RTB CFS Little Rissington..

[SamRo]

[DaveB]

That's a lovely clean shot Sam Our T1 at Brooklands will eventually look like that.. I hope

ATB

DaveB

[Brian Franklin]

That takes me back gents. In the early 70's I was stationed at Rissy but working daily at Kemble. We had a new OC Flying Wing posted in and he decided it would be good for as many ground crew as possible to have a flight in the other sections aircraft. They stuffed lots of guys in the back seats of my beloved Gnats and I drew the short straw by being taken up for a 'flight' in the Varsity. Good job I took a book with me..

[DaveB]

Were they as cold and noisey as I image Brian? I spent a fair bit of time in the front of ours some years ago when taking shots for Rick's model and you almost got the feeling of 'being outside' A smashing little aircraft though and a true workhorse for the RAF in those days. Oh how I'd love a flight in one Oh.. and a backseat flight in a Gnat wouldn't be turned down either

ATB

DaveB

[Tomliner]

DaveB wrote

Oh how I'd love a flight in one

Dave I remember logging a 65 minute jolly in one when I was in the ATC.This was at RAF Ballykelly in NI in about 1959/60.I must dig out my old log book to if I can find the reg.Unfortunately I didn't own a camera at that time so no piccies(even a sepia toned one!) EricT

[Brian Franklin]

Just as you'd imagine Dave. Had to wear my ear defenders so I could concentrate on my book. Seemed to take hours to get anywhere, definitely a jet man myself.

[DaveB]

Seemed to take hours to get anywhere,

I can well imagine We get ex V-Bomber crew members at the museum every now and again and while there's a hint of nostalgia regarding the T1.. I get the impression most of them see their training days as a cross they had to bear rather than with any enthusiasm.
Our old girl is in pretty fair nick all things considered though she's far from watertight. Most of her documentation was moved off a while ago for fear it would disintegrate due to the damp. Our Viking now sits in between us (PEP) and the T1 and it's surprising just how many differences there are between the two.. far more than you would imagine.

Happy days

ATB

DaveB

[SamRo]

Got this book recently, so that where the insperation came from..
http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/97818441538 ... googlebase

I need to come down to weybridge!!

[Chris558]

Have they put the wings on the Viking now Dave..any shots?

[DaveB]

Hello Mate..

No, not yet though they're on stands quite close by. The Viking team were in today and hoping to have the concrete laid for their paths and permanent hard standings but the concrete company (Hanson) won't deliver because they need a number of clear days above +5 for the concrete to set properly.

Unrelated but topical for Brooklands.. the area where the bus museum is going has been excavated and the ground levelled ready for the next stage. When they get going, they sure do get going! There was still a pile of dirt and rubble there on Wed and today.. it's all gone! It still looking good to be open mid way through next year

ATB

DaveB