Victor gate guard at risk ?

[colt99]

Seems like the base wants to get rid of XH673

https://aviationheritageuk.org/news/mar ... -new-home/

[jamesg23]

I dont get why they would want to get rid of it. Does it not fit in with all the new shiney stuff there?

[colt99]

I'm getting the idea that they don't James, by the way that the base is asking for somebody to prove that they can look after her once moved.
Wondering if it's a cost thing, they also have the Tornado on the gate, and, maybe the budget doesn't allow for both.
I was under the impression that the Victor is actually privately owned and loaned to Marham, but obviously not the case.

[Starbuck]

The Victors' gear sits on posts which are basically rotting away so before too long it could collapse and the stand for the Tornado gate guard is also suffering from extended wear and the bolts holding that are crumbling away.

[Snoop 95]

Rescuing it would cost mega-bucks I imagine. Not many places with either the funds or the space.
Incidentally, last time I passed the gate at RAF Honington the Bucc looked rather forlorn. Seems there are not the personnel or resources to keep gate guards looking their best. Or perhaps we should do a national survey of said aircraft?

[NAM Updater]

This might help / be of interest!

https://aviationheritageuk.org/registers/

[Snoop 95]

Can't see it on there, but Xk526 is still shown on here: http://www.ukserials.com/

[NAM Updater]

My apologies it's been a while since I looked through those listings - Gate Guards don't appear to be listed!

It's also a wee bit out of date as they still have a Victor CIM listed at NAM and it moved on many months ago!!

Perhaps they ought to include the RAF Gate Guards.

[Unknown74]

Was just wondering on the subject of Gate Guards, NAM Updater might be able to help me on this one, I have a copy of the book RAF Gate Guards by Jim Simpson and Kev Darling and wondered wether or not there might be an updated version of the book available? Or even a similar book with similar but more recent information available?

[NAM Updater]

I used to have a copy of that book but I'm not sure if anyone has ever published a updated version, sorry!

I rely on Wrecks & Relics and I have editions 7 to 26. I believe that edition 27 is due out this spring, but I haven't received any proof reading so far!!

An entry in the 26th edition advises the following about the Victor: "[1] Victor is privately owned and on loan to the station."

[colt99]

An entry in the 26th edition advises the following about the Victor: "[1] Victor is privately owned and on loan to the station."
[/quote]

Thanks for the info NAM, that may have been where I had seen the information too

[armra1972]

The Victor is up for tender, it’s not in the best of condition and has been gutted inside. It’s a wonderful piece of Marhams history but after years of neglect it is just not viable to keep it where it is in its present state. Sadly I believe it will only be going for scrap, not for conservation.

[mirage41]

Think you're right armra, especially if it's already been gutted.

[Blackjack56]

I thought i read somewhere that johnny vegas wants to give it a home,don't know how big his back garden is though!,hope it's true,she mustn't be scrapped.

[Motley]

RAF Marham have announced today that the Victor will be getting the chop after all, seems like no one has been able to present a viable case to save it. Will be a real loss, miss waking up and seeing it from my room window everyday

[Vulcan74]

Same here, can remember when they moved the Victor to that spot in the 80's.

[Big Spotter]

Is this visible / photographable from public roads without upsetting the RAF / locals?

[Vulcan74]

I'm afraid it isn't, it's inside the camp near the admin offices.

[Big Spotter]

Thanks for the response, would have been nice to have got a digital shot before she vanishes!

[Wrathchild]

Thanks for the response, would have been nice to have got a digital shot before she vanishes!

The base put out a post last week saying that they were going to allow a limited number of people access to take pictures of the Victor before it was scrapped - along with how to apply. Would be worth searching their social media.