English Electric Lightning

Post 42 - Image 13 shows what was nicknamed 'the plumbers staircase'. When the aircraft had no access ladder installed in order to get onto the left wing leading edge root to open the canopy or access the cockpit the left foot went onto the ventral tank fin and the left hand grabbed the ATGB exhaust (shown) the right foot could then be swung round on top of the tailplane. Once on the TP, the right foot went into the ATGB exhaust and, with thrust from the right leg the base of the fin could be grabbed and with some footwork you could get on top of the fus with a foot either side of the spine. Shuffling forward one could get onto the wing.

A bit of pleasing Lightning news here -


Just to let everyone know that the Lightning Preservation Group have won F3 XR713 from Leuchars!
Due to Wattisham Station Heritage being unable to accept her, she will be coming to Bruntingthorpe.
We felt that although Wattisham had withdrawn, we were duty bound to bid for her.

www.lightnings.org.uk/

With the recent arrival of the Shackleton, news of the future addition of the Phantom, One of the Tristars staying here & joining the Collection & now the arrival of Lightning F3 XR713, it's exciting times at Brunty .

Steve

That's brilliant news Steve . Shall be defiantly attending More events there in the future .
Regards ,
Al.

Just been browsing this page and noticed the pictures of XN728 the A1 Lightning in the scrapyard at newark and thought i would share some updates for people who dont know.
The cockpit was saved shortly after them photos were taken by a guy called Mark and he stored her for 2 years at Lincoln.
In april of last year a deal was struck and she was bought and moved to Binbrook by myself.
As you can see from the pictures she is coming along well and eventually will be complete and fully restored back to her former glory .

The day i fully uncovered her for the first time and bought her

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Back at Binbrook

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Upright for the first time in two years

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First time undercover since 1977

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Cockpit after a quick clean out

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Graffiti removed and Bullet temp fitted

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Cockpit having panels trial fitted

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As you can see so far i have put countless hours into the restoration but she is still along way off . A few more parts to source, a lot more hours to put in to her and a lot more pennies to spend on her.

I would like to say thanks to hydealfed for all his help as well .

If anyone would like to know any more about her etc please drop me a email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit her facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/205368676297107/

Many thanks

Looks so much better now and the work you've put in is terrific, I lookforward to seeing the progress and I hope to visit sometime soon to see her for myself.

Well done Darren

Cheers

Rich

Cheers Rich.

Welcome anytime here mate for a brew, catch up etc

canberra;148611 wrote:

Do I get a prize for pointing out that all the RAF Lightning bases in the UK have closed or are about to close?

What about Boscombe Down? www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/lightni...-boscombe-000701.jpg

Attached files

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Boscombe Down may have used the Lightning for test purposes but was never home to RAF Lightning squadrons!

Theres an interesting article in the latest Flypast by an ex RAF engineer who served with BAC in Saudi in the late sixties. It includes the Lightnings seeing action.