Benthosboy
One of life's pillocks!
- Messages
- 133
Howdo chaps.
I've just had a fantastic few days so I thought I'd share it with you.
Did some railway deliveries last Wednesday/Thursday and had the great joy of unloading by the tracks while watching huge freight trains trundle past, and high-speed loco's zip through at 125 mph! There's something awesome about watching a few hundred tons of metal roll past on two rails a couple of inches wide. Thursday afternoon I collected a load from Kendrew Barracks, the old RAF Cottesmore near Stamford, that was bound for RAF Coningsby. As I left Kendrew, there were cars parked all over the place and loads of people along the roadside. I stopped and asked what was happening and was told the Vulcan was due in 5 minutes, it's last flight of the year. Enough said!! I got the wagon on the verge, got out the binoculars and camera, and got some great views of a truly superb plane.
If that weren't enough, I then drove up to Coningsby and parked overnight in the "spotters" carpark on Dogdyke Road. Just as I was getting my tea sorted, up went a Spitfire for a quick stooge round. I was treated to a fabulous impromptu air display, and matter how many times I see these planes, the sound of a Merlin in flight still gave me goosebumps. Shortly after landing, I watched no end of Eurofighter Typhoons taking off and practising what looked to me like evasive landing techniques. The noise these boys make on take-off is staggering!!
Finally, and without a doubt the high point had to be Friday morning. After off-loading, I asked the lads if I could get any photos of the Memorial Flight planes on my way out. We parked outside the BBMF hangar where a Spitfire was being readied for flight. I hereby admit that even though I'm 50 year old and I've seen some amazing sights, my heart was racing and my hands were sweating. I felt like a kid in a sweet shop!! After touching this venerable old girl! And having my photo taken with her, I chanced my arm and asked if I could have a look in the hangar. Oh my giddy aunt, the man says "yeah, come on". We walked in and I come face to face with a Dakota! Two minutes later, after struggling not to pass out, I'm stood next to the Lancaster. Again, I've seen and heard this legend numerous times, but to stand next to it, to touch it, and to stand on the ladder looking inside it just blew me away!!
Oh, and regards boats, a few weeks back I collected a load from the Navy yard in Portsmouth. In the same bay was what will be the bow of one of the new aircraft carriers that are currently being built. To stand underneath a 6100 ton fabrication made my jaw drop wide open!!
Sometimes driving a lorry is a pain, but days like these make it worthwhile.
Martyn.
I've just had a fantastic few days so I thought I'd share it with you.
Did some railway deliveries last Wednesday/Thursday and had the great joy of unloading by the tracks while watching huge freight trains trundle past, and high-speed loco's zip through at 125 mph! There's something awesome about watching a few hundred tons of metal roll past on two rails a couple of inches wide. Thursday afternoon I collected a load from Kendrew Barracks, the old RAF Cottesmore near Stamford, that was bound for RAF Coningsby. As I left Kendrew, there were cars parked all over the place and loads of people along the roadside. I stopped and asked what was happening and was told the Vulcan was due in 5 minutes, it's last flight of the year. Enough said!! I got the wagon on the verge, got out the binoculars and camera, and got some great views of a truly superb plane.
If that weren't enough, I then drove up to Coningsby and parked overnight in the "spotters" carpark on Dogdyke Road. Just as I was getting my tea sorted, up went a Spitfire for a quick stooge round. I was treated to a fabulous impromptu air display, and matter how many times I see these planes, the sound of a Merlin in flight still gave me goosebumps. Shortly after landing, I watched no end of Eurofighter Typhoons taking off and practising what looked to me like evasive landing techniques. The noise these boys make on take-off is staggering!!
Finally, and without a doubt the high point had to be Friday morning. After off-loading, I asked the lads if I could get any photos of the Memorial Flight planes on my way out. We parked outside the BBMF hangar where a Spitfire was being readied for flight. I hereby admit that even though I'm 50 year old and I've seen some amazing sights, my heart was racing and my hands were sweating. I felt like a kid in a sweet shop!! After touching this venerable old girl! And having my photo taken with her, I chanced my arm and asked if I could have a look in the hangar. Oh my giddy aunt, the man says "yeah, come on". We walked in and I come face to face with a Dakota! Two minutes later, after struggling not to pass out, I'm stood next to the Lancaster. Again, I've seen and heard this legend numerous times, but to stand next to it, to touch it, and to stand on the ladder looking inside it just blew me away!!
Oh, and regards boats, a few weeks back I collected a load from the Navy yard in Portsmouth. In the same bay was what will be the bow of one of the new aircraft carriers that are currently being built. To stand underneath a 6100 ton fabrication made my jaw drop wide open!!
Sometimes driving a lorry is a pain, but days like these make it worthwhile.
Martyn.
