Taxi Runs
This year saw the 25th anniversary of the arrival of XM655 at Wellesbourne Mountford airfield and we were hoping that our event this year would be a little bit special. We had no idea just how special it would turn out to be.
To back up the taxy runs of 655, we had a superb display of about 175 Classic Cars and Military Vehicles which had been organised by Richard Galazka. Many thanks to the proud owners who brought along these superb exhibits. The Patrick Motors Collection again brought along Mr Jones's van from the Dads Army television show. This has become a regular feature of our event. Air Atlantique Classic Flight came along to offer visitors a chance to take a flight in their vintage de Havilland Rapide and newcomers to the event, AvonAir Centre, were on hand with flights in their Cessna. Squadron Leader Rik Head brought along a Squirrel helicopter by kind permission of Royal Air Force Shawbury and a small number of other aircraft were on static display. These included Martin Slater's Auster. Martin is a long standing supporter of 655MaPS. As usual, we had a variety of stalls and also food and drinks (non alcoholic) vendors.
The gentlemen and ladies from the Royal Air Force Association were out in force to raise funds for RAFA and this year we had a contingent from the British Legion Bikers to advertise the work which they do for the Legion.
Right on time at 11:30, XM655 was fired up for the first of its demonstrations of the day. As usual, the aircraft was in the very capable hands of David Thomas and Mike Pollitt with Phil Davies substituting as AEO for Barry Masefield who was occupied with XH558. A slow demonstration gave the photographers in the crowd lots of opportunity for that special shot.
Hardly had the sound of 655 died away then it was "smoke on, go" and the Red Arrows gave us a great low pass across the airfield with red, white and blue smoke trailing. Earlier in the year, Charles Brimson had approached the Arrows to see if a flypast would be possible on our 25th. Thanks to the Arrows and Charles it went down well with the crowd.
Around 14:30, the sound of the Olympus 301 engines was again heard as 655 prepared for a higher speed run. Not the full on normal high speed run since we had just been notified by Rolls-Royce of a possible problem. In the interest of safety the crew limited the engine power to 70% but even that produced a satisfying amount of noise. At the end of the run, 655 was held on the runway instead if its usual swift exit. By now the word was around of a special event and it was all eyes to the South. After a lengthy pause, a familiar shape appeared in the sky as Martin Withers, en route from Holland, brought XH558 straight down the line of the runway and over the top of 655. With 655 holding on the runway, Martin did two more circuits followed by a spirited climb-out on his way to Kemble. Barry had made it to Wellesbourne after all. Many thanks to Martin and his crew and to Mike Pollitt and the VOC for giving us a truly memorable 25th.
Thanks are due to everyone who helped to make sure our event went off without a hitch and who took part in the day. I would especially like to mention Dave Rowlands whose commentary is so much appreciated by all the crowd and to the boys and girls of the Air Training Corps and their Officers who did such a wonderful job for us in looking after the cars and the visitors. The Cadets came from 1460(Banbury) Squadron, 1368(Warwick) Squadron, 1046(Fordhouse) Squadron and 163( Nuneaton) Squadron.
Well, we wanted something special and that is exactly what we got. The only problem is, how do we top that next year?
After taking a break in 2007, the engineers of 655 MaPS had once again prepared the aircraft for display and organised a full supporting programme to complement the taxi demonstrations of XM655.
Richard Galazka had taken on the task of putting together a display of over 100 Classic Cars and Military Vehicles which is always a big draw to the event, and this years selection proved as interesting as ever. A welcome addition to the line up was a display of Morgans from the Morgan Owners Club. As in the past the CC owners were asked to vote for the best car in show and the winner was the owner of a superb MG who received his cup from pilot David Thomas.
We had planned to have a number of vintage aircraft on display but unfortunately the very windy conditions prevented all except a Squirrel from RAF Shawbury and a privately owned Bulldog from reaching Wellesbourne.
We were lucky enough to have our usual crew of David Thomas, Mike Pollitt and Barry Masefield with us and at 11:30 655 was fired up for its first run of the day. Unlike previous years when the aircraft has started from the opposite side of the runway in the morning, 655 had been positioned in front of the viewing area to give an extra chance for everyone to see the start-up preparations at close quarters. A slow speed run was completed with David stopping the aircraft to give the photographers the best chance for pictures.
In the afternoon with the wind now gusting straight across the runway at well over 40 knots, David made the decision to carry on with the high speed run so as not to disappoint the crowd, even though cancellation would have been justified. The nosewheel stayed firmly on the ground however to ensure 655 remained on the narrow Wellesbourne runway.
We were very pleased with the performance of 655 especially after a great deal of maintenance work had been carried out including a major overhaul of the brakes. It finished the day with no real problems.
The same could not be said of the exhibitors who had a huge battle with the high winds, and several stalls were damaged, including the big MaPS tent, which was completely wrecked despite being anchored down by large concrete blocks.
Right through the day, Captain Dave Rowland again provided a superb commentary on what was happening and in filling in the gaps with background information, battling against the wind, which threatened to blow the sounds away.
Also filling in the gaps were the cadets from 1855(Royton) Squadron ATC who as the "Red Barrows" treated the crowd to several displays of manoeuvres with their red wheelbarrows. Great stuff.
The visitors also had a chance to see our newly restored Vulcan bomb hoist demonstrated by our youngest member Daniel, aided and abetted by dad Charles. We think that this is the only working example in existence.
The ATC were also very much in evidence around the site as members of 1368 (Warwick) Squadron and 1460 (Banbury) Squadron directed the cars to the car parks. Many thanks to all involved and members of the public commented on how helpful and polite they were.
As usual our thanks go to everyone who worked so hard to make the day a success and a memorable one for our visitors.
Per Ardua... (photo: Jeff Williams)
Photo: Jeff Williams |
Talking to many people after the event was over, it was generally agreed that this was the best show yet at Wellesbourne with XM655 being displayed to perfection by David Thomas. Full power and nosewheel well raised was just what the crowd of over 2,000 had come to see and hear on a warm and dry afternoon. Earlier in the day, a slow speed run with plenty of stops had set the cameras clicking and given everyone a chance to watch the aircraft. But the event also had a second role to play. As well as our usual crew of David Thomas, Mike Pollitt and Barry Masefield, we had on board Martin Withers and Martin Andrews who were receiving refresher training for the the time when XH558 is returned to flying status. XM655 is already playing an important part in the efforts to put a Vulcan back into the air. |
|
Although 655 is really the star of the day, there were plenty of other
attractions for the crowd to see. Gary Lewis had assembled a remarkable
display of over 200 Classic Cars and Military Vehicles ranging from bubble
cars to an enormous self propelled Abbott 105mm Gun. Try putting that in
your garage! Also on display among the vehicles was Corporal Jones's Dads
Army Van from the television programme Dads Army. Many thanks to all the
owners, some of whom had travelled long distances to be at the show. This year Richard Dick had arranged for a number of aircraft to be on Static Display including a Beaver from the Army Air Corps Classic Flight, a Stearman 17 from Tony Poulson, an L4 Piper Cub flown in by Dave Puleston and an Auster flown by Martin Slater. Members of the Army Air Corps Blue Eagles display team arrived in the Gazelle with their usual dust cloud. Their Lynx which should have accompanied it had unfortunately gone U/S at Middle Wallop. Air Atlantique who have been staunch supporters of our event brought along the DC-3 Dakota for static while giving pleasure flights in their Dove and Rapide. A pair of Bulldogs from Shawbury and the South Warwickshire Flying School completed the line-up. Big disappointment was the P-40 Kittyhawk which was flown in by Peter Teichman but was prevented from joining the display due to a mix-up with Air Traffic Control. |
Photo: Jeff Williams |
Selection of visiting aircraft (all photos: Jeff Williams)
Throughout the whole of the day an excellent and very informative commentary was given by Captain Dave Rowland who as a former Concorde Captain and a classic car owner could hardy have better credentials for the job. Many thanks Dave. Thanks are also due to the aircrew and groundcrew who made sure that 655 gave of her best and to all the people behind the scenes of 655MaPS who worked so hard to plan and organise the event.
Photo: Jeff Williams |
Once again we are greatly indebted to the Officers and Cadets of the Air Training Corps whose tireless work in parking 1,000 cars, controlling the pay points and ensuring an orderly departure of the crowd after the show, received the highest praise from MaPS and from members of the public. A cadet who collapsed was airlifted by Air Ambulance to a local hospital and made a rapid recovery from an asthma attack. Prompt attention by the on-site St Johns Ambulance team was greatly appreciated. |
| A.T.C. Squadrons in attendance were: 163 (Coventry), 1046 (Wolverhampton), 1289 (Stratford on Avon) and 1368 (Warwick). All in all a very good weekend which seemed to please the members of the public who came along to see 655 strut her stuff and in doing so, brought in much needed funds which will enable the engineers to continue the work on the aircraft. This work goes on throughout the year by the volunteer engineers who put so much time and effort into Avro Vulcan XM655. | 
Photo: Jeff Williams |
Photo: Gavin Kemp |
With a crowd just short of 2000 enthusiasts, the Wings and Wheels 2005 at Wellesbourne was hailed a success. With glorious weather that tipped over 100 degrees just after lunch time on Sunday's Vulcan taxi day the only shade that was available was under the giant Vulcan Bomber XM655. The aircraft performed a low power and short taxi at 11 AM, followed at 2 PM by a dramatic high power taxi run. Conditions were just right as the pilots - Sqdn Leader (RAF Ret'd) David Thomas and Wing Commander Mike Pollitt - lifted the nose wheel off the runway. With cheers and applause from the crowd, they taxied the aircraft back in to the disused runway for shutdown, allowing the crowd to visit the aircraft for a closer inspection. Over 200 classic cars and vehicles came to the event, and what a fantastic selection of vehicles they were. |
A taste of the day (photos: Charles Toop) |
| At 1.40 PM the Blue Eagles Helicopter Display Team arrived overhead. The lead helicopter, a Lynx, set down directly in front of the crowd causing a huge dust storm to blow over the airfield. The 4 Gazelle helicopters decided to set down further away so as not to cause any further dust storms! | 
Blue Eagles kicking up a storm (photo: Gavin Kemp) |
Earlier in the day, the DC-3 operated by Air Atlantique (based at nearby Coventry Airport) arrived and featured in the static park for the remainder of the day. Also from Air Atlantique came the Dragon Rapide which offered pleasure flights. However the aircraft had a minor problem and a Twin Pioneer arrived to take over.
Reaching for the sky (photo: Michael Baldock)
The photographs here tell the story, leaving 655 MaPS to personally thank you all for coming to our event and supporting what we do - to keep XM655 alive. Our thanks also to the airfield manager, Wellesbourne Air Traffic, all the volunteers on site and off site, the ATC Squadrons, Gary Lewis for organising yet another fabulous car show, our film crew and photographers and last but not least - our Air Crew for the weekend, who survived the stifling heat of a Vulcan cockpit on a sunny day!
We carried out an Engine Ground Run (EGR) on Saturday 19th and the aircraft passed with flying colours. All we had to do was put her to bed and catch up with the aircrew that evening for a pint or two. The DC-3 arrived and was also parked up ready for the events on Sunday.
All through the week local radio station Bear 102FM carried our event on their Bulletin Board broadcast. The Vulcan To The Sky Club also helped out by publicising the event.
Sunday morning was a 7am start. The road sweeper turned up on time, as did all the classic cars and traders. Shame the fresh donut man didn't make it! The aircrew convinced us that it would be good to taxi XM655 over to the market site under her own steam, so we agreed and at 11am 655 trundled over to say hello to those who got there early.
Over 100 out of 150 classic cars also arrived despite the unsociable weather conditions. Shortly before 14.00 the anti collision lights started to flash as pre-flight checks commenced on the aircraft. No 4 engine could be heard spinning, then fuel injected into it and 'lit'. Exhaust flux emerging from No. 4 engine, 655 came alive.
Once all engines were stable, ATC gave clearance for "X-Ray Mike 655" to enter the active runway. Turning on the runway to face the crowd for a photocall, against a back drop of the Fosse Way Hills, the aircraft look stunning. Moving along the runway the aircraft turned to face away from her supporters, turning out on high power caused a vortex of exhaust flux to hit the crowd, we hope you didn't mind! This is the closest you will ever get to an active Vulcan! Turning back on herself, XM655 headed south down the runway for a change. Turning on a sixpence, she turned to face us all, and the sun came out. |
 Ready... (photo: Michael Baldock) |
Brakes on, all four engines coming up and with a cloud of smoke and water behind the aircraft creating a dramatic backdrop, ATC cleared her for the run, the aircrew unleashed the aircraft and a huge growl ripped through the air for 6 or more seconds.
 ...steady... (photo: Carl Woodend) |
Speeding past the intersection, the nose began to lift...
 ...GO!! (photo: Michael Baldock) |
|
 Photo: Gary Dee |
 Photo: Michael Baldock |
At 80 knots the power was withdrawn and air brakes selected and 655 came to a smooth halt at the end of the runway. The crew bought back the aircraft to the market site, no second run this year as we have never fast taxied the aircraft with a very wet runway and the brakes were very warm! The crewchief, Mark, welcomed 655 back, bomb bay doors open and the aircraft was shut down.
 |
A parade of classic cars ranging from 1964 to 1984 parked next to XM655 for a photo call. We were delighted that Quentin Wilson from BBC's Top Gear reviewed the cars on show and we do hope he will drop in again next year. |
 |
Lets see if we can do another 20 years at Wellesbourne, join us....! Many thanks to all who turned up to support 655, and particular thanks to all the photographers who sent in pictures for us to use on this report.
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
Runs prior to 2001 are now on a separate page
Site design and contents copyright © 1998-2010 Handmade by Machine Ltd.