Autopilot Parts Replacement

Due to the complexities and age of the systems in the Victor, things naturally cause problems and minor 'irritations'. One such item is the Mk10B Autopilot's power supply Torque Switch. This has been a problem on and off for many years and it was only very recently that I managed to source an 'as new item'. I'm pleased to say that it all works fine once again!  We all know that its unlikely that the autopilot will ever be used in 'anger' again but, we like everything to work to as near operational status as possible.  

Mk10 B Autopilot power supplies control 

New and old torque switches

55 Squadron Reunion gathering

A number of ex-Victor personnel attended the reunion on the 13th September, organised by ex-55 Sqn member Tom Winter and many new contacts were made.  All seemed happy with what they saw and heard and the day generally was a success.

It is hoped that a larger gathering will be arranged for next year and all who attended left Elvington with a lot of nostalgia. From our point of view it was comforting to know that we had not disappointed them and they all seemed impressed.

XL231 Lusty Lindy, Victor Tanker reunion Engine Run 12th September 2015

More parts for Lindy!

This weeks visit to see Mr J Birkett of Birketts Radio & Surplus in Lincoln yielded a good 'haul' of Victor K2 compatible parts. Essential to help keep XL231 in fully working order and it comprised of the following; 

3x TACAN Transmitter/ Receivers (the large square boxes)

3x MV electrical Frequency meters for the AEO panel

2x Main engine jet pipe temperature indicators 

1x Main engine oil pressure indicator

1x Fuel gauge amplifier

1x Altimeter Pressure Error Corrector Unit

Some of the above items are not essential as XL231 is not flying but as an 'Historical Object' We prefer as much as possible to be kept in fully working order and XL231 is the ONLY totally complete example of her breed left.

Victor K2 reunion Saturday 12th September

A small gathering of ex-Victor K2 personnel are gathering at Elvington for a day of nostalgia and an engine run of XL231 'Lusty Lindy'. This will be followed by a chance to tour and inspect the aircraft.

The personnel served on either of the Victor K2 Squadrons, No's 55 or No57 Sqn's respectively or The Victor Operational Conversion Unit, No232 OCU.

Subject to the event being a success a major reunion will be organised for 2016.

The event and the Museum is open to general visitors as well on the 12th Sept.

Monday 31st August

Due to re-surfacing on the runway, there will be NO taxy runs of the Victor or ANY of the Museum aircraft. ALL engines runs will be carried out on the museum site only until further notice. We realise that this may be a dissapointment to some but, it is a matter out of our control. Updates will be published.

Sqn Ldr Noel 'Red' Dunningham

On Sunday an old friend made a return visit to see XL231. An aircraft he flew many times as part of Britain's Nuclear Deterrent.
'Red' Dunningham was Victor B2 QFI, 'Blue Steel' qualified and had  a very long and illustrious career in the RAF.
He started flying Harvards in South Africa before flying Spitfires and Hurricane's operationally. He then went onto the Meteor and Vampire Jet Fighters before commanding a Canberra Squadron.
He was personally selected for the V Force and Victor B2's by Air Chief Marshall Sir Augustus (Gus) Walker to be a Victor B2 pilot and he never regretted a minute of it!
I was lucky to able to take 'Red' on taxy run in XL231 a number of years ago and he was able to ride in the Co-pilot's seat.
'Red' is aged 93 now but, very much with it and apart from being a bit 'shaky' in the legs is bright as a button. The legs he puts down to running too many London Marathons!
He assures he will be back for further visits and we hope that he definitely is!