Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

[DarrenL]

It been in the hangar at Coventry to have the painting finished.

Photos here - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... kleton+Mr2

Diary dates (engine runs)
Sat 16 April - Friends of WR963 gathering
Fri 22 April - Airbase re-opening

[Chris558]

Would love to see her flying! Hopefully they'll still taxi her.

I'm not sure why some were (obviously) painted white.

[DaveB]

The all white finish was the original Coastal Command colours for long range reconnaisance and sub attack aircraft. They then changed to dark sea grey in 1955 and in 59 came the white upper fuse to try and reduce interior temperatures

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Am I imagining it or did they once wear white with dark grey uppers or at least roof?

[DaveB]

Hello Mate

No.. you're not imagining it at all.. phew! From Aug '41.. it was ordered that all Coastal Command aircraft should be painted white on the under surfaces and sides, with surfaces viewed from immediately above in dark slate grey and extra dark sea grey camo pattern. The upper camo colours gradually changed to single medium sea grey after WWII. There were a number of squadron differences but variations on the theme. 1955 saw the big change away from white/grey to all dark sea grey until '59 when the white fuse tops came in.

ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Thnks Dave

From memory I think it was MR1s I'm thinking of and a few 2s

That ties in with your earlier rather than later dates

[DarrenL]

Youtube of the engines up and running - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDBT1uHsexU

[John]

Youtube of the engines up and running - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDBT1uHsexU

She looks great after that repaint!

J

[DarrenL]

Latest news.

After the last ground run of the year the Shackleton Preservation Trust have given the go ahead for the necessary work on the aircraft to be carried out to return it to flying, they are in contact with the CAA to make this happen. 5 year plan.

[Tomliner]

Brilliant.What a sight and sound that will be!EricT