Exploring The Last Flying Handley Page Victor

[@cbmsysmobile]

Mm. All this whinging about lack of preservation. Look at the vast amount raised by the Vulcan to the Sky Project, only to have it grounded again. The reality of it is that it costs a fortune just to store and do basic maintenance with these craft, let alone keep them running. Just not affordable these days, and any effort just to keep them from being scrapped is to be appreciated. Maybe one day someone with very deep pockets will cough up to restore it, but I doubt it.

[@paulnutter1713]

The cost is peanuts compared to what's spent daily by the politicians on looking after certain dinghy borne visitors

[@BauregardSenior87]

Every time socialists start a world war, preservation and cultural history takes massive damage and every time the socialist loose, the war machines are preserved until the next time. I hate to see any machine go to waste because very few machines today are worth owning, let alone saving (excluding some military hardware of course).

[@trisjack82]

@@paulnutter1713even less compared to them looking after their corporate ‘investors’ where all that money really goes

[@gazzertrn]

Would be nice to see it in the sky again , but i dont think that would ever happen again .

[@NiaJustNia]

@@gazzertrn He got it professionally cleaned (the video came out today on Partridge Exterior Cleaning), and the difference of just the cosmetic maintenance is amazing. It makes it much easier to visualise it in its prime. They'll finish the clean later this month (limited winter daylight, plus it being a massive plane, they only managed one side, which is fair going for 2 blokes alone), but honestly you should go and see what it looks like not covered in green stains.

[@carlwilson1772]

That was extremely interesting to me for two reasons. I am an ex Royal Air Force aircraft engineer. I worked primarily on the Nimrod, based at RAF Kinloss in Moray but also deployed worldwide. I worked on the Canopus Comet that belonged to Boscombe Down, which is now in that yard. In 1992 I was part of the team that carried out the Major Servicing on this aircraft at NMSU at Kinloss. There are structural repairs on the pressure floor of that aircraft that I did. As for Nimrod MR2 XV240. I worked on every single MR2 Nimrod in the fleet, and a few of the R1's. In 1999 XV240 diverted to Valley having lost all hydraulic fluid from the "Green" (rainbow colour coding system) hydraulic system. This was one of the four main hydraulic systems of the Nimrod. I was dropped off on another Nimrod at RAF Valley with Stu Patterson and another engineer whose name I cannot now recall. The aircraft that dropped us off picked up '40's crew and returned with them to Kinloss. We repaired '40 and carried out an engine ground run to verify that all was good. We then found ourselves stuck at Valley since no aircraft was forthcoming to bring a crew to fly '40 and us back up to Kinloss. After the weekend, Monday morning and I said to Stu, "What are the chances of them coming to get us today". Stu looked at me and said "I think 60-40". With that we heard the utterly unmistakeable sound of four RR Spey engines which was obviously a Nimrod come to drop our crew off to take us and '40 home. We gathered our equipment and personal effects and went out to the pan. There, sitting next to XV240, was XV260. The tail numbers adjacent to each other did not lie. 60 - 40 just as Stu had predicted.

[@Valisk]

Oh wow - I haven't seen XM715 for years. I did the artwork for the anniversary decal that's to the right of the crew access door. I thought it was only a temporary thing, I had no idea it was still on the aircraft. By way of thanks, the guys printed it out and had it framed, signed by Bob Prothero, Bob Tuxford and Mike Beer. It's hanging on the wall behind me as I type this...

[@tonypacke6954]

Compared with the state of some of the military vehicles you acquire, it's in bloody good condition.

[@Thinkflite]

It was in flying condition up until about 7 years ago when Bruntingthorpe turned into a car storage site rather than preserve these vintage British jets

[@ConstContact]

Nice you stated “I’m a pilot” and this is the PIS gauge not to be confused with the psi gauge…..the psi. No, no it wouldn’t be that……?

[@Garryokee100]

I painted that plane when it was the Gate Gaurd at RAF Marham for the 75th anniversary of the RAF in 1993. I was a Painter & Finisher in the RAF. I remember we used pressure rollers and there was about 10 of us.

[@NickKendall-i8z]

I was at Marham for the 75th, I used to love the old girl sat outside SHQ. Such a big aircraft as gate guard, she took up so much space on the parade square/carpark. Was billeted in the blocks facing the square so saw her every day. I remember the ground techs turning up at landings of the big beasts with the industrial gaffer to put bits back on, ready for retirement, but did a fantastic job till the end.

[@matty99]

That was a different Victor. The one you painted was scrapped.

[@ferrellsl]

Wow, it's so nice to see vintage aircraft that haven't been vandalized for a change!

[@davebryant6905]

It has been vandalised, by the weather. It should have been undercover in some hanger rather than left to rot away. Its a disgrace that we cant look after our history.

[@ferrellsl]

@@davebryant6905 Hangar space is very expensive and usually set aside for very expensive but airworthy planes for obvious reasons. These planes most likely lost their airworthiness certificates over 30 years ago and as military aircraft they were designed to be sitting outside in the weather for long periods on the tarmac. At least the owners have kept vandals away. But yes, it would be nice if they had been kept in environmentally controlled hangars for the sake of posterity, but as they're now privately owned aircraft, the annual hangar storage expense alone is more than what the aircraft are worth, and it would take millions to restore them just to be static displays, let alone restoring them to airworthiness again.

[@wor53lg50]

​@@davebryant6905or sprayed with a protective grease coating..

[@alexrobertson1472]

@@davebryant6905 you gonna buy a hangar to put it in then Dave?

[@darrenmcelhinney3752]

If it wasn’t for these people unfortunately history would be forgotten. What an amazing plane I hope the future is bright and we can see more videos like this. Good job guys 👍🏼

[@scottallpress3818]

Exactly my thoughts , the other 82 were scrapped and would have been 83 if they didn’t save it

[@grahamlewis5888]

The owners have had so much crap spoken about them online over the last couple of years but, as you rightly point out, without their money and support over decades these three big planes likely would be long gone and almost certainly wouldn't be complete and in almost-running condition today. Glad to hear the access issues are getting a little better and that they're going to get a wash and a service.

[@muzmason3064]

People forget the covid period all too quickly. Those years where we were locked down things that needed work didn't get it, I'm no engineer and live on the south coast, too far to come for wax on wax off and elbow grease, however if there is anything I can help with get in touch 😊😎🕊👏

[@adrianflower3230]

It's great that you and the team are getting involved to help keep these heritage assets alive and slow down their decline.

[@TheGalwayFarmer]

It looked more like they were helping the decline!

[@benoitvandevoorde2830]

What do you mean by "involved"? They haven't got a clue of what they are looking at. If they really intend to get things running again (in a sustainable way), they will obviously need a lot of help. And money. And it could potentially make for some good videos, but the goofing around of the present video is not getting us anywhere.

[@chrisjones8379]

@@benoitvandevoorde2830 Got you watching didn't it? And a watch is money in the bank. You don't have to have a stick up your ass to love, appreciate and want to save historical birds and tanks.

[@wyattpervledge2801]

I have spent many hours flying in Nimrods from St Mawgan in the '70s and '80s, with both 42 SQN and 236 OCU. I've experienced this beast at its best and when it was potent. Forlorn as she looks now - this aircraft manoeuvred incredibly at low level over the sea, most often the North Sea and Baltic - amongst other 'exotic' locations. The galley was a popular hang out for the crew; Always a pie or two on the go in its small oven, as well as an urn of a tepid substitute for coffee. The power and sound of four Speys either side of you is unforgettable to this day.

[@stephenbland7461]

Hunting for Russian submarines in the North Sea during the Cold War…..And then S&R…..

[@Woffy.]

Smoke Goggles for the inevitable blue smoke emissions from the Radar PSU

[@montymontgomery9576]

Your enthusiasm and take on these planes are very entertaining, I’m in my 70s and remember them whilst growing up. Thank you

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

What happened at Bruntingthorpe was a disgrace. So many incredible aircraft looked after in running condition now slowly deteriorating. Maybe give the Bluebird Restoration guys a shout as they got Vulcan XL319 running after 36 years.

[@richardmessenger9474]

Loved the fast taxi of the cold war jets...so sad to see that it now no longer happens and that they are not in the pristine condition they once were...annoys me that all the arty farty and the so called diversity groups get millions from the lottery with some organisations even getting regular grants..... whereas this history should be a priority for a grant so they can be kept running for future generations...

[@Rover200Power]

No way to get them out of Brunty without chopping them up.

[@fazsum41]

Well sadly our gov/caa and in general the people in charge of our airfields etc… dont give a toss about them, the aircraft, the airfields and its history. Look at RAF Scampton the home of 617 sqn and the base that was used for the dambusters operation as well as where the Red Arrows/BoB Memorial Flight were based has been closed down and torn apart to build housing… The last airworthy Vulcan which was shamefully grounded is now also trapped at a airfield it is not allowed to fly from or NOW stay at is more then likely going have to be chopped up to be moved because the owners of the airfield have ended its lease.

[@TachyonDriver]

Be happy ... and have nothing appears to be the current government wishes.. . Oh, and health and safety must play nanny and micromanage any remote risk to us lot.. the great unwashed.

[@Jetson72]

​@@fazsum41the BoB Memorial Flight have never been based at Scampton, they are based at Coningsby since 1976.

[@fionamichaelpaterson4411]

That typewriter thing is part of the RATT radio airborne teletype. Capable of sending and receiving encrypted messages via the V/UHF and HF radio's and receiving LF messages also. The round dustbin shaped things aft are the rotary launchers used to drop sonobuoys when the aircraft is unpressurised. The little tv above is is used to indicate to the tactical navigator which type and channel buoys are loaded into which slots. I can assure you that the escape hatches do work having had to climb out of one after an engine caught fire during a ground run. Aircraft was ok. Fire was contained by the firewall and wad put out by the ground crew before the 6 wheeled range rover fire wagon turned up.

[@MrHewes]

Blimey I bet that was scary!!

[@Adam-pt8qm]

The six wheel fire truck was called the TACR. When I joined the RAF as a firefighter back in 1997, they still used them for a couple more years.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking that this looked like a teleprinter console or RTTY installation.

[@bambambundy6]

In my opinion one of the most beautiful planes to ever come from Great Britain!

[@FrontSideBus]

Amazing to think that The HP Victor, which was designed in the 1950's could stand in for pretty much any sc-fi movie or tv show space ship with minimal or no dressing up and still look the part!

[@tonypacke6954]

Your dead right, I was thinking the same.

[@chrisst8922]

RTL-2 Rocket Transporter from The Thunderbirds episode The Cham Cham

[@grahamtanner1066]

A tale ... not sure just how true it is, but ... early 70s a RAF Victor is over in the USA to attend an airshow somewhere. One American, obviously more well-read than the average Yank, commented 'F@ck me!, Looks like it was designed by Jules Verne!'.

[@jamesleonard7439]

What a cool collection of awesome British aircraft. Thought I saw a meteor and a Canberra in there too.

[@grahamariss2111]

Actually the design was started in 1947. Shows the great vision they had.

[@topgazza]

They doing an amazing job looking after such fantastic heritage like this. Thank you

[@alanbates1471]

Well done for speaking up for those trying to do the best they can in difficult circumstances to care for these historic aircraft. If, instead of giving what sounds like abuse, those people gave their time and/or money things might improve for these historic aircraft.

[@firebaldey1]

using a mercedes as a stepladder is just one of the highlights on this video !👍

[@MrHewes]

🤣

[@garryharrison3831]

Would have liked to see a Vectra stand for that.

[@AllisterCaine]

I thought the guy kidding around on the actual stepladder was funnier. Exactly what I would do the second I recon it's a bit wobbly. 😂

[@chrismyash]

Do you know I think that's the first time I've seen your serious side. With you responding to the complaints it's not being cared for. I fully support and cheer you on in calling them out! It's all too easy and fashionable now to complain, to point out it "should be done" this way and that. Well done Sir. Because those complaining, aren't doing. You are. The volunteers are. Do what you can, save what you can. Don't just winge. Now honestly, I'd never heard of this plane before. Flying things don't normally interest me as much as tracked and wheels dirt churners. But this is interesting, it's introduced me to the beauty in the sky too. Thanks mate for what you do. Nothing but love 👊🏻

[@MrHewes]

🙏🏻

[@chrisst8922]

One of my happiest memories is attending fast jets day at Bruntingthorpe. It was pouring with rain. XH558 did her run and afterwards the spectators sheltered from the storm beneath the wings of the tin triangle whilst she ticked herself cool. The Lightning pair did their run in the murk, it could easily have been Lossiemouth in the 70's. All is not lost, currently the heritage railway industry is a multi-million pound industry with new restorations or creations starting every day. And there's a huge amount going on in aviation too, Lancasters, Stirling, Spitfires, Hurricanes.... Cold War airframes might yet have their turn.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Where is the Stirling you mention ¿?

[@chrisst8922]

@@suzyqualcast6269 I don't know exactly but I can give you a lead. The main guy is Jacob who's one of the technicians working at East Kirkby on Just Jane. In his spare time (!) he's working on a brand new build of a Stirling from the original plans. I noticed two installments on their website, they've started with the bomb bay. You could check Neville Weeldon's videos about JJ as he's added a link of some kind to The Stirling Project and/or google. Hope this helps.

[@stum99]

Amazing aircraft, big fan of both Nimrod and Victor. Great video. Glad to see someone has kept them. Even as they are, is better than scrapped

[@bomber785]

XM715 was at RAF Marham when I served in the late 80’s early 90’s. She served as a tanker in Op Granby doing Air to Air refueling for the numerous coalition aircraft that were flying numerous sorties into Iraq. I believe she was also used in the refuelling role as part of Operation Black Buck - the Vulcan bombing raid of Port Stanley airport during the Falklands conflict . Glad that something is being done with her and that her proud history will live on a little longer

[@rossspenser8314]

My father was 57 Squadrons. And before 9 Squadron

[@nickgilvey6763]

This country needs people like you! Keep up the good work pal! 💪

[@typhoonda2]

As someone who was truly gutted that the Brunty running days ended, Thank You for this little update on the collection and look forward to hopefully see then running again. The volunteers do an amazing job and Thank you to David Walton for keeping them going as long as they did.

[@jonathanfeetham4812]

It's been over 11 years since my last visit to Bruntingthorpe for a Lightning twilight run. Any idea what has happened to the rest of the airframes that made up the Pheonix air museum?

[@4RMS7TRONG]

@@jonathanfeetham4812 Some were chopped up and sold for scrap. If you look on google maps, you can actually see a lot of what was there either in one little compound or scattered around the area.

[@tobywolfie1936]

​@@jonathanfeetham4812 The Buccaneers have gone to Kemble, the smaller aircraft are by the Lightning Q-sheds in a small compound. The smaller aircraft are ran up still, but no fast taxi runs or anything. Then, you have the Victor, Nimrod, and Comet, all on a different side of the airfield, out of sight of the public, surrounded by, or were, surrounded by lorry trailers.

[@RobertdMacGregor]

20:20 when on patrol the plane could drop sonar buoys from altitude, that would float on the water and listen for submarines, the data was the then transmitted back to the plane. You can see the rack on the left as you enter the rear compartment for storage.

[@ScienceChap]

If I remember correctly, this aircraft flew on the Black Buck 1 mission bombing the runway at Port Stanley in 1982. She was one of 15 tankers which transferred 3 full loads worth of fuel for one Vulcan (XM607) in 18 transfers over a 7600 mile mission. She also supported Black Buck 7. XM607 still survives. Nimrods were the most feared Anti-Submarine aircraft of the Cold war. The Soviets hated them. They carried torpedoes, depth charges, Sidewinder missiles, rescue buoys, sonar buoys and were regularly deployed by the RAF for search and rescue missions. A great loss to the RAF and the UK...

[@KnowYoutheDukeofArgyll1841]

Always remember seeing the Nimmy's (as well as hearing their old RR Spey engines) as they passed over my house doing their landing circuits at Kinloss. What a noise. Sadly missed aircraft.

[@mobilrz]

It wasn't that long ago that the MOD cut up Nimrod worth about £4 billion, partly because of flawed integrated technology solution and constant revisions. Let's face it, the UK has ideas above its budget.

[@MrMcChuckles95]

Both my Dad and my Step Dad flew on Nimrods out of Kinloss. My Step Dad used to drive the road to Findhorn and time it right so we were at the end of the runway as one landed, whole car used to shake uncontrollably 😅 they make quite a racket

[@anthonywilson4873]

@@mobilrzBritish Politicians screwed it up again. Faced with a choice of new updated airframes enabling correct installation of high tech equipment, or a rebuild they chose the cheap route which turned out the expensive route. The reason the Ruskies where worried was they could not hear it, (props make to much noise) and it’s weapons suite and the Nimrod could loiter for hours and hours and hours. The UK had the opportunity to build a new airborne reconnaissance aircraft we need and sell it to others and we blew it instead on a bodge job. Sounds familiar, the US bought the Hawk and the Canberra as they where the best available. Politicians should stop shooting the country in the foot.

[@JasonRichards-z3o]

And I'm sure we could pull that off today ! ! ! ! Well done successive government's

[@sublimemuse3951]

What an amazing presentation on a rarely traveled road. Just listening to you talk together is uplifting and fun and it would make such a wonderful day just to follow you all around not to stalk you, but just to enjoy the grace that you see in the day.

[@farmersboy]

Poor old Victor always got overshadowed by the Vulcan (who mentioned the Valiant?), so it's good to see one is going to get some love and TLC.

[@timothybird7450]

A crying shame what has happened to these aircraft. Especially after all the love and care that was put into them over the years. I always lived a bit too far from Brunty to go and help out, but I went to quite a few of their open days. Me and my Dad even got a trip on Canopus thanks to the owner. Bruntingthorpe closing its doors on the collection has been a huge blow to the UK's aviation heritage.

[@Bugoutvehiclesuk]

It deserves a good wash. I love that era of plane

[@billybonson2534]

Quilted ceiling is my favorite discription of sound proofing ever. I am going to use that at work 😂

[@TimS366]

Thanks for helping these guys out Joe, appreciated.

[@m__r1100]

Im impressed by the professional instruction and deep knowledge of all things flying by our presenters. 😂

[@MrHewes]

🤣

[@Adam-pt8qm]

I was thinking when the guy was trapped by a seat belt, haven't I seen him driving a tank? 😲

[@KyleClarke-pj4dp]

​@@MrHewes are you restoring the Comet and Nimrod too? Would love to see all three cleaned up and back in working condition

[@chrishyde1216]

Apollo 11 would not have got to the moon without the crew's deep knowledge of gubbins.

[@dalejones4184]

Sorry but you are very dangerous flicking switches with no knowledge of what you are doing.

[@iankershaw9010]

Handley Page had an amazingseries of aircraft culminating in the magnificent Victor. She deserves far more than a coat of moss. Do please take care of her. We all owe her so much, not least our freedom. Ian, Canada

[@mikehunt3222]

You have freedoms in Canada? I thought your wannabe dictator Trudeau took them all away from you, paid off terrorists, and froze the bank accounts of anyone he didn’t agree with. You can’t even buy a handgun anymore and he thinks that will stop all gun crime. And it probably would if criminals followed the law and couldn’t still get them. But I guess that’s why they’re criminals. But the gun grabbers know that, they just don’t want you to have them.

[@hanovergreen4091]

That is amazing how well that aircraft is preserved inside. Best of Luck to you and Best Regards and Best Wishes for 2024!

[@TheDrago1882]

Good old Victor, played crucial role in Falklands Vulcan re-fuelling

[@robinwells8879]

Thank goodness that there are still people around that will cough up just to save them from the scrapper. Bless their hearts.

[@mitchdaytonam3]

Old man worked on Hunters, Harriers, Victors and a Lightning just once (which he said was horribly tight), seeing nearly all of them there brings back childhood memories of his RAF stories.

[@fazsum41]

My Grandad worked on the Hawker Hunters for 111 and 74 sqn as a armourment and ejection seat fitter. His service was cut short after he fell on his back wile working on top of a hunter

[@robhavock9434]

My late dad used to service these aircraft at Raf StAthens and say either it fly,s or not, yet the Victor valcan valiant, back then it was the cold War in fear of nuclear war but in reality I realise Russia had no intention of nuclear war, this cold war aircraft I hope can be saved it is remarkable that young people understand the significance of these aircraft I grew up going to air shows with spitfires flying over head and such aircraft, the reality is they came from another time and world.

[@keitht3055]

When I was a kid, I went to an air show in the south of England. All three 'V Bombers' were there actually flying. Unfortunately I was to young to appreciate what I was seeing ☹. But, I can still remember standing on top of my dad's Morris Minor watching them. I was probably about seven or eight. A long time ago!

[@xacoupeguy]

seeing it fly even as a "mistake" was super awesome!

[@saintuk70]

What an awesome bit of history - and she was THAT Victor....Also that Nimrod...shame you didn't get inside the Comet as they are both "the same plane". Oh, and what a treat at the end!

[@adailyllama4786]

Thank you for finding and exploring this beautiful aircraft. And. thanks to folks who saved her too. /R

[@DailyWarbird]

Well said, a lot of history would have been lost if it wasn't for private collectors doing the best they can at the time. Thank the owners for us!

[@nickbetts2244]

Amazing design. Well done for getting involved. Lovely aircraft 👍

[@nielsvc7525]

Beautiful plane! Good to hear, she gonna be washed and restore to her former glory!

[@Anolbea]

Great video. The Victor is a looker and should be at least tidied up and run. Its British cold war aviation history and must be cherished and celebrated for its quirky uniqueness. Super collection and the guy is clearly doing his best.

[@Tom-ld1vr]

Love the Aircraft content, hopefully more to come

[@runways_railways]

Thanks for this wonderful update video on Bruntingthorpe's aircraft. Wonderful to see these classic aircraft again. Thanks to you all👍

[@seacombe2379]

What an amazing aircraft tbf after a good bath and wax I bet it will look mint. As for a dehumidifier I agree totally.

[@montybrewster7]

As a 53 year old aviation enthusiast since i was a kid the victor along with the vulcan has a very special place in my heart as part of the RAF's capability ion the 80's & 90's. Good luck with the restoration guys, it great that so many people give their time & money to preserve these parts of our military history. I also have very fond memories of the nimrod having stayed at RAF st. mawgan in cornwall as an atc cadet. Great memeories.

[@richieixtar5849]

Brilliant, I only once saw a starfighter and it was the YOWL of it got my attention when we were used to F1-11's on a daily basis in west wales.

[@msredfox]

Truly a beautiful aircraft, here's hoping to see it restored to its former glory

[@MrHewes]

What aircraft is your favourite?

[@TheEarl777]

Komet 163

[@babalonkie]

They are all there... Victor, Nimrod and Lightning.

[@arthurhucksake2665]

I like the Lightning most out of them, but I do have a soft spot for the Victor

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

Airworthy ones 👍

[@huwdavies6650]

Victor, Nimrod, Comet (related to Nimrod) Lightning.

[@donsmith8049]

I was one of many a crew chief in charge of and who worked on and flew in this aircraft in the 1980s. Wonderful memories .

[@kevincollins1060]

Really sad I remember all those aircraft being immaculate and blasting down the runway at Bruntingthorpe a few years ago 😢

[@scaniamanbert]

Started watching you bunch of nutters some time ago and really enjoy you videos but to see your love of my favourites plane the victor you’ve gone up in my mind. I am in my 70s and served in the RAF in ground radar in the early 70s and would love to help keep this aircraft tidy. I live in Corby not far from you.

[@n0bby_Barnden]

Best technical walkaround commentary ever. "Is this the kettle? Or a bidet?"

[@Cheezsoup]

I was in a Victor (late 70s) at RAF Marham when I was in the air cadets. I was impressed by just how big it looked on the outside as opposed to how much room there was inside. The other main thing I remember was that whilst the pilot and co-pilot had normal ejection seats the three in the 'back' had seats that you could turn to face the exit and instead of ejecting the seat pad merely 'exploded' thrusting whoever was sitting there towards the door. Meaning that the crewmembers didn't need to stand up with all their gear on . They were propelled towards the door without expending any energy (so a lot quiker). Remember too a visit to the ejection seat bay and a volunteer was told to sit in a seat . Just about himself on being told to 'pull the hendle' and the seat did its explosion thing, luckily it was one of the rear seats rather than a normal ejector seat (probably the normal demonstration that gives the workers there a chuckle). This appears to be a tanker version (a K?) rather than a bomber.

[@melodiclodgings8]

Amazing to see up close would have loved to see it go up

[@wildancrazy159]

Oh my! It's fairly complete. How awesome, so glad someone bought this and kept it. Glad to see the girl...

[@weasel3791]

You are exactly the kind of people I wouldn´t let anywhere near my classic plane collection. Fidgety hands and pokey fingers end up breaking stuff. Still a fun video, and lovely lady I must say.

[@MrHewes]

It’s all about putting on an act! When people think your dumb. It always shocks them when you do something good!

[@lesliebarfoot7462]

Great bunch,way smarter than they are letting on to be and bringing awareness to the plight of these aircraft.

[@Rampage_Driver]

It's such a shame to see those aircraft in such a state. I used to love going to the Fast Taxi run days. I'm so happy that people are still trying to look after them, despite the issues that the new owners at Bruntingthorpe have caused

[@MrHewes]

“New tenants” not owners

[@ianwit]

Love the video and the way you got inside :) My father used to be a AEO and occupy that entry space with the myriad of dials. He was in 543 at Wyton for many years and managed to get away with only one year on the ground before retiring, he loved flying and particularly the deployments to south America.

[@montrocon]

That’s very sad. I used to spend some time there when Vulcan XH558 was there and the other planes were very well looked after. XS235 Comet “Canopus” was the last airworthy Comet such a shame it’s rotting away. Well done on the video very interesting.

[@stewsretroreviews]

Here here, I've seen this a few yrs back with my son, and what a awesome plane it was, the sound of thunder!! Keep up the good work on her👍

[@paultanker5606]

G'day to you again, it breaks my Heart to think such a Magnificent Piece of Aviation History is not in a Museum somewhere all in Perfect working order, I did the 24hr flight to see IWM and the Tank Museum sadly could not get to Airforce Museum,I love what you are doing,thanks Mate! PS fav. Aircraft ,Victor, Valiant, Vulcan and Buccaneer shows you what age Bracket I am LOL!

[@caf3110]

I did two tours of RAF Marham during my time in the RAF and passed the Victor every day numerous times. On my last tour of Marham just before leaving the RAF, my accommodation overlooked the Victor, and I was able to watch the dismantling process from my window. A lot of people dont realise that even a static display aircraft has to have maintenance which costs money and once the airframe deteriorates there comes a point to which it is no longer safe or viable to maintain as a display which I believe was the case at Marham.

[@RJM1011]

Your RIGHT at the start of the video about the people bitching about the aircraft. People NEVER want to do anything to help but they can moan all the time. Same with my Air Ambulance can bank and sawmill people want MORE NHS and everything but are too lazy to give their few tin cans for it or buy a 20kg bag of kindling wood for £5.00 so there is always an Air Ambulance for them and others. Let me bet £100.00 most of the people bitching about the aircraft in this video are using stupid fake names on KZbin yet again.

[@MrHewes]

Yes I have been getting lots of hate for this video, il be sure to make public of all individuals in the next video

[@tonypacke6954]

@@MrHewes That's the trouble with social media, loads of keyboard warriors who need to get out more.

[@eUK95]

Reading your comment nearly gave me a brain hemorrhage. Certainly lost a few IQ in the process... and I don't have many left to spare.

[@Gaz1977-f4s]

One of the most mental comments I have ever tried to read.

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

I have been an active member my local aviation society/museum for 20 years and I will still say that what has happened at Bruntingthorpe is a disgrace. No idea why Mr Hewes is getting hate (tbh I have not seen any in the comments). I commend him for offering his help but the planes will need a long term plan put in place to preserve them.

[@daviddarrall9384]

Quite an eye-opener to say the least! Please keep us all up to date, it will surely be appreciated. Happy 2024! ❤ UK.

[@forbiddenracer2056]

Such a shame what happened to Bruntingthorpe, remember going there to watch the final flight of the Vulcan that was restored there. Just one big car park now days 😢

[@MrHewes]

Indeed but good things don’t last forever. That said strange things can still happen

[@rossspenser8314]

My dad navigated this plane 57 Squadron .RAF Marham Norfolk . I remember as a child lots of them lined up on the runway

[@GARDENER42]

The Marham Victor fire was exciting. One of the ejector seats exploded straight out of the windscreen. Amazingly, there were no serious injuries.

[@robleary3353]

Bril!. Good on ypu for calling out the detractors!. Great that this old girl is still around. Cant wait to see future vids on it. Nice one, Nuff said!.

[@neilcharlescochrane]

I'm an ex Royal Air Force Aircraft Airframe Technician and its such a shame seeing any Aircraft just sit and rot away, just wish I had very deep pockets to be able to save these pieces of History 😊

[@TheBioniXman]

Donate your pension it might help. @neilcharlescochrane

[@carlwilson1772]

As am I. I worked on the Nimrod for many years and I worked on that Canopus Boscombe Down Comet at NMSU. It has structural repairs on it that I did.

[@hotpot1959]

If you and the team ever decide to go full steam and buy and restore one of these babies I would donate immediately. It needs guys like you to repair and restore our heritage.

[@kaiotie1]

I love the way that, he went from being this man who I found on youtube, who fixes tanks and creates great videos, to me finding out he basically has one of the world rarest aircraft just, in his back garden. Like, what? xD he was already fuggin cool, why is he now cooler! - on another note, do you want a guy from Hampshire, with a btech diploma in automotive engineering to come work for/with you? working on tanks and old military equipment is almost like a dream job to me as i love the history and mechanics behind them..

[@mikehunt3222]

Have you seen the guys who work there? To fit in you’d have to be a degenerate who don’t give 2 shites about anything. 🤣

[@hennokeers4641]

Really pleased that you give Xm715 some attention. This is a stunning plane, looking from another planet and age. Brilliant. ❤

[@davidherschell9230]

Cracking video and good to see the care is still there after the awful decisions by the new site owners. You joke about the Canopus asbestos, watch out for it all over the Victor as you work - it'll be in the brake packs and various gaskets. Could see lots of cadmium corrosion too as you panned round. Good luck with it all.

[@jasonwalters6329]

Fantastic aircraft, interior is way better than I expected good to hear the exterior is getting a clean up…..and yes it needs cover of some kind from the elements….great video thanks!!🇦🇺🇬🇧🇦🇺🇬🇧👌

[@daithiosioradain3380]

One thing I love about people who like engine stuff is it never matters where you find them but if it flies, floats or rolls it's always a source of fascination and curiosity. Also shared is great respect for the people who designed, built and operated them, no matter how simple or complex. Great collection of iconic planes in a great video - thanks! BTW did the dent pop back out of the Mercs roof?😂

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

Vulcan and Victor - always been in my heart ❤ I've sat in the Duxford Vulcan cockpit, it made me wish I could fly it. Cool use for a Mercedes 😂😂

[@robertmawby3021]

The Nimrod is actually based on a Comet airframe!

[@WilhelmKarsten]

Actually it's not

[@SirReginaldBlomfield1234]

​@@WilhelmKarsten Actually, as you put it, it was developed from the Comet by Hawker Siddeley. 🖕

[@WilhelmKarsten]

@@SirReginaldBlomfield1234 The Hawker Siddeley HS.801 Nimrod is a completely different aircraft with a different type certificate, designed by a different company decades later, the production aircraft share no significant parts or assemblies in common with any Comet.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*_"In conclusion, it must be emphasised that the Nimrod is not a Comet"_** **_"it is an absolutely brand-new aeroplane"_* Michael Wilson, issue 887 FLIGHT International June 13th, 1968

[@petersmithm9]

I made some of the bits for the Victors when they were being converted to tankers back in the early 70s. Worked at Hawker Siddeley Chadderton. Made bits for the Nimrod too.

[@1chish]

Brilliant day out Lads and Lass so thanks for sharing. If ever an aircraft looked exactly what it was built to do it was the Victor. It was just a very threatening bringer of death. But happily a duty it never needed to do. It was 11 of these amazing aircraft converted to tankers that shepherded each Vulcan to the Falklands and back on the 'Black Buck' raids. In many ways it was better at being a V bomber than the Vulcan but we had both so ...... That 'typewriter' in the Nimrod was a Telex machine and that aircraft was FULL of every surveillance and anti sub kit imaginable. The two big tubes at the back were where the sonobuoys were launched. It was of course a distant cousin of the Comet. But what an amazing collection. A Nimrod on its own is fantastic but with a Victor, Comet 4C (another last flying example), Lightning, Hunter, Meteor, Canberra etc ?? So lets just say 'Thank You' to whoever collected them and is looking after them. All (apart from the Starfighter) from when the British pretty much led the world in jet engines, aeronautics and advanced radars, sensors and electronics. All killed by inept, shortsighted and bent politicians (of both main parties). TSR-2 anyone? FunFact: The Americans thought the F-22 was the first to 'Supercruise' (their word for supersonic flight without afterburner use) but they forgot the Lightning was the first in the late '50s. And of course Concorde 'Supercruised' all the way across the Atlantic at Mach 2. Something the F-22 still can't do.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*_"In conclusion, it must be emphasised that the Nimrod is not a Comet"_** **_"it is an absolutely brand-new aeroplane"_* Michael Wilson, issue 887 FLIGHT International June 13th, 1968

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*Please name a single British jet aircraft still in production in the UK?*

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*Fun fact: Germany invented jet aircraft... not Britain.*

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

*Ironically the EE Lightning is the ONLY supersonic British jet aircraft to enter production...*

[@sandynewman5533]

On the Nimrod. Not a typewriter, it is a teletype for receiving written, probably encoded, messages. Smoke goggles are for bright light protection, possibly a nuclear detonation. The Nimrod was used for naval reconnaissance. The area in front of that teletype was the main operation station for the sensor operator. Yes it was a "mouse" but more accurately a track ball for use on the computer screen to mark targets for the Navy to deal with.

[@ethanspaziani1070]

This thing really should be inside a museum somewhere being restored to mint It is such a beautiful design

[@ianlitchfield9273]

Go on then, you heard what Joe just said

[@Rover200Power]

The one at Duxford has just had a full restoration (pretty much). There are only so many that can be kept indoors and have money poured into them. This one used to do taxi runs and the like for the paying public, but now Bruntingthorpe has new owners who have put a stop to all of that.

[@AledPritchard]

Kudos to you for making this video and to the owners of the Victor and whoever helps out. This is my favourite of the V Bombers, love them.

[@ABrit-bt6ce]

Tina is looking a bit sad but she made her place in history her way.

[@CammyFi]

I saw the Victor at Duxford, absolutely stunning.

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

So did I back in 1983 when I was living in the UK for a year. Stunningly magnificent aircraft.

[@stevenlynskey7879]

Absolutely fantastic what you are doing to help bring this iconic aircraft back to life,is there a link to make donations?,I take my hat to all the volunteers 👍👍👍

[@johnlincoln7994]

Best comment yet I did notice over 24 thousand views to far, if every one gave 10 quid well its a nice thought.

[@bikenavbm1229]

I am old enough to remember seeing all of these flying except the comet its sad for myself but must be heartbreaking to see these ladies as they are now for those enthusiasts that tended their needs just a few years ago. Well done to those that are doing the best that they can for them today. all interesting in their way you barely gave a moment to one of the best ever looking jets the hunter shame on you. I could spend the day there poking about in all the nooks and cranies, thanks for the tour.

[@BrumKid]

I remember the aircraft well and same with the Nimrod and the Vulcan bomber as i served from 1971 to 1987 in the RAF and i even remember the good old Avro Shackleton out in MALTA back in 1975-1978. When you did the walk through the Nimrod it took me back when i managed to get a flight in it in MALTA and seeing the F-104 Starfighter (which had the same German markings ) which Joe called the widow maker and the English Electric Lightning, damn seeing all those aircraft in one place took me back in time. I would love to know where that place is and see if i could visit 🤔 Does anyone remember the V bomber fleet, Vickers Valiant, Avro Vulcan and the Handley Page Victor. The Vickers Valiant was retired back in 1965 so i never got to see that one.

[@59patrickw]

yep all of them seen a lightning with afterburners on take off god bless crab air from RN did you ever get to hear the Vulcan howl

[@BrumKid]

@@59patrickw Yes many times and also i had many hours of doing guard duty under it.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Hard to believe today when there are no longer any British jet aircraft in production in the UK... and only one British aircraft still in RAF service.

[@Vin-j3q-d5d]

Excellent job guys keep up the good work. Grade A.

[@joshuaswinarton3274]

Wow! I didn’t think there was any airworthy Victors left! The only other victor I’ve seen in a semi-restored state was at Duxford. Hopefully you guys can get this bird back in the sky where it belongs!

[@jamesalexw]

This one is for sure not airworthy. The air museam at Elvington have a running Victor, tail number XL231. As far as I am aware it's the last running Victor and is in beautiful condition. I spoke to some of the lads running up the engines there quite a few years ago and they said it was basically flyable, for want of some new brake discs, but you'd have to get it certified and that's basically impossible with the money they have available.

[@italianjob4947]

​@@jamesalexwclickbait?

[@NiaJustNia]

I'm so glad you got Partridge Exterior Cleaners onboard, because just seeing these vehicles cleaned is really inspiring about what they used to be in their prime. Seeing this more detailed video showing how dirty but also how massive the project of cleaning it is, just really puts it into perspective what an undertaking it is to even cosmetically maintain them. It's like it flips that switch in your head that this isn't past it, and makes them seem more alive, if that makes sense?

[@mattgraham1983]

😂😂😂 could you imagine flying that monstrosity.. then re-fules going by mirrors😂 man I hope that wasn't in air😂❤ This is so awesome and needs to be protected

[@TonyLoechte]

Gees Hewsie if I ha a couple of million I would donate a lot of it just to see some of the old planes get a roof over them This is an awesome video thank you for sharing Great job on the chieftain ❤

[@AndreZA979]

Beautiful machines, cant wait to see you get the Handley Page running!

[@WillemFick]

One of the most awesome looking planes ever!