was just a very threatening bringer of death. But happily a duty it never needed to do. It was 11 of these amazing aircraft converted to tankers that shepherded each Vulcan to the Falklands and back on the 'Black Buck' raids. In many ways it was better at being a V bomber than the Vulcan but we had both so ...... That 'typewriter' in the Nimrod was a Telex machine and that aircraft was FULL of every surveillance and anti sub kit imaginable. The two big tubes at the back were where the sonobuoys were launched. It was of course a distant cousin of the Comet. But what an amazing collection. A Nimrod on its own is fantastic but with a Victor, Comet 4C (another last flying example), Lightning, Hunter, Meteor, Canberra etc ?? So lets just say 'Thank You' to whoever collected them and is looking after them. All (apart from the Starfighter) from when the British pretty much led the world in jet engines, aeronautics and advanced radars, sensors and electronics. All killed by inept, shortsighted and bent politicians (of both main parties). TSR-2 anyone? FunFact: The Americans thought the F-22 was the first to 'Supercruise' (their word for supersonic flight without afterburner use) but they forgot the Lightning was the first in the late '50s. And of course Concorde 'Supercruised' all the way across the Atlantic at Mach 2. Something the F-22 still can't do.
*_"In conclusion, it must be emphasised that the Nimrod is not a Comet"_** **_"it is an absolutely brand-new aeroplane"_* Michael Wilson, issue 887 FLIGHT International June 13th, 1968
😂😂😂 could you imagine flying that monstrosity.. then re-fules going by mirrors😂 man I hope that wasn't in air😂❤ This is so awesome and needs to be protected
Cracking video and good to see the care is still there after the awful decisions by the new site owners. You joke about the Canopus asbestos, watch out for it all over the Victor as you work - it'll be in the brake packs and various gaskets. Could see lots of cadmium corrosion too as you panned round. Good luck with it all.
I'm so glad you got Partridge Exterior Cleaners onboard, because just seeing these vehicles cleaned is really inspiring about what they used to be in their prime. Seeing this more detailed video showing how dirty but also how massive the project of cleaning it is, just really puts it into perspective what an undertaking it is to even cosmetically maintain them. It's like it flips that switch in your head that this isn't past it, and makes them seem more alive, if that makes sense?
I am old enough to remember seeing all of these flying except the comet its sad for myself but must be heartbreaking to see these ladies as they are now for those enthusiasts that tended their needs just a few years ago. Well done to those that are doing the best that they can for them today. all interesting in their way you barely gave a moment to one of the best ever looking jets the hunter shame on you. I could spend the day there poking about in all the nooks and cranies, thanks for the tour.
I love the way that, he went from being this man who I found on youtube, who fixes tanks and creates great videos, to me finding out he basically has one of the world rarest aircraft just, in his back garden. Like, what? xD he was already fuggin cool, why is he now cooler! - on another note, do you want a guy from Hampshire, with a btech diploma in automotive engineering to come work for/with you? working on tanks and old military equipment is almost like a dream job to me as i love the history and mechanics behind them..
Great video. Perhaps start a gofundme to raise funds for the hangar? I'd contribute for sure! Fantastic aircraft which is a valuable part of our country's heritage.
Happy days seeing all these aircraft I used to pick up cars from brunt I forgot my high viz one day and the knob that drives around that probably owns it gave me a right dressing down which was not called for it was in my back pack all the time KNOB yes him and me cheers keep up the good work guys.
I remember the aircraft well and same with the Nimrod and the Vulcan bomber as i served from 1971 to 1987 in the RAF and i even remember the good old Avro Shackleton out in MALTA back in 1975-1978. When you did the walk through the Nimrod it took me back when i managed to get a flight in it in MALTA and seeing the F-104 Starfighter (which had the same German markings ) which Joe called the widow maker and the English Electric Lightning, damn seeing all those aircraft in one place took me back in time. I would love to know where that place is and see if i could visit 🤔 Does anyone remember the V bomber fleet, Vickers Valiant, Avro Vulcan and the Handley Page Victor. The Vickers Valiant was retired back in 1965 so i never got to see that one.
My dad flew on Nimrods for over 20 years.. was quite a surprise to see one in this collection! I bet if I showed my dad this video he would recognise this specific aircraft!
