The XM655 MaPS (Maintenance & Preservation Society) members day was held on Sunday at Wellesbourne airfield. The day consisted of two EGR's (Engine Ground Runs) with members being able to inspect the cockpit and hear an explanation of its controls from experienced support team members.

Highlight of the day however was the appearance and stunning display by Pilot Kevin Rumens in Vulcan XH558 who made XH558's 3rd tribute flight over Wellesbourne in as many weeks. Thank you to Kevin & Martin Withers & the XH558 crew from the whole XM655 team.

UPDATE!!! XH558 was actually being piloted by Phill O'Dell who is the newest recruit to the XH558 squad. Phill is the Chief Test Pilot for Rolls Royce. Phill can we have more of the same in future please!!!!!!!!!!!!

XH558 flew over Wellesbourne again while en route from Brize Norton to the Victory Airshow at Cosby near Leicester today. Low cloud was a problem but this time demonstrated with the undercarriage down and airbrakes extended. Images are copyright Daniel Brimson.

Vulcan XH558 flew over Wellesbourne again last Saturday and gave a small display. ALL Images copyright Charles Brimson.

In unusually sunny and warm weather (in this awful summer we're suffering from) I ventured over to Wellesbourne to re-acquaint myself with XM655. Several regular volunteers were working on a number of tasks... A repaint of the wings was underway while repairs to the skin was being undertaken on the spine. In addition further work was taking place on the tug - offsite.

I was also able to test out a new wide angle zoom lens inside the cockpit.

A VERY Limited Edition hardback Photobook has been produced using images from the Vulcan Powerup on 23rd May 2009. The very first copy was signed by the Vulcan XM655 Support team and presented to the crew from Vulcan XH558 at a recent dinner held at The Halford Bridge Restaurant prior to the Wings & Wheels 2009 event.

Orders are being taken now for further copies of the book at £45 per copy. Although this price may appear significant it is only just above cost. Any profit goes to 655MaPS funds.

Please place your order by clicking on the "Leave a Message" button with address/e-mail contact info and the webmaster will contact you with further details in a private message

A major element of the Wings & Wheels event is the display of motor vehicles. Some, from my very limited knowledge, are quite old, several are within my memory as being around when I began driving in the 70's (thats 1970's not 1870's!!)but the common factor with all of their owners was an incredible and infectious level of enthusiasm. The detail that several owners were describing to me about their vehicles in my chats with them was quite remarkeable. ALL had spent many hundreds of hours on the preparation and polishing and I can honestly say it showed. Well done to all and do come back next year.

Who would have thought that in 1984 when XM655 was flown into Wellesbourne that it would still be pulling in the crowds in such numbers for Wings & Wheels 2009. The support team had a couple of well kept secrets though. Two significant tributes were paid to XM655. Firstly by the RAF Red Arrows display team who made a formation pass with smoke and then Vulcan XH558 - Simply AWESOME.

Links added to YOUTUBE videos....of the Vulcan flypast. Please keep them coming if you wish to share the experience.

All set for the big day tomorrow.

This was an amazing privilege to witness at very close quarters the preparations for an engine start up for Vulcan XM655.

In addition members of the operations team from the Bruntingthorpe based Vulcan XH558 were
on site today for familiarisation training. Checkout my minivid of the run via the links....

Wellesbourne airfield held an open day today and with a shuttle bus bringing visitors to view XM655 there was a constant stream of people viewing the cockpit.

A trip to Wellesbourne to view XM655. Full dull overcast conditions but thankfully dry. This was my first close ups of this magnificent aeroplane. Certainly not my last.

A fabulous display of cars and military vehicles was on display. The owners were clearly very proud.

The annual Vulcan Bomber taxi run show was held on 22nd June at Wellesbourne airfield 5 miles south of Warwick. The second hi-power run was curtailed rather earlier than hoped due to cross winds in excess of 30 knots that demolished the support tent as the taxi-run was taking place.

The annual Vulcan Bomber taxi run took place on Sunday 19th June at wellesbourne Airfield. I was only able to go along and witness the low power run but the site and sound was awesome. A classic car and military vehicle show was also held.