THUNDER AND LIGHTNINGS. The Story of Thunder City. Part-1

Thunder City was once the world's largest collection of operational jet warbirds, based at Cape Town International Airport, South Africa.
The collection including three flying English Electric Lightnings once operational with the RAF, three BAC Buccaneers, ex experimental aircraft from MoD Boscombe Down, and a number of Hawker Hunter aircraft, some from the RAF and others from the Swiss Air Force.
filmmaker Andrew St Pierre White spend a year with Thunder City and with the help of those that worked there, made this video documentary. Brian Carroll, RAF, is also interviewed.
Additional footage by Tony Hulls.
This is their story, as told in 2006. This video is released with respect to the late Mike BeachyHead and Dave Stock.
It was shot in standard-def video and is not available in HD. A small number of DVDs were produced and sold, mostly in South Africa, although some were sold in the UK. It was not purchased by any TV networks. This is the first time it is released for public viewing on KZbin, and is in two parts.
Presented by Andrew St Pierre White and Beafilmmaker.com
Watch Andrew's main feature channel here: / 4xoverland

[@HenryParkes-kp1yc]

I used to live in a Cape Town suburb from the early 80's through to the early 2000's and we were right under the flight path for the airport/air force base. In those days the South African Air Force was still operating the Shackletons, Bucaneers, albatrosses and other interesting types that would come over the house. It was hell trying to watch TV at night! As a military Vet who remembers seeing Hunters in real action in the 1970's, a special memory for me is of the Hawker Hunters of Thunder City flying over Cape Town and that "blue note" is something else to hear!

[@patrickp4033]

I had the pleasure of doing the 40-minute flight in ZU-BEX with Dave on 6 April 2004. WOW, it was absolutely amazing, a dream come true! What an awesome dedication to Mike and Dave.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

What a brilliant documentary. Many thanks for uploading it. 😊

[@Thegreat772]

No tornado, no vulcan, no lightning, no harrier could go on. All we got now is (minus the red arrows) a euro fighter and I didn't even get to see that at last years air show at Brighton. I really miss those days even in the mid 2000's. Looks like I need to travel to South Africa now! Need to start saving and hopefully my wife is OK with it.

[@killar56137]

I remember sitting in the lighting when I was a kid at thunder city was the best day ever.

[@nigeldewallens1115]

I just came across the vlog! As a member of the public and having a love for the Lightening! That was just fantastic! Well done to the guys that have sadly passed on! R.I.P but thank you to all the guys that are I hope! Are keeping this wonderful collection flying! I loved your clip that you did as well! Thank you 👍😊😉

[@TheClareybrown61170]

This world needs many more people like you.Absolute respect to you all and Rest in Peace Mike and Dave.I hope you have a 60' sweep on your angel wings.

[@Darwenhypnotherapy]

I worked on Lightnings at RAF Coningsby back in the 80's,along with Phantoms - some years later I watched them working as chase 'planes for the Tornado,as it was being tested out of BAe Warton - Our pilots used to call the Lightning,a rocket with a cockpit - or the frightening on landing - Fantastic aircraft,defended us for years,and now can't fly in UK airspace - such gratitude - NOT !!

[@johntemple1012]

I bought this on dvd a few years ago and I love it. Its a shame what happened to thunder city but Mike beachyhead had a vision and wow did he make it come to life. You did a great job of this Andrew. R.I.P Dave Stock and Mike Beachyhead.

[@nervo6321]

Excellent video for any aviation enthusiast...many thanks Andrew...

[@joejoe2928]

VETERAN SCOTS GUARDS*

[@garysimpson3900]

Thank you to all concerned for not only saving these beautiful historic aircraft, but keeping them in the sky where they belong. Typical British authority attitude has meant that save for 1 Lancaster, 1 Swordfish & a handful of spitfire's & Hurricanes there is nothing left flying here. Oh how it would be to see a Wellington, Liberator, Typhoon/Tempest, Mosquito, Barracuda, Corsair etc flying here.

[@ianadams9135]

Always loved Lightnings and had the pleasure of seeing 693 at Warton being chased by a Tornado in 1985/6 while working on the Foxhunter radar. This is a great nostalgic and interesting video for me

[@WizzardPrang]

Cold War jets! Remember seeing these fantastic a/c at airshows when I was a schoolboy. I still think the Hunter is the prettiest fast jet, bar none. Great film, thank you!

[@andrejsmith]

I came across this video while browsing English Electric Lightning clips I have just paused after your intro and not watched the film yet....suffice to say that the intro alone is so captivating that I am certain that the actual video will be riveting! Your sincerity and integrity as a documentarian shines out!

[@bendeleted9155]

Awesome documentary! Awesome airplanes! Thank you!

[@CanadairCL44]

Ah yes, the good old UK Campaign Against Aviation!

[@peterhanson5042]

Thankyou Andrew for sharing this story, it is comforting we all seem to share the same passions and interests to keep these machines alive and enjoy our fabulous country environments with others

[@GaryLaaks1]

Great work. Love it.

[@Classicgamer73]

Love this!!!