Lightning Association News
As members will know, formal annual membership fees have been abandoned and we now rely on voluntary donations from Lightning enthusiasts following what we are doing on the site and wanting to support those activities. Follow this link and at the foot of the page, you will see details of how you can contribute to the Association maintaining XR724 and keeping you informed of news and new Lightning stories as they appear.
The Lightning Association would like to thank Ian White, Brian and Karen Thomas, Brian Dockerill and Nigel Portas for their very generous donations to the Association.
New WIWOL article posted, Dean Bruce’s memories of 5 Sqn, 84-85 click here
Gallery Photos update
A nice collection of 80's Binbrook photographs have been added to
the Gallery courtesy of Ian Waudby who
has kindly scanned some of his Kodachrome slides to share with us.
Many thanks Ian.
More Lightning Photographs (February 2012) added to the picture gallery the images have been scanned from slides by Fred Martin and he kindly gave his permission to show them on the site, think you will be amazed at the quality of these images
New WIWOL article posted, 74 Squadron, Tengah by C/T Neil Glen click here
Since our last engineering update on the Association’s Lightning F.6 XR724, many volunteers have offered their help with her upkeep and maintenance, and the nucleus of a new engineering and maintenance team has now been formed. As a result of this much has been achieved over the last 2 months. A new Engineering article has been written and highlights the progress and excellent work achieved by the volunteers. View the complete article and photographs here.
January 2012 - The Lightning Association are booked to give a video-illustrated lecture to the West Midlands branch of Air Britain on Tuesday evening of 31 July 2012 – more details to follow.
REVIVAL OF THE XR724 ENGINEERING TEAM
As many people know, the engineering task of maintaining and operating XR 724 has suffered considerably in recent years due to loss of experienced technically qualified guys who have not been replaced. However, following a number of posts made by Charles on the Flypast Forum, we received a number of offers of help. Some were from Lightning-qualified engineers, some from RAF and ex-RAF personnel experienced on other types and some were anything from experienced mechanics and engineers in civilian trades to guys who just wanted to help fetch and carry around the aeroplane.
In consequence, an inaugural meeting was arranged for Sunday 6 November. Before this, however, it was decided to change the main wheels and top up the nose wheel, and this was done by John Watson and Darren Swinn.
John studies the hub with the port main wheel jacked up. Darren stands ready to mop his fevered brow
John, Darren and Kim studying the starboard main wheel
John pumps high-pressure nitrogen into the nose wheel
With the wheels serviced, the group of volunteers met at Charles’ house on the Ludford Road in Binbrook (LN8 6DR, look for the fin of XR725 over the tall hedge) and took the Houchin, Artouste and towing arm up to the airfield. With the airfield tractor already there, XR724 was towed up and down the pan to loosen her up, then power applied. Around six sessions with the Artouste during the day brought a number of sightseers up on the airfield, many hoping that the little jet was the real thing!
Most systems tested worked well and information was
gained in respect of drawing up a servicing sequence for the future.
A start was made on cleaning the fuselage with a light rubbing of
T-Cut and it was generally agreed that the airframe has survived far
better than most people thought. A good day was had by
all, despite the usual exposure to the weather. Tea
and coffee helped blunt the edge of the wind and raise the temperature
of the team. If anyone has any photographs of the day
please let me have them and we can post some on the site.
We are continually adding new photos to the Picture Gallery. If you have any Lightning photos of your own, why not email them for inclusion in the Gallery. Your name will be credited to any added to the site.
Charles Ross