Swiftsure in her prime

[Garry Russell]

Bet she still had her crew dooor too!!

[Tomliner]

OMG Robbie,you've really gone and done it now.You've sent DaveB into spasms of ecstasy that even his good lady couldn't achieve!What's more at his age one has to be so careful! EricT

[robbie]

I really wish I'd taked roll after roll of pics, but in those days it was just another looong day, and after a 2 1/2 hour test flight we just wanted a cold beer, of course as I was the rep on that job, it was my job to arrange entertainment for the crew, and let me tell you it was very difficult to get them to relax on the beach, the whole place was crawling with topless females .

Dave, as I remember ES & ET had HF as they were the Horse boxes, don't think the others had it.

Robbie.

[DaveB]

Tks for that Robbie

Superb was converted to carry bloodstock (I guess when PET was withdrawn) but didn't have any HF fit by the time she came to us. It may be that what was there was pulled for use in the Electras prior to her last flight and blanks put over the holes on the pedestal.. I really don't know Were you involved with the Olympic equestrian contract ('94 I think.. it was an even year anyway ) when Swiftsure and Superb flew the teams horses to Barcelona?

Colin/Eric.. Tks for the offer of a damp Sporting Life and concern over my health. I don't enthuse about many things I know but Vanguards do I'm afraid, arouse my interest

ATB
DaveB

[robbie]

Hi Matey,

No, I left AB in 1990, went to heavylift (for a VERY short period) , had 2 years at Hatfield on the Bae146, then came to Canada in 1993.

Wasn't aware they converted your beastie for livestock?, that would have been a hell of a job!!.

Robbie.

[DaveB]

Hiya Robbie

Yes.. it must have been fun and we only realised just how much fun when we had to replace a relay in the avionics bay (remember a panel on the aft bulkhead down there?). It could be seen but not got at due to a ferkin great plenum chamber.. part of the revamped ventillation) being in the way It had to be taken apart.. no other way round it.. not even for our smallest crew member! Couldn't tell you just how many nuts and bolts there are that join the two halves but the language coming out of the avionics bay was.. err.. choice Thank goodness it didn't have to go back (even if it should.. it hasn't)

The Olympic job took some 13 flights between Swiftsure and Superb (to get them all down there I presume)

ATB
DaveB

[Effoh]

I've gotta get my a$rse down to Brooklands ..............damn you DB



[EDIT:note to self...when replacing a character, it REALLY helps if you don't include the original character]

{sigh}

complan.............................bed..................................

[DaveB]

You'll be more than welcome Colin I don't do Saturdays (only once a year for the crimbo 'do') but can be found there most 'dry' Wednesdays (I don't do motorbikes in the wet any more and can't stand driving the car to Weybridge!) I won't say that mentioning my name will open any doors but it shouldn't shut any either

ATB
DaveB

[Effoh]

DB,

You have a deal to be arranged (at your convenience and obviously incorporating your establishment) at a mutually agreeable time...I'm also working on a deal regarding a certain museum up the road from me that may be beneficial to like minded honourable members.....

[DaveB]

Sounds like a plan Colin

ATB
DaveB