Dare I mention another engine run date for EP??

[DaveB]

Hello Mate

Yes.. that is correct.. well, correct in that no.1 can't start as it doesn't have a starter fitted. The reason for no.2 not running is that it's starter is heavily corroded (even though it will still turn the engine over) plus there's a fair whack of internal politics going on at the moment which is not going to be so easy to fix :roll: By not running no.2, it allows the crew steps to remain in situ making it easier for the 'less able' to get on and (importantly) off again should something go wrong. I hear on one hand that we're still actively looking for replacement starters although what I hear from other sources, I wonder why :think:

I can't really add any more than that

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[VEGAS]

Well I am in no position to attend due to work and distance constraints, but I sincerely hope all goes well on the day Dave. What a determined and dedicated bunch of enthusiasts you lot are. Congratulations on all your hard work and commitment to keep the alive the veins of such a wonderful aircraft!

[DaveB]

That's a cool smilie Eddie

Tks for the comment ;-) As the months go by, we're finding that the screwdrivers are out more as systems are starting to say.. 'leave off and let me be' and while the expertise is still there, the physical effort required in effecting a repair is deteriorating at a similar pace as the aircraft itself so what was once a minor problem often turns out to be something more. While we can slow down the ravages of time on the aircraft, this isn't possible for the old 'sweethearts' that look after her These are very much the twilight years for 'Superb' and the crew so as bit's of both break down, the liklihood of them ever working again become more unlikely.

I hope that you can get down to see and more importantly hear one of our engine runs at some point in the future as there really is nothing quite like it ;-)

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[Archer]

Dave, I hope all goes well on Saturday. Indeed the engine runs on 'EP are unique and I too do hope that, technology, stamina and politics permitting, they will continue. I've already seen a few but that's never enough ;-)

Somebody better post some photos and/or video's here after Saturday's events!

[robbie]

Hi Dave,

I totally agree with Eddie, you guys have done a splendid job to keep the old girl ticking over, but when she gets to the point of causing a danger to the guys who look after her, it's time to apply a few gallons of lanolin and just concentrate on keeping her in good static display condition.

Even with a huge budget, spares and full crews of young guys, it was always a struggle to keep them serviceable, so don't feel too bad when the time comes to let her go.

Robbie.

[speedbird591]

Still planning to come up tomorrow, Dave.

I know you'll be too busy to say hallo, but in case anybody else makes it and is wondering how they might recognise me, I thought it'd be a good idea to post a recent photo of myself.






What?

[Garry Russell]

That's the Pitt's Ian

Garry

[Chris558]

Sorry Dave, won't be able to make it tomorrow. (I'm..err...going to see something slightly more powerful, that's triangular in shape, at Brize!) NOT that it should be any more important than 'Superb' of course! I have seen your baby run all four, twice now, and have it on video, so I'm pretty satified for now, although I would come again one day, hopefully to see all four running again. Hope it all goes well for you all, and yes, some pics would be nice to see on here.

Dave, talking about the future looking bleak, as she only retired 13 years ago, there should still be some ' young blood' around who worked on them in the '90s, so can't someone from the team put out a plea for ex-Merchantman engineers to come forward?

[Garry Russell]

Hi Chris

I think you'll find it's a lack of parts.

Althought other types use the Tyne, items like starters are different and there is a shortage of specific Vanguard parts. :-(

Garry

[DaveB]

Hi Chris..

I've given up chasing the delta lady. If I ever get to see it fly again, well sobeit. If I don't.. so be that too As to ex-Merchantman engineers.. yeh.. I'm sure there are a handful kicking around not gainfully employed elsewhere. Robbie (off here) would participate if he could but Montreal is a bit too far to commute We're moving into the time now where preservation is coming more and more to the front of the queue so even if the internal politics were not as volatile as they are, running the engines would still be more Heath Robertson than BEA. The old boys are grateful that by the time the scaffolding comes to Superb (it should have arrived on site this Wed gone).. they'll be too old to climb it! Best estimate is we'll get it in around 5 years time by which time there will be 4 of us capable of holding a brush Hopefully, you'll have more success chasing XH580 around the countryside ;-)

Looking forward to seeing those of you that make it tomorrow. The forecast isn't bad so we'll do our best to make it worth your while ;-) If we put the props into reverse.. we might even get A40's Conways turning

ATB

DaveB :tab: