Working at RAPRA next to RAF Shawbury, I was in an out building when one took off - I can recall tables, chairs, cups, literally dancing with vibration as an Avro Vulcan skimmed the roof! It was one of those moments (like earthquakes) you never (ever!) forget!
I just had to pay homage and farewell (if it really is) to XH558 and (taking a break from some very obliging Peregrines) here it is......
Designed to avert but capable of delivering armageddon, thankfully never in anger, there's only one appropriate accompaniment , courtesy of Sheffield's finest.....
If you really aren't interested in this iconic plane, fast forward to the last image and a 'near miss'?
The Northern route of the V-Force tour took in RAF Cosford. Due at 15.23, I'd staked out a likely viewpoint (cheers Dave!!) - it was bang on time, a couple of minutes early even in the skies above!
I wasn't expecting much other than a fly through?
But some more prolonged entertainment was on the cards as it banked to reappear!
Heading straight towards me :-)
Phew!
Then heading for the heavens, engines roaring!
Showing agility you couldn't imagine from such a mighty plane?
Then plummeting downwards......
Getting closer each time!
The final fly past was this cloooose! (for 700mm of reach!)
And I wasn't expecting this! A steep climb again...
And flip! wow!! Just a shame about the worst grey sky of the session!
Incredibly (this is the actual file - not a montage) as it departed to the east, the camera reverted to type and locked onto the swallow!
Does this qualify as a near miss?? You know I thoroughly enjoyed this break from Peregrine photography but they will be coming soon!
Farewell XH558 - we salute you......
