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Post by PB on Dec 17, 2016 10:26:42 GMT
Out of mild curiosity does anyone know of an old airframe appropriate to Blackbushe in the fifties that might be looking for a new home, is unloved, needs some (or even lots) of work, that one might purchase and perhaps give a new home?
Would not be required for flying duties...
PB
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Post by rj on Dec 18, 2016 9:44:25 GMT
Looking for a retirement project Peter?Of course most of the 50's classics are long gone after the unfounded wood glue scares of the 60's. The best you would probably be looking at is a slightly bent Chipmunk, or the nose of a Meteor/Canberra/Hunter etc. The place could do with a new gate guardian. There were plenty of R4D-8's sitting in a Tucson scrapyard when I was there in 2010, including a ex FASRON200 example! Rob
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Post by PB on Dec 18, 2016 12:07:34 GMT
Ex FASRON R4D would be perfect, pity it's so far away....
Thanks Rob, I think I've enough retirement projects on the boil right now!!! After July next year, maybe?
There's a Canberra that might do, but not what's wanted.
What drives me crazy is meeting a guy at the Air Day who is working on bringing a Bristol Freighter back to the UK. Took his details and in the heat of the Air Day promptly lost them. I've cursed myself ever since. Now that would do, a Bristol 170 painted in Silver City or Dan Air colours.. IF we secure a gate guard it would have to reflect the days indicated on the "Airlines of Blackbushe Airport" sign!! An R4D would be acceptable!!
Anyway, just a heads up to keep it in mind should anybody come across an old Dakota in a ditch someplace..?? Who said Eagle Viking, now that would be something. I think BB had over 30 home based Vikings at one point?
PB
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Post by rj on Dec 18, 2016 14:30:38 GMT
There has bee a pair of C-54's at North Weald(one a genuine R5D) that have been for sale for years. One of them was reduced to a forward fuselage earlier this year for a museum up north. The other one is still sat there, dear Mr Blink it would look lovely at the bushe'! Rob
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Post by rocky14 on Dec 18, 2016 19:38:50 GMT
Pity we don't have the likes of Rochford, R. J. Coley et al.There were a couple of North Stars at Pansanger in the mid 60s but that is all history! Maybe Duxford could help or Air Atlantique?
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Post by PB on Dec 18, 2016 20:02:12 GMT
Thanks chaps.. Rob, is the intact C-54 still at North Weald and any idea what they're asking for it?
Peter B
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Post by rj on Dec 18, 2016 20:43:54 GMT
Hi peter, it was still there a few months ago, been there about 15 years. I think they were asking about £50k for one a few years ago, assume it is owned by Aces High? So sad that these were so neglected. I remember the excitement c2000 when they arrived for a film on the Berlin Airlift, the film fell through and they never flew again. It has been a crime that such a important aircraft type has been so neglected. Trouble is you may look at paying as much to transport it somewhere as it would cost to but it. Sadly the UK doesn't have any aircraft enthusiasts with deep pockets that look beyond Spitfires. rob
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Post by controller on Dec 18, 2016 21:36:54 GMT
But where would one house it at Blackbushe and who would maintain it? Recall the "museum" at Lasham? Half a dozen great aerp[lanes left in a field to rot.........
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Post by brizeguy on Dec 18, 2016 23:27:28 GMT
Aces High is Mike Woodley, I thought he was more Dunsfold. Was intending making contact with him following the news last week that the houses got the go ahead there. Plans are for a Bizjet Mx facility at BBS, I'm sure they'll be able to maintain a static display/Gate Guardian. Transport not an issue, have good contacts as have done similar before although not quit as large.
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Post by PB on Dec 19, 2016 6:12:29 GMT
Thanks Brizeguy, questions answered....
Aces High are scheduled for the Blackbushe 75th with at least their Dakota, maybe more on a longer term basis? Dunsfold is not the only 'local' aerodrome that may soon be removed from the aviation charts... Blackbushe is taking strides toward future development as a fully equipped working aviation facility..
A gate guard would be a great idea to salute the historic side of our airfield!! It would necessarily be designed into the new Blackbushe plans. The interesting question would be whose colours would the gate guard be painted in - obviously dependent om the type of aircraft?
Let's please not talk about aeroplanes being left to rot, this situation, were it to happen, would be the exact opposite....
PB
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