Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
CLICK HERE to see new posts in last 24 hours
Mark all forums read
Welcome to Locate and Cement - Plastic Model Kit Review, Advice and Exchange of ideas.. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Harrier Flypast!!
Topic Started: Dec 1 2010, 11:22 PM (813 Views)
Danuleson
Member Avatar
Member
[ *  * ]
If anyone is interested..........

This statement on the Harriers has been released by the MOD.

"Due to the decision to retire the Harrier GR9 early, it is the JFH FCs intent to finish all Harrier flying with a flypast of 16 ac in diamond formation. The plan is to fly the formation at 1000’ on the following route: Wyton, Wittering, Cranwell, Waddington, Scampton, Coningsby and Cottesmore. The date will be the 15th Dec 10 with back up days of 14th and 16th, a weather call being made on Mon 13th. Timings are being aimed at commencing the flypasts at 1330hrs however if weather dictates then the time may flex."
Goto Top
 
peebeep
Member Avatar
Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious
[ *  *  * ]
Excellent heads up Dan. I can think of at least one person here who will be busting a gut to get onto the flypast route.

peebeep
Goto Top
 
Gary West
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
I'm going with Dean hopefully but where will all those cars park!!!!

There will be dozens of people attending this and anyone who's been to Cottesmore will know what I mean.
Goto Top
 
Seamus
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
peebeep
Dec 2 2010, 12:18 AM
I can think of at least one person here who will be busting a gut to get onto the flypast route.

Assuming you're referring to me, sadly I won't be able to make this, already dragged the old man up there last month. Not sure I'd want to see their actual farewell anyway TBH, then there's the parking Gary mentioned......

That said, for anyone who hasn't had a chance to see them before they go, can't recommend a trip to Cott enough, superb viewing/photographic opportunities and plenty of action makes for a great day out B)

I've read that as soon as they have landed, they will taxied straight into storage, without so much as a post-flight service- a rather sudden end for them :(

Rumour has it that the Indians are interested in buying a number of airframes, which would involve training the pilots over here (Cottesmore and Yeovilton have been cited as potential bases for this) so there's a chance we might see them fly again, just not in British markings. It would be nice to see a number of airframes retired to British museums as well- an NSW bird would be most fitting at the FAAM.

Of course, none of this should be happening at all, but that's for another thread......:(
Goto Top
 
DamienB
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
RAF Cottesmore viewing guide here:

http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/sp.../cottesmore.php

Hooby Lane, New Road and Thistleton provide a fairly decent amount of parking opportunities all told - there wasn't a major parking problem when RIAT was on, after all, and that knocked out most of Hooby Lane in terms of available spots.
Goto Top
 
Seamus
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Seems I'll be missing out on seeing this little beauty :wub:

Horrible thought time- by this time next week they'll (probably) have ceased flying :(
Goto Top
 
Gary West
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Should anyone be going to Cottesmore tomorrow, be sure to come over and say hello - I'll be with my lad Dean who's 6'4" so look for a bald bloke with a tall bloke :lol:
Goto Top
 
Danuleson
Member Avatar
Member
[ *  * ]
Quick question.......can anybody say the best place to view this activity at Cottesmore? I'd quite like to get some nice pics if possible. I've heard there are a lot of spots around the airfield to view from, but would ideally like to be in a prime location.

Cheers.
Goto Top
 
Gary West
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Danuleson
Dec 14 2010, 04:54 PM
Quick question.......can anybody say the best place to view this activity at Cottesmore? I'd quite like to get some nice pics if possible. I've heard there are a lot of spots around the airfield to view from, but would ideally like to be in a prime location.

Cheers.

Click on the link on Damiens post above - positions C&D are prime for end of runway shots and where well be heading tomorrow
Goto Top
 
Seamus
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Check out the viewing guide Damien linked in his above post ;)

Points C and D will be your best bet, provided they use runway 22, which I imagine they will be looking at the forecast wind direction. Viewing here is great, with only a four foot fence around the perimeter, negating the need for stepladders. You are also incredibly close to the threshold and taxiways. Have a look at some of my shots here from my visit last month to get an idea of how good a spot it is.

One word of caution, from what I've read parking in the normal spot near Point A may not be possible due to police cones. However, the nearby Caravan site is apparently allowing parking for £1, so that'll probably be your best bet. Directions are also provided on Damien's guide.

Hope those of you going tomorrow have a great time, I'm gutted I won't be able to see them one last time, so look forward to seeing some shots from the rest of you

Cheers

Shaun :)

EDIT: Gary beat to me to it :lol:
Goto Top
 
Danuleson
Member Avatar
Member
[ *  * ]
Cheers Gary + Shaun!!

I guess I should have checked out Damiens post more thoroughly....DOH!!

I'll be making a beeline for C+D then - the end of 22.

It does say that the farmers yard will be open for parking at £2 a car, and it's a lot closer than the caravan park so i'll probably go there instead.

Just one more random question........would it be wise to bring wellies??
I'm just guessing that i'll be walking on or next to fields to get to points C+D maybe?

Thanks for the heads up though guys B)
Goto Top
 
ptcruiser
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Guys
Cloud level on Tuesday was very low here at Belvoir - I could hear the 16 ship practice but not see them - so frustrating. :angry:

Today has started the same way, very miserable and a low cloud. Driving past Cottesmore on the A1 cloud base was slightly higher.

Enjoy. :biggles:

Rich
Goto Top
 
Gary West
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Not been home too long but it all went off to plan (ish) caught it all on video - what a waste though! :angry:
Goto Top
 
Danuleson
Member Avatar
Member
[ *  * ]
Was fantstic to see them all go up in the eight pairs, crushing to see them all land though :crying:

Cloud level was too low so didn't actually see the 16 ship formation, although I did see it on BBC news and it did look superb!

Such a sad sad day indeed, a total waste of what are quite young airframes too, considering the age of other types which have also been retired in the last few years.

Lets hope the Falklands doesn't stir up again, otherwise we're knackered!
Goto Top
 
Seamus
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
[ *  *  * ]
Glad those of you who went at least got to see them one last time, the weather did what it does on these sorts of occassions and very nearly buggered it all right up. A pretty rubbish day all round....

Posted Image
Harrier 1960-2010 by Seamus_85, on Flickr

Farewell old friend :(
Goto Top
 
« Previous Topic · Real Aircraft · Next Topic »

Friends of Locate & Cement
Skin created by Nikku from Zathyus Networks Resources