***SOLD OUT***

A Cold War Sunset & Night Shoot with Avro Vulcan B2 XL426 at Southend Airport, 23rd April 2017

About this event

Another first for TimeLine Events, an opportunity for a limited number of photographers to spend and evening capturing Avro Vulcan XL426 at her home, former RAF Rochford or as it is known today Southend Airport.

An exclusive opportunity open to 60 photographers only, to capture XL426 at the edge of the live airfield that is ‘London Southend Airport’. Our event is due to take place at the end of the Trusts open day and after the fencing that will be in place during the day has been removed giving us a more realistic unhindered backdrop.

This exclusive Timeline event will begin at 18:00 and end at 21:30.

This is the very first event of its kind that the Vulcan Restoration Trust and Avro Vulcan XL426 have been involved in. The aircraft has never been professional lit and photographed at night with re-enactors playing the part of RAF Personnel. There is also going to be a dry cycle of her engines with all the correct ex RAF associated equipment available. Also the possibility of having 1980's period ordinance and weaponry under the bomb bay for some of the photo shoot.

XL426 is a Vulcan B2 and was the 44th out of 88 Vulcan B2's built. Her maiden flight was 23rd August 1962, she entered service with 83 squadron at RAF Scampton in September 1962. When delivered she wore a anti flash white colour scheme and was armed with a Blue Steel stand off missile. XL426 was the personal aircraft of the then CO 83 Squadron, Wing Commander John Slessors from 1962 to 1965. On 10th September 1963 whilst returning from training at Goose Bay in Canada, John Slessor flew XL426 to RAF Scampton in 4 hours 5 minutes - then an unofficial North Atlantic record crossing. From 1962 till 1986 she flew with 27, 83, 50 and 617 squadrons. In 1981 she was the last Vulcan to undergo a major service at RAF St Athan. On 12th October 1982 she lead three Vulcan's in the Falklands Victory Parade flypast over London, even though XL426 was not deployed to war. She was the founder aircraft of the RAF's Vulcan Display Flight from 1984-1986 which XH558 continued till 1993. Finally landing at Southend Airport for the last time on 19th December 1986, clocking up 6236 flying hours. The Vulcan Restoration Trust was formed on 28th July 1993 to keep XL426 in live taxing condition, the aircraft is looked after by a dedicated team of Vulcan enthusiasts and the VRT has a membership of over 550 people. She is now in a 1980's rap around camouflage colour scheme and wears the crest of 617 squadrons on one side of her tail and 50 squadrons on the other.

In addition on Sunday 23rd April 10:00-16:00 it is the Vulcan Restoration Trusts first "Visit the Vulcan" public open day of 2017 which you will be able to access as part of your ticket price if you wish to arrive earlier in the day. 

This is an exclusive event and you will be required to bring a valid photo driving license or valid passport on the day. There will be no access airside without one of these forms of identification and no exceptions can be made.

There will be hot and cold refreshments available (at an extra cost) Also the Vulcan Restoration Trust mechanise stand will be open to purchase a souvenir from the event.

There is limited free car parking at London Southend Airport. The short stay carpark is only 3 minutes walk away from the Vulcan itself but short stay carpark charges will apply. 

Event cost £60.00 per person.

Event requirements