FighterControl

I noticed today at work that the gate guardian has finally turned up, a Gloster Meteor, WH132. I presume it is that serial number as the "H" was hidden behind a support and online I found the following, which confirms that it has to be correct:-

http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1245537/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

At the moment it is in 3 parts, wings, cockpit and tail. But I did not notice the roundels or the yellow band on the tail section, unless there is another part to arrive. I did notice though that on one panel on the tail section, the lettering "Desert Equipment", which should show some light on its past history.

Don't think WH132 had much call for any "Desert Equipment", though Summer at Little Rissington can be quite warm:-

WH132 Meteor T.7, Built by Glosters at Hucclecote, Aw/Cn 30.11.51, d/d 207 AFS 10.12.51, to 43G D/A 11.6.54 Cat.4(Refurb), to FRL 2.7.54 Cat.4(Refurb), ex-RIW 31.1.55, to 8 FTS 8.2.55 (9.2.55), to 12 MU Kirkbride 5.8.55, declared NEA 1.2.57, returned to Effective Stock at 12 MU 31.3.58, to 33 MU Lyneham 13.10.59, to 27 MU Shawbury 19.2.60, to RAFFC Manby 9.4.60, to 27 MU 19.5.60, to RAFFC 21.6.60, to CFS Little Rissington 30.6.60, to 33 MU 15.3.61, to 5 MU 20.10.61, to 33 MU 8.11.61, to 'J' RAFFC 15.11.61, renamed CAW, to 5 MU 18.3.65, declared NEA 23.7.65, allocated 7906M for 276 Sqn ATC and Soc 27.7.66 Cat.5(GI).

Cheers,

MCB

Is this the Meteor from Chelmsford ATC ?

It used to sit in the ATC compound along with a Rapier and a few other bits and pieces.

The Road you go down where the ATC is based is called "Meteor Way".
One of the sterwards at Essex Cricket Club once told me the road had been named after the Meteor

698 wrote:Is this the Meteor from Chelmsford ATC ?
One of the sterwards at Essex Cricket Club once told me the road had been named after the Meteor

Blimey, I wondered where the Meteor went! I'd heard the same thing that the steward told you in that the road was named after the aircraft.

Looking at the info from MCB it looks like it may have been there for a long time!

I've not been down there for a couple of years but it's sad that it has gone .

I've lost count at the number of times I've queued up getting out of the cricket parking and looking at the Meteor, wondering where it had been and what it had done.

At least now I have some idea.

They'll have to rename it "Rapier Way" now
Assuming the ATC still have that as well !

It is still sat there tonight (26th April), dismantled in a parking lot - right at the end of the track that goes past the main gate

hi
still there oct 2011 dismantled near the fence

60mu

It isn't now, its been moved next to E flight's hangar so it is now out of sight.

hi
is it still in bits ?

60mu

Yes, its still in bits.

I understand this is a project for some of the maintenance people at Leconfield. (I did offer my services to assist in any way) Once completed the Meteor will go on display outside the E Squadron hangar out of public view. There is some sort of army vehicle that is going to be put on display at the main gate in February next year.

hi
How is thje new gate guardian , still in bit ?

60mu

Wings and tail are on, just needs nose cone fitting and painting, so I've been told.

Would be gratefull if someone local to Leconfield could post an update on the status of the Meteor that was going to have been a Gate Guard for the SAR Flight.

Many thanks.

I was there in October and managed to locate the meteor,

""I have managed to find the Meteor. It is located in an open ended hangar at the following location with no view from the outside

53.877315,-0.445279""

it needs a lot of work in my opinion before it goes on the gate.

Regards

Al

If it was going to be a gate guard for Search and Rescue, I doubt that it will ever get there. 202 Squadron "E" flight is leaving Leconfield for good at the end of March. I always thought it was just a restoration project for a group of enthusiasts.

Many thanks for the replies.

I hope the airframe survives and gets a good home. As has been said not many Meteors about.

Still present this month in the location mentioned by Al. But, not how has nose cone on

Hi
Its going on the main gate on Grange road,
So I was told.

60mu

No longer at Leconfield.The Meteor T7 as been moved to Hooton park for the Hooton Park Trust.

60mu