Op Bolero II

[MadPict]

I understand from an aviation site that there is a TF-51 Mustang, Miss Velma stopping over at Wick en route to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.

This aircraft was supposed to be accompanying the Lockheed P-38 Lightning Glacier Girl on its second attempt to cross the Atlantic. The first attempt was during the Second World War (under the title Operation Bolero) but along with 2 B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and 5 other P-38's they ended up crash landing on a glacier in Greenland after bad weather forced them to abort the mission.

Glacier Girl was the P-38 which was recovered from under 250 ft of snow and ice in 1992 and after years of restoration flew for the first time recently.

Sadly the prospect of flying over Greenland again must have been too much as she developed engine problems after take-off from Goose Bay on the second attempt to fly tot he UK.

The TF-51 Miss Velma along with a Citation and Piltaus support aircraft continued the journey which was supposed to involve a stop at Stornoway but it seems they have called into Wick for a break.

So, anyone interested might catch a glimpse of these aircraft as they take off for the final leg of their journey.

For more on Glacier Girl - http://www.thelostsquadron.com/

[horseman]

Thanks, thats magic:D:roll:

[Tubthumper]

I saw them fly over castletown yesterday. Wondered what was happening, thanks for the info wich I'd gone to Wick to see it.

[Listener]

The P51 Mustang arrived at Wick yesterday plus entourage (13 people, 1 private jet, 1 chase plane) more than most pop stars!
Glacier Girl went tech’ in Goose Bay, Canada, with an engine problem but with a bit of luck she may come through in the next few weeks.

A couple of pics:
http://scottishfbo.com/images/p51nx251rjeru.jpg

http://scottishfbo.com/images/p51nx251rjplusc680pc12.jpg

[MadPict]

Much appreciated pics there Listener - I don't think Glacier Girl will be following on (if I understand your post) unless they can do an engine change and flight tests and get Steve Hinton back to pick her up.
GG was supposed to appear at the Flying Legends airshow next weekend. I exxpect she will finish the journey one year.
Miss Velma is staying in the UK being based at Duxford with The Fighter Collection. If I am at DX when she arives I'll post a pic or to from the other end of her UK journey.

[MadPict]

Well it looks like Ed Shipley (pilot of Miss Velma) is sampling the delights of a damp Wick Monday. He's posted a pic of Bridge Street sitting looking dreich under very low cloud - taken from MacKays I believe.

[Moira]

P51 Mustang starting engine at 1308hrs for departing Wick today.
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z159/moirawick/DSC00356.jpg

Hubby would have taken some more pics - alas he realised too late the Memory Stick was full. Guess who got the blame for filling the camera up with "rubbish"!!??

[MadPict]

Well I was delighted when Miss Velma flew out of the dark storm clouds right over my house on the last leg to Duxford.

Will be seeing a bit more of her on Saturday and hopefully hear her as well.

[Moira]

Thanks for the update MadPict. Hopefully you'll be able to post some more pics for the enthusiasts here after the airshow.

[horseman]

Great posting, an especially the piccies,if anyone is in the area,look in at Duxford,very good.:)

[MadPict]

Actually had to call in to Duxford today and they were towing out Miss Velma in preparation for a few laps of the airfield. Managed to say a quick hello to Ed Shipley and John Hinton - they don't look as if their stay in Wick affected them too much!

Some good pics on another forum if you're interested...

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=72032

[Moira]

Come in MikePapa.......

still waiting patiently for the photos of Miss Velma from DX...

Over ....

[Kenn]

Great to see that she made it.
Will she be joining the historic American flight ?

[MadPict]

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/492/p1010725gv1.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5347/dsc0119nm5.jpg

Here she is with the United States Air Force Heritage Flight display

[MadPict]

Another of her sunbathing....

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5089/dsc0029dc3.jpg


...amongst "friends".

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/2741/dsc0002dq6.jpg

[sassylass]

oh boy, I'm glad I had checked out this thread! My dad will be thrilled to see such great photos, next time he comes for a visit.

[horseman]

Thanks MP,first class views,have visited some of the aviation links, an definately feel a 'need to go to duxford' coming on.:)
Wonder what my best ploy will be to get her to go along with it?
Might just come out with it,she,bless her,(no not the cats mum) is used to my 'whims' by now, I hope.:D

[MadPict]

The IWM at Duxford has more than just airyplanes although that is a large part of the place. The Land Warfare Hall is full of 'army stuff' and has some interesting displays. You could always drop "her" off for a day's shopping in Cambridge, then scoot on down to Duxford....;)