1. A Cold War Avro Vulcan shoot with B2 XL426 at Southend Airport, Saturday 17th February 2018
Southend, Essex, SS2 6YU

A Cold War Avro Vulcan shoot with B2 XL426 at Southend Airport, Saturday 17th February 2018

A fantastic opportunity to support XL426 in her time of need, an afternoon, sunset and evening photo shoot with her at former RAF Rochford, Southend Airport.

£60.00

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About this event

Sadly due to the recent announcements that XL426 has lost her Hangar home at Southend Airport our plans have had to change. However with her now moving to the north side of the airfield on a large Pan this opens up a different set of image opportunities. As ever we will make good use of our time with this iconic aircraft during our afternoon, sunset and night shoot. With re-enactors, ground handling equipment, period vehicles and lighting effects you are assured of a fantastic afternoon of photography.

This exclusive TimeLine event will begin at 15:00 and end at 20:00. 

This is only the second event of its kind that the Vulcan Restoration Trust with Avro Vulcan XL426 has allowed to happen.  Our first event earlier in 2017 was an out and out success and we have no reason to believe our next event will be any different, with re-enactors playing the part of RAF personnel and mechanics, plus assorted pieces of RAF equipment available, we believe this will be a very unique evening at the former RAF Rochford.

XL426 is a Vulcan B2 and was the 44th out of 88 Vulcan B2s built.  Her maiden flight was 23rd August 1962; she entered service with 83 squadron at RAF Scampton in September 1962.  When delivered, she wore an 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 Vulcans 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, she landed at Southend Airport for the last time on 19th December 1986, having clocked 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 wrap-around camouflage colour scheme and wears the crest of 617 squadrons on one side of her tail and 50 squadrons on the other. 

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.  HV vests will also be a requirement, while airside. 

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.

With the news of XL426 be evicted from her hangar we are determined to keep this event on sale and continue to with our support of her, we hope you will agree and will also want to support this event, at her time of need.

Event cost £60.00 per person.

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