XL426 - The Southend Vulcan
| Date | 15th September 2001 |
| Weather | Cool and overcast with occasional sunshine towards the end of the day and fortunately for the fast taxi run. |
| Comment | An excellent day spent with dedicated people who work very hard for a worthy cause. Please support them by finding out more about the 'Vulcan Restoration Trust' via the following link. |
| Link | Vulcan Restoration Trust. |
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE NOTE: I retain copyright to all photographs on this site. Should you require to use any then please contact me first. Thank you.
Inside the 'business end' of XL426.
Perfect timing as the sun finally breaks through just as XL426 heads for the runway to perform its fast taxi run.
I have to say that the aircraft looks to be in superb condition and is a credit to the loving care and attention bestowed on it by the members of the Vulcan Restoration Trust.
Nice lighting conditions provided by the late afternoon sun as XL426 turns onto the Southend runway to exercise its Olympus engines.
For me it's been a long time since I last heard the incredible sound of the Vulcan and although short in duration it was well worth the visit.
The following pictures were taken before I started regularly using slide film and are therefore not as clear as my later pictures. However, they are good record shots that show XL426 during the 1984 - 85 display seasons when it was the RAF's display aircraft before being replaced by XH558 from 1986.
Pictured on static display at the 1984 USAFE 'Open House' at RAF Lakenheath.
Another early morning shot of XL426 at Lakenheath.
Later in the day, XL426 basks in the evening sunshine. RAF Lakenheath 1984.
XL426 is shown here being prepared for towing away from the static display area. RAF Lakenheath 1984.
XL426 on display at the 1985 Biggin Hill Air Fair.
A brilliant display was performed during Air Fete '85 at RAF Mildenhall.
XL426 completes its 1985 Mildenhall display.
Shown here performing a 'touch and go' during the 1985 International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.
And finally........the last time I saw XL426 in the air, the 1985 Battle of Britain display at RAF Abingdon.
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE NOTE: I retain copyright to all photographs on this site. Should you require to use any then please contact me first. Thank you.