Not a Vickers Viking that I've ever seen the like of!

[Archer]

Just to add my two cents to this thread, there are indeed two Vikings in the Vickers product range and Brooklands has examples of both. The Viking seaplane is indeed the Thorpe park replica, IIRC it has an automotive engine that enabled it to taxi. The other (VC1) Viking has been used as a restaurant in The Netherlands in the past, the chip fat in the bottom of the fuselage preserved it perfectly actually! I've posted this before but there's more about this airframe here: http://www.vc10.net/History/vikings_of_soesterberg.html

There have been plans for the Wellington hangar for ages, I haven't got a clue what the current status is though. Apart from being the only Vickers hangar left, she was built in the war for the increased production that was needed then, which only adds to its historic importance.

[DaveB]

Hi Jelle

They seem to have hit a dead end with the hangar mate. So much stuff inside the hangar is not fit to be put outside and yet the hangar itself isn't fit for the job. This is something that'll go on for a few more years me thinks!! 'Vagrant' remains outside and that in itself is a travisty :-(

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Archer]

Hi Dave,

I guess you're right, it won't be solved in the near future. I've seen plans for that hangar that were old when I saw them which is almost 10 years ago. Indeed it's a shame that 'Vagrant' is outside but as long as it will not last the entire winter she should be allright. Luckily most planes are built to spend a small portion of its working life outside a heated hangar ;-)

Take care, Jelle.

[Garry Russell]

I think the biggest problem with the Viking is now she has been restored to natural metal finish

She won't survive outside very long at 60 years old

Some Viscounts and Comets only lasted seven years or so until corrosion ended their lives and that was from a new condition

She needs to be got under cover quickly or at least waxed up even it that does look bad when it's on..easy to just say that though, practicalities will be something else.

Garry

[DaveB]

Hello Mate

Well.. in her present state, the bare metal won't be a problem as the ally will lightly corrode (given time) and cause a natural barrier to the elements odd as this may seem. This is all well and good as long as her time outside isn't permanent. One of the main problems with old ladies like Vagrant is that they're just not waterproof anymore. The Varsity team had/have a hell of a job with water ingress.. so much so that all documentation has been removed from the aircraft. I've not noticed any cabling going into Vagrant so it's likely she has neither heaters or dehumidifiers onboard :-(

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Garry Russell]

Hi Dave

Lets just hope they get something sorted soon

The water ingress would be a real problem ......lests hope she don't start leaking :roll:

Garry

[DaveB]

Yes indeed! It's a pity Concorde doesn't stand a little taller as she'd make a lovely shelter for her grand parent ;-)

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Garry Russell]

Get Concorde up in the air on a mount like that French place........that would do it

Garry

[basys]

Hi Folks

Mean't to post this previously -
Classic Aviation Ads: Vickers Viking 1923
and related -
Classic Aviation Ads: Vickers Achievements 1924

Escellent info site.

ATB
Paul

[DaveB]

Cheers Paul

Pity there's not one there for the VC1 Viking but as you say, a nice site with some interesting stuff

ATB

DaveB :tab: