Without doubt one of the jewels in the UK's aircraft preservation scene is the fantastic assembly of historic Cold War jets maintained in active non-flying condition in Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire. Bruntingthorpe was home to the B-47s of the USAAF's 100th BG and later the 10th Tactical Recce Wing's RB 66 Destroyers in the late 1950s and early 1960s and nowadays holds regular fast-run taxi events of the airfield's "Cold War Jets collection" that are starting to capture the imagination of British aircraft enthusiasts.
Just a few images from Tad Dippel (with permission) taken at the Buccaneer retirement anniversary 'do' at Bruntingthorpe this last weekend...below; Buccaneer S2B XX 894, looking pristine on its first public outing for over a year fullowing a full re-paint and overhaul. Thank you Tad for allowing me to 're-post' your superb photos. Tad can be found on Facebook. Click to view large
Below; English Electric Canberra B(I)8/B.6 Mod WT 333 ex RAE Bedford and RRE Pershore preserved in ground running condition at Bruntingthorpe, Leics. Wearing specially designed 60th Anniversary of the first flight of the Canberra markings a few days before that anniversary - 13 May, 2009. She celebrated the 58th anniversary of her first flight on 31st January, 2014. Pictures courtesy of Stephen and Elwood from the Canberra Operating Team..more info at
on-target aviation heritage
and in response to my question about fuel consumption, one of the major expenses in running a collection of jets;
"...We reckon on using around 500 litres on an Open Day performance in the Canberra; fuel prices vary - depending upon where we can obtain it - but as we can use gash fuel (defuelled from aircraft) it is cheaper than commercial rates!..."
