WIX Archives

Re: XN728

Posted by Richard Woods on Sun Apr 27, 2003 01:39:02 PM

In reply top Re: Thks, any clues on it identity (n/t) posted by Tony C on Sat Apr 26, 2003 12:07:09 PM

Hi all,

The Lightning is F.2A XN728, one of only four left, I believe and one of the only static Lightnings with its engines still in it or so I'm told.

I asked the local authorities about her and they said the land she stands on is up for sale (used to be A1 Commercials but the land was on lease?) and that if I wanted I could take a look at it (maybe the land belongs to the council. I went over there with a freind who works on Harriers for a living, and he flipped the engine covers off and sure enough the engines are still in her.

I took my chances with the structural integrity of the thing (to put it where it is they chopped the wings off, then reattached them using sheet steel, which has now corroded to the point you can waggle the wings by hand) walked up the spine, and being a skinny so and so, squeezed into the cockpit through the missing upper panel.

No instruments, no seat no pedals, and just the base of the stick; but with the nose up attitude, all you can see is sky and it was one hell of a view.

On my way to Grantham last week, she is still there, just with more graffiti. One of these days the wings will just fall off and they'll scrap her. Big shame.

Regards
Richard W

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