RAF Binbrook

[nickthebee]

Hi all,

I hope I have posted this in the correct section.

I paid a long overdue visit to the RAF Binbrook Heritage Centre today and had a good look around. The following airframes are in the compound:

WZ584 DH Vampire T11
XR724 BAC Lightning F6
XS457 BAC Lightning T5 (Nose)
ZF595 BAC Lightning T55 (Fuselage)

I couldn't find Sea Harrier FA2 ZE697 that, I understand, used to sit behind Hangar 3...does anyone know where it has gone? Recent Google Maps images show it missing from where I think it was situated so I presume it has moved and I wasn't just looking in the wrong place !

I also drove into Binbrook village to see Lightning XR725.

Cheers

Nick

[airfixpilot]

Payed a quick visit to Binbrook today. Its been so long since I was there, I didn't recognize the place or get My bearings. I last visited when I was a boy of 17-18, and the Lightning was there. Crash gate 3 was were I watched the Lightning take off. I was shocked to see the airfield in such a state, but nice to see the village of Brookenby & Binbrook. I entered by the main gate past the old guard room to the station HQ. Had a ride around and out again. If I had time I would have liked to explore the station more. I hear it has a heritage center, but could not find it. Next time I go across to Binbrook, I will make time to explore the airfield. I did see a airfield fire engine and a old Lightning covered up in tarpaulin. I also got near to some hangars, but was not sure if I was aloud inside, so turned back.

[tornado17]

While in the area on hols, I visited the base today on a bit of a memory trip much to the annoyance of the wife, they just don’t understand!!! It has been about 10 or so years since I last visited. The guardroom has now been restored with a tea room and has a very small heritage area within it selling things such as mugs, t-shirts and key rings. There are also items for sale to do with the kangaroo wearing a quilt, a story I cannot remember but some of you will. All visitors are to report there which I duly did. There are 2 ladies there from the company, HIS, that now more or less run the site. She was very helpful giving me a site map with contained a bit of history about the base and also about the company. She also gave me a leaflet on the RAF Binbrook Memorial Garden Project which will be behind the old SHQ when completed. Just giving page is www.justgiving.com/campaign/rafbmg

There is now a Gate Guard in Lightning XS935/AK in 5 Squadron markings, currently surrounded by Heras fencing but is photographable over the top, she said this is the one was from Cornwall. Honington’s former gate guard Buccaneer XK526, 12 Squadron fox head on intake side, is also behind Heras fencing but photographable. There is a 12 Squadron Association banner on a fence as you enter the site, a squadron I would never associate with Binbrook but did reside there before receiving the Buccaneer. The resident XR724 was tucked away in its shelter but the area was not accessible. In fact, all the hangars are not accessible, I could not get ‘airside’ to any of them. There is Heras fencing everywhere!! A lot of the site is derelict and in poor condition, a sad site to see.
I also ventured up the destroyed road to Crash Gate 3, again much to the annoyance of the wife!! I wouldn’t go up there in a small car!! There is just a metal one bar gate at the end and the farmer’s field beyond. I had to explain to her that from the age of 10, this is where my love of military aircraft began and I would cycle up there from Grimsby with mates and spend the day there, she still doesn’t understand!!

For more information on the site and future plans, here are some links:

www.lightningtown.co.uk
Instagram: @binbrookcollection
X: @rafbinbrookcoll

You can also e-mail Cormac Taylor at info@rafbinbrook.org regarding plans to do tours in the future once the redevelopment is complete.