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Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 28 Mar 2011, 19:46
by 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

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 29 Mar 2011, 21:43
by Chris558
Would love to see her flying! Hopefully they'll still taxi her.

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

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 29 Mar 2011, 22:09
by 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 B)smk

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 29 Mar 2011, 23:30
by Garry Russell
Am I imagining it or did they once wear white with dark grey uppers or at least roof? *-)

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 29 Mar 2011, 23:55
by DaveB
Hello Mate :hello:

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 B)smk

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 30 Mar 2011, 00:14
by 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 :)

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 23 Apr 2011, 14:10
by DarrenL
Youtube of the engines up and running - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDBT1uHsexU

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 23 Apr 2011, 14:24
by John
DarrenL wrote:Youtube of the engines up and running - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDBT1uHsexU
She looks great after that repaint!

J

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 16 Dec 2012, 15:27
by 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.

Re: Shackleton WR963 at Coventry

Posted: 16 Dec 2012, 15:37
by Tomliner
Brilliant.What a sight and sound that will be!EricT