FighterControl

Visited YAM for the first time in two yrs. y'day in order to interview the Director for the final chapter of the book I am currently writing on its history. As his guest I pretty much enjoyed access all areas which included the balcony of the control tower currently closed for restoration. From there I had a superb view of the Victor which had just emerged from under the scaffolding following completion of its repaint earlier in the week. In case you're wondering about the new badge it's that of 232 OCU, known as the Inter-City because of its similarity to the BR logo of the period. I took the advantage to photograph such other exhibits as were in view from that vantage point, then went into the T.2 hangar to fill the gaps in my photo collection, incl. the recently arrived Tucano looking very smart with the badges of all the units which operated the type. Two surprises were the Jag and Saro Skeeter which I had not previously seen. Apparently the former arrived 18 mons ago, presumably from Cosford but I've no idea of the latter's provenance. Then it was round the back to see the recently arrived Shack. Before anyone asks I understand the rebuild is expected to take 2-3 yrs. Finally returning to the control tower, YAM's flagship building the restoration is going to be long and costly so they are appealing for donations. If you have a few quid going spare (check down the side of the sofa and under the car seat) I am sure the Mus will welcome all donations, however small. I'm just going to check my sofa and car!


Victor K.2 XL231 in new paint scheme (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Mirage III + Nimrod by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Hawker Hunter FGA.78 in original Omani mks. by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Gloster Meteor F.8 WL168 (ex Finningley Gate guard) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Hunter T.7, Buccaneer + Tornado GR.4s by Michael Britton, on Flickr

S.E.5a replica by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Jaguar XZ 383 AF by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Saro Skeeter by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Tucano ZF448 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Fairchild Argus by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Mirage IV by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Canberra T.4 WH846 (YAM's 1st exhibit) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Avro Shackleton (ex Midlands Air Museum) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Save Our Tower - Pl. support this worthy cause! by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Thanks for sharing these with us, a fabulous museum which I visited three years ago and I'd highly recommend to all. Not just complete aircraft, but all the other displays, a great cafe too. The Skeeter should be XM553, which has been in private hands for years, I saw it at Middle Wallop in the mid Seventies. That Hunter is in Qatar I colours, QA-10. I'm sure the museum appreciates all photos that appear on line to publicise them, some great shots here.

Thanks for the info Mustang531, which was v.useful.