
Wednesday, October 28th 2015 saw the final flight of Avro Vulcan XH558, at Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. This is now her permanent home, which seems appropriate, as she was actually based there during her RAF days until 1968. She is now on display in one of the hangars she once called home.
30 years earlier I was still at school, and remember during a “Sports Open Day” she made a low fly past over the fields to the joy of everyone who liked planes. I say that, as a number of people clamped hands over ears in horror! She was LOUD! When I say loud I mean the ground literally shook – you could feel her! It made me smile then, and it does now thinking about it!
Fast forward another 25 years and I was at Yeovilton Air Day in 2010 and the following year of 2011 – she flew both years. That terrific roar took me right back to my school days, and the grin re-appeared.


My camera of choice those two visits was a Canon 5DMk2 with the 100-400mm L attached. With hood, strap and battery it was pushing 2.5 Kg, quite a lump. I used it well when I had it, and indeed it produced great results, but as the years passed, it spent longer in the corner of the room in it’s rucksack, due to it’s weight, and I used it less and less. Eventually I decided it was a waste of the camera – all cameras should be used, so I part exchanged it for a Fujifilm X-Pro 2, that I still own and use.

For those who wish to read more about this Vulcan you can do so here. Although grounded it is still kept in a “taxi-ing” condition. I suppose in a way, most “things” have a shelf life. Be it a 1960’s nuclear bomber or a Canon digital camera. Times and situations change around the “things” and people move on.


The Vulcan & Lancaster, two bombers instantly recognised by their engine noise.
I really liked the ‘takeoff’ image.
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Hello David! Many thanks for you kind comment. I agree, sadly the Lancaster seems to be thought of as more important – to keep it flying, while the good old Vulcan, is essentially now a museum piece! That said the cost of keeping the Vulcan flying was astronomical! Such is life!! All best wishes – Andy
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