Fast Taxi Run 14/06/2003
A big THANK YOU to the thousands of people that came to see our Vulcan on Sunday June 15th. We are very sorry for the thousands of people that we had to turn away - just before 12.30 we had to take the decision to close the gate as the eastern side of the airfield was full. Land over on the western side was opened up as an overflow. Our thanks to Warwickshire Police to controlling the roads around the airfield. For those watching the Saturday Engine Ground Run, you might have noticed that we were still working on the aircraft through the evening. We had to carry out some servicing on the nose wheel steering. The result was that the steering is now far better than that it had been previously. |
Ahead by a nose; Charles Toop |
Sea Vixen; Damien Burke |
The RAF solo display Jaguar made a low level high speed pass, and we just caught sight of the re heat, before it disappeared out of sight! Our thanks to Flt Lt Mike Hayes. The Sea Vixen was next and looked just stunning. Beautifully displayed by Brian Grant. We didn't get the hoped-for Vampire - unfortunately it was hemmed in at Kemble and unable to take-off as a result. |
Next - our very own XM655. Slowly taxing out on to the main runway under the controls of Wing Commander Mike Pollitt, Sdn Ldr David Thomas and Sdn Ldr Barry Masefield (RAF ret'd). XM655, now completely repainted, looked the business and zig-zagged up the runway for great photo opportunities. |
Testing airbrakes; Charles Toop |
Taxi run; Charles Toop |
The first run was to check that the aircraft was OK and that the systems were working correctly. Once done, XM655 turned back and headed back up the runway. Brakes on, and the engines taken up to the high power setting and with that the brakes off and XM655 taxied down once more. Not as fast as some previous years but we have to ensure all our servicing work that we have recently completed is fit for the job - and it is! |
Back on the market site, the aircraft was shut down and everyone was allowed to see XM655 up close to view the bomb and engine bays. It also acted as a good sun shade as well! Finally at 14.58 on the dot, the Red Arrows flew in formation over the Vulcan. This was the best weekend we have ever had and it has provided valuable funds to keep 655 alive. For another account of the day, click here. |
Thanks for all your support; Charles Toop |
The aircrew give the firecrew a lift; Charles Toop
Fast Taxi Run 20/09/2000
The fine dry day which we had previously ordered duly arrived and were set for our best ever taxi day. This year's event was sponsored and organised by Autela, Edmunds Walker who are a major supplier of spares and equipment to the commercial vehicle industry. Managing director Brian Waters and his team from AEW led by Dominique Peacock made sure that there was plenty for the visitors to see and do while waiting for 655 to run up and attractions included tombola, trade stands, stands selling books and models, bouncy castle and stilt walkers! The entire team from AEW worked tirelessly throughout the day and aour sincere thanks go to them all for making the day such a success. The RAF was also on site a mobile information display. As usual the local ATC squadron provided excellent food on their barbecue stand. |
Ready to run; Paul Hartley |
Showing off in the sun; Michael Baldock |
Highlight of the ground exhibits was the superb display of vintage vehicles. Nick Waters had managed to secure a lie-up of over 40 immaculate entries which included buses, cars, lorries, tractors, motor cycles and military vehicles complete with a working mobile radar station. Every entrant was presented with a vehicle care kit worth over £20 by Chris Coombes and his colleagues from Comma Oils & Chemicals and the three best entries were awarded spectacular prizes by sponsors AEW. Prodrive Racing of Banbury also attended with their Volvo FL10 race truck which provided a magnificent view of the days events. Some 200 guests of technical sponsors AEW and Truckline were present to enjoy the family environment of the day. The good weather and the fact that the event had been well advertised by AEW on the local radio station ensured a good crowd which meant plenty of work for the cadets of 1368 ATC Squadron under the command of Flt/Lt Barry Lee, looking after entry and car parking. In the event several members of the AEW team were needed to help with the corwd and spent a long hot day on the crowd line - many thanks to their help at short notice. Thanks also to Sue and Ruth who staffed the 655 stand throughout the day raising funds for 655 and also answering many queries from members of the public. |
The last two weeks before the run had proved quite eventful, with major engineering work being completed and checks being carried out. At the last moment, 5000 litres of fuel needed for the run were loaded aboard the aircraft. A last minute problem loomed when we were unable to obtain the loan of a starter needed to fire up the Olympus engines. A phone call to David Walton of The Vulcan Operating Company secured the loan of their big SPAD starter but we would need to collect it and return it after the run. Since the SPAD weighs in at around two tons some expertise was needed! Brian Waters contacted the owner of local haulage firm John Snape Transport who immediately agreed to collect and return the SPAD at only the cost of his diesel. Incidentally, the return to Bruntingthorpe was made at a time when fuel was virtually non-existent and hauliers were rapidly becoming an endangered species. Many thanks to John and to the VOC who refused to accept payment for the SPAD.
On the day we were pleased to have our usual crew aboard consisting of Sqdn/Ldr Dave Thomas, Wing Cmdr Mike Pollitt and Sqdn/Ldr Barry Masefield. They had come down to Wellesbourne on the Saturday and given 655 a full systems check, engine start and short taxi. Also aboard for the run were - Peter Ludford representing Beagle Aircraft who have sponsored the elevon repairs, Edmund Hughes of Ryder Trucks as nominee of major sponsors AEW and 655 engineer Malcolm Campbell-Ritchie whose efforts with the painting of 655 were due for recognition. Sponsorship for the repaint which everyone agrees is transforming 655, is still being provided by Masons Coatings PLC who provide paint on an 'as required' basis via Masons sales manager Peter Draper. Finally, of course, the bomb bay had a few passengers - Corgi models of 655! |
Corgi models get loaded onboard; Michael Baldock |
The start of the main event was slightly delayed due to a serious road accident near the airfield preventing people from arriving in time for the scheduled start. With three fire appliances from the Warwickshire Fire Service providing fire cover on a voluntary basis, the Olympus 301 engines were fired up in sequence in front of the crowd. Full systems checks were carried out before the throttles were opened up and 655, with paintwork gleaming in the sun, taxied out onto the main runway. Turning at the end of runway 18, Dave Thomas held 655 on the brakes while the engines were spooled up to around 90% power. Leaving behind a cloud of good Warwickshire topsoil, 655 accelerated down the short Wellesbourne runway. All too soon it was throttles back and brakes and Dave returned 655 to park in front of the crowd.
Some disappointment was expressed that the nosewheel was not lifted and that 655 had performed only one high speed run. Several people wondered if 655 had suffered some major failure. The answer to these questions is simply that for safety reasons the display had been limited; it must be remembered that 655 had not moved under her own power for a full year. During this period she had undergone major repair work to the airframe including removal of control surfaces and the refurbishment of the PFCUs. Work had also been done to the engines and the wheels and brakes, not to mention dealing with the vandalism incident. There was not enough time between the completion of all this work and the taxi day to carry out the extensive testing required to establish 100% confidence in the airframe. The runway at Wellesbourne is both short and narrow which gives absolutely no margin for error in the event of a failure. Dave Thomas and his crew perform to a profile which they determine will give maximum safety to the public, the crew and the aircraft in the conditions which prevail on the day. We would have it no other way.
Looking up a lady's skirt...? ; Michael Baldock |
After engine shutdown the public were allowed to walk around the aircraft and talk to the air and ground crews. 655 MaPS members were as usual given access to the cockpit on production of their membership cards. Thanks to the many hours of work put in by the 655 engineers over the last year, another run day successfully completed. If you were at Wellesbourne for the run you may have noticed the black ribbons tied to the undercarriage. These were in tribute to ex-655 crew chief Barry Goodwin who sadly passed away shortly before the run day. |
655 was not the only lady celebrity at Wellesbourne on the 10th - Dame Judi Dench - a Vulcan fan! - had heard of the run, and took time out to visit the airfield and watch 655 strut her stuff. The aircraft has now been returned to our servicing area to enable work to proceed during the winter months. A heavy maintenance schedule is already being planned and hardy volunteers are always at a premimum. At the time of writing, no date has been set for the next run but this will be published here as soon as it has been finalised. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped and supported our efforts to keep XM655 alive and well - a complete list of sponsors can be seen on the Thankspage.
Fast Taxi Run 26/09/1999
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Yet another day when the weather threatened to do its worst, but once again held off for 655 to do her stuff. As those who attended will have seen, the repaint is well in progress with the starboard wing, starboard mid fuselage and rear fuselage all completed and primer coat visible on parts of the port wing. I wish I had a better picture to show you but unfortunately I messed up the exposure on the side-on shots! Hopefully the weather will improve so that more of the job can be finished before the winter takes hold. Anyway, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves... |
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Fast Taxi Run 25/04/1999
655 preparing for the runs; Damien Burke |
The weather threatened to be lousy once again but thankfully stayed dry with low cloud giving 655 a moody look. Crew consisted of Dave Thomas, Mike Pollitt and Barry Masefield. A graphic demonstration of Vulcan Power was laid on for all to hear when a single engine was brought up to 70% throttle before continuing with the start of the remaining three engines. |
While normally 655 would taxi in a leisurely manner down to the runway end and carry out the fast run back up towards the market area she is parked on, the wind was light enough for the first 'low' speed run (if you count 60-odd knots as 'low'!) to be carried out directly from the market end of the runway. With Mike Pollitt at the controls for this first taxi run, a good burst of Vulcan roar was heard amidst much blue smoke - 655 clearing her throat! |
First 'low' speed run; Damien Burke |
Second high speed run; Damien Burke |
However, the second run, with Dave Thomas in control, was the real surprise. This would be a faster run against a 5 knot head-wind, and with 655 now at the far end of the runway, the crowd waited for the aircraft to turn. With a burst of throttle as she swung round to face back up the runway, the power of the four Olympus engines began to shake the ground as the throttles were advanced to begin the run... |
...engines roaring, the famous Vulcan bellowing roar ramping up in intensity, and then all too soon the throttles are cut, the sound dies away, airbrakes begin to extend... and at 65 knots "It just felt right" - a tug on the joystick sent 655's nose into the air, with the weight of the aircraft beginning to be shifted from the mainwheels to the wings! Cheers and shouts from the groundcrew as well as a few of the crowd! |
655 strains at the leash; Damien Burke |
655 and her admirers; Damien Burke |
With her brief bid for freedom foiled by ever increasing drag from the huge wing, 655's nosegear settled back onto the runway and she continued down the runway, turning off to the market area where the crew, obviously in exuberant mood, parked the aircraft and throttled the engines up two more times to shake the ground and sweep the asphalt clear! |
Attendance was the best yet and business at the various trade stands appeared brisk, with valued sponsors Lucas Service UK also having a stand. 655 MaPS now has an increasing range of merchandise available for those wishing to help the cause, including polo shirts, sweatshirts, prints and paintings. We're not here to make a profit, the money goes directly into keeping this aircraft well and truly alive.
2 Fast Taxi Runs 11/10/1998
655 preparing for October's run - the cars on the grass give an indication of the attendance on the day; Jamian Peter
After a week of poor weather, the weekend was set to be cloudy, windy and wet - but the sun shines on the righteous, and the poor weather took a break for the day. Unfortunately the wind hadn't got the message and the wind was gusting quite forcefully, causing the cancellation of the planned model Vulcan flying display. Wellesbourne's resident light aircraft were having some challenging landings to cope with as a result too! Membership of the Maintenance and Preservation Society (MaPS for short) has now been opened to the public and it was gratifying to see the number of people who joined up on the spot, as well as making some fantastic donations to the cause. The turn-out for the day was superb and very much appreciated by the team.
October's crew (left to right - co-pilot, AEO, pilot); Damien Burke |
Following the programmed timetable, at 2PM the crew entered 655 and began pre-flight checks. Sqd Ldr Dave Thomas (the last Vulcan display pilot), co-pilot Sqd Ldr (retd) Martin Withers (a Falklands veteran of Black Buck fame) and AEO Sqd Ldr Barry Masefield (also part of the last Vulcan display team crew) were the crew for the day (along with some lucky passengers...). Given the amount of work that the 655 MaPS crew have put into getting 655 ready for this day, it was great to find how smoothly everything went. A minor electrical glitch and a sticky hatch were sorted out in seconds and soon the unmistakable guttering roar of the Palouste air starter was bringing number 4 engine into life. |
The other three engines were started using the cross-feed method, providing plenty of noise
for the assembled throng to enjoy and all too soon 655 was nosing along the taxiway ready for
her first taxi run in over a year. |
Beginning to taxi; Paul Hartley |
Roaring down the runway; Paul Hartley |
Turning round to face back up the runway, while slightly stunned passengers swapped places for the coveted ladder position (the only place in the cockpit where a passenger can see anything besides a bit of sky!), a brief delay gave everybody time to wonder if this was the end of the day's activities... but no - again the throttles were pushed forward, brakes released and 655 sprang forward once more to roar down the runway. With power applied for much longer than in the first run, a higher maximum speed was reached - around 60 knots this time. After all the work in 1998, it was felt sensible to take it a little easier than normal. |
Turning round and giving a few members of the crowd a taste of exhaust in the progress (to their delight as we found out later), 655 taxied back, chasing some strange chap in blue overalls away as he realised those jet pipes were getting a little close, and finally shut down after extending the air brakes and opening the bomb bay. A graphic demonstration of Vulcan Power (like Girl Power, only worth listening to) ensued as the first passenger out attempted to collapse in a heap. Yeah alright, so it was me - hell, you try standing on a narrow ladder with 80,000 lb of thrust behind you and see how your legs feel afterwards... |
Passenger's eye view; Damien Burke |
Anyway, a superb day with two perfect runs and no snags to speak of. 655 is BACK!
Fast Taxi Run 17/08/1997
The most recent run was the best yet! The best turnout so far was evidenced by 120+ car-loads of people (a quick count, and this doesn't include those who parked near the flying club and camp sites on the other side of the airfield). As hoped for, Delta Jets' superb 'Black Arrows' Hunter carried out a display first... and that was worth the admission fee alone! But before that 1368 and 495 sqn ATC paraded in salute to the ex-V-force personnel who had arrived and very nicely done it was too!
Delta's Hunter T.7A (WV318/G-FFOX) displaying; Damien Burke |
Stealing the show soon after, CAA pilot Rod Dean executed the best Hunter display I've ever seen, beginning with a sneaky long-distance circle of the airfield which led the crowd to believe he was about to appear from the clouds at the near end of the runway. He didn't, instead screaming in from precisely the opposite direction, with the Hunter's banshee howl being followed a couple of seconds later by the eerie reflection of that noise bouncing back from the trees on the far side of the airfield. Brilliant stuff! |
After an excellent display showing off the all-black paint scheme to perfection against a cloudy but bright sky, he finished off with a low pass where you wouldn't have looked too silly if you'd ducked. And been standing on the runway. Well, fairly silly perhaps :) Waggling his wings as he sped off, you could see just how much he had enjoyed the display - but I doubt he had as much fun flying it as we had watching it!
With the Hunter display concluded and the sound echoing into the distance, a rather different noise began to make itself felt rather than heard... while we rushed back from the crowdline to where XM655 was parked, the gutteral blasts of the Palouste starter were quickly followed by the whining of an Olympus spooling up. An impressively quick start from the groundcrew meant that all four engines were soon up and running, though one unfortunately had to be taken offline when its fire warning light failed to illuminate when it should have done during pre-run checks. The decision was taken to take no risks and shut down that engine (which turned out to have a transient fire warning thermocoupler fault) and to do the run on three engines.
After a quick movement and brake application, XM655 taxied out past Air Atlantique's Cessna 404. Unfortunately the Twin Pioneer was unable to make it because of crew illness but Air Atlantique pulled out all the stops to provide a replacement aircraft at very short notice - well done lads! The Cessna was carrying out pleasure flights throughout the day, taking people up for an aerial tour of Warwickshire. No doubt the seating arrangements were rather more palatial than in the Twin Pin anyway! I particularly liked the cold drinks can storage at the back of the engine nacelles... |
Air Atlantique's Cessna, G-MIND; Damien Burke |
Anyway, back to the Vulcan... after a pause at the near end of the runway to give us gawpers a chance to dash along to the crowdline, she proceeded up to the runway end. Pirouetting at the runway end (and stopping traffic as usual), 655 was soon lined up ready for the run. Dust and exhaust being kicked up behind her were soon followed by the rising roar of the engines and then, that magical Vulcan roar reverbrated through our bones for a good five seconds as Sqn. Ldr. Dave Thomas whacked full power on. Up to 90 miles per hour in seconds, 655 howled past the crowd for those first few seconds and then proceeded a little more quietly with the airbrakes fully extended. For those who didn't get to hear that roar - you were at the wrong end of the runway! Where she starts is where the roar is... so listen to this! (195Kb WAV file).
XM655 viewed from the raised platform; Damien Burke |
All in all it was a great day out for Vulcan fans, and I haven't even mentioned the martial arts display (which judging from the applause was very good - I just missed it myself), the raised platform for photographing XM655 from 20 feet in the air (cheers to Steve at Delta Jets for his balancing act!) or the refreshments stall (which, going against any airshow-related tradition, actually provided both value for money and edible, nay, delicious, burgers and sausages). |
Fast Taxi Run 18/05/1997
XM655's second taxi run in 1997 was carried out on the 18th of May. While there was a programme of events, the schedule could not be followed because an accident at Kemble airfield that morning caused a lot of delays for the support crew (who were leaving from Kemble) and caused the non-appearance of Delta Engineering's Hunter, which had been due to display (it too is based at Kemble). However, if there's one thing worth waiting for, it's a Vulcan! |
XM655 on 18th May 1997, before being started up; Damien Burke |
XM655 being adopted on 18th May 1997; Damien Burke |
Before she was started up, XM655 was officially adopted by the local ATC squadron (1368 squadron). 1368 provide a great deal of help - not least in crowd control and marshalling on the day! |
Shortly after the adoption ceremony, the Houchin Ground Power Unit was started up and XM655 became 'live' once again - you wouldn't think a couple of red beacon lights could get you excited, but... Soon after that, the Palouste starter was fired up (and I do mean fired!) and the roar of that gave a hint of the noise to come! The four Olympus engines were started up in sequence and then run up to what certainly sounded like full power - we had wheelie bins and oil drums bouncing down the taxiway behind XM655... even some of the paint on the taxiway was being blasted off! The noise was incredible - not so much heard as felt! All this before she even moved... |
flames belch from the Palouste as it is started up; Damien Burke |
XM655 begins her run on 18th May 1997; Damien Burke |
As XM655 rolled down the runway to position for the run, the wind brought the great aroma of jet fumes right into the crowd... as one of the XH558 boys there said - "If this is pollution, I'd like more of it!". Once at the runway end, '655 turned and briefly paused. The sight of a Vulcan lined up on the runway end had the traffic going past the end of the runway slowing down considerably, with two cars practically stationary - naughty people, but I don't blame them! |
The run itself was oh-so-brief because of the limited runway length at Wellesbourne Mountford, but even so, a speed of 65 knots was reached before the brakes were applied. We even got a brief blast of that famous Vulcan roar (an elephantine roaring noise created by the airflow into the intakes). With all that action, it was hard to pay much attention to Air Atlantique's Dragon Rapide, a rare Aeronca C.3 displaying, followed by a Yak-52 and Denny Dobson's Pitts Special later in the day! |
hit the brakes! - XM655 ending her run on 18th May 1997; Damien Burke |
Fast Taxi Run 16/02/1997
B.2 XM655 at Wellesbourne Mountford in early 1997, preparing for the taxi run soon after; Dick Clements |
To keep XM655 in the best possible condition and in the public eye, we are staging regular fast taxi runs. The first was staged on 16th February 1997, and a crowd of 300 braved appalling weather to watch the run. The cold and rain resulted in some minor problems with the aircraft afterwards but they were soon fixed. Sqn Ldr Dave Thomas, aircraft captain, said after the run "Everything felt right!". |
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