Quote from: OldBanditDriver on Oct 30, 2023, 01:33 PMI visited the Belfast in Cairns 2 weeks ago.

My visit was on a Saturday so nobody was working on the aircraft but it was being worked on when I arrived the previous day.

My escort confirmed that work had been ongoing on the aircraft for "...some time". The aircraft carries no registration.

Externally, those areas of the aircraft easier to access had been cleaned but there was still a lot of accumulated grime on the upper surfaces.

I think one of the bigger challenges for a return to flight will be the undercarriage; those areas looked in dire need of some 'TLC'.

I have some snaps taken on my iPhone but I don't seem to be able to post them here...

I have pm`d you. 

I visited the Belfast in Cairns 2 weeks ago.

My visit was on a Saturday so nobody was working on the aircraft but it was being worked on when I arrived the previous day.

My escort confirmed that work had been ongoing on the aircraft for "...some time". The aircraft carries no registration.

Externally, those areas of the aircraft easier to access had been cleaned but there was still a lot of accumulated grime on the upper surfaces.

I think one of the bigger challenges for a return to flight will be the undercarriage; those areas looked in dire need of some 'TLC'.

I have some snaps taken on my iPhone but I don't seem to be able to post them here...

Quote from: sneaky_nikon on Oct 29, 2023, 11:36 AMOne rumour I'd heard is that the French retiring the Transall 160 freed up a stack of low hour (and presumably comparatively cheap) Tynes and support kit making this financially viable.

There was another article somewhere in regards to original sale of the aircraft in 2011 that it came with 10- 40ft shipping containers of spares and 8 spare RR Tyne engines and props.

My uncle used to work for Heavy Lift years ago, he was a mechanic for them. he used to bring me leaflets and sticker`s back in the day. He gave my dad a Heavy Lift Shorts Belfast mug. Long since lost.

One rumour I'd heard is that the French retiring the Transall 160 freed up a stack of low hour (and presumably comparatively cheap) Tynes and support kit making this financially viable.

The Shorts Belfast that has been sitting in Australia since 2009 has been bought with a view to return it to the skies. It has a contract for UN food relief already waiting for it apparently.

https://www.scramble.nl/civil-news/belfast-back-in-action#:~:text=In%20August%202023%2C%20this%20former,future%20plans%20for%20the%20aircraft.

You look at other aviation websites ? Your traitor ! 

I'm heading to Ayr tomorrow for the day and staying at the Premier Inn beside Prestwick over night and I'm hoping to see some mil stuff if it's about . The ferry is expensive enough AT what about the bus that goes up it's either the Ulsterbus goldline or hannons pick you up either at the docks or Europa and its only around £40 . It does say its for Glasgow but it does drop off at Ayr I've been told as I was looking at it last year to go and buy a car over there.

Looks like I might be in luck. Info on another site seems to have a list of US and Canadian stuff on the ground along with a C--5 .

Last time I did an overnight to Prestwick the sole non scheduled movement was a Swiss 125. Put me off enough that I haven't been back in 20 years.

Some of the hotels around Dublin Airport would offer a good view of proceedings, however you may well get bored with all the Ryan`s and Aer Lingus buses.

I have considered to doing a trip to Prestwick, but it would have to be a fair weather operation, so maybe in Spring. Foot pax on ferry is reasonable, then hire car other side.