De Havilland Vampire T11 XD506
Our aircraft was formerly a gate guardian at RAF Swinderby. It was previously at RAF Finningley, Central Air Traffic Control School, Central Navigation & Control School and 5 Flying Training School, first serving with 206 Advanced Flying School, when it was delivered on 6th April 1954 and donated to the Museum by BI Processes of Thrupp in 1998.
In its 8 August 1968 edition, Flight International published a letter from Leslie Hunt of Wrecks and relics that noted that XD506 was at Finningley, where Wing Commander A G Longden and Flight Lt Jack Long had been instrumental in preparing this airframe along with others, for display at various Battle of Britain Days. It is virtually complete apart from the engine.
Right - Historic and replica aircraft at RAF Finningley: an official photograph as reproduced in FLIGHT International
History
Delivered 6 April 1954, struck off charge 7 September 1967, Finningley for G/I as 7983M, Swinderby 1977 for gate guard duties, sold 8 July 1993, to Pyle, Wales 1994, to Staverton 30 April 1996, RACO Engineering, Thrupp for display 24 July 1996, Staverton 28 February 1998
Vampire T11 XD506 Swinderby Main Gate 05/06/83 Rob Braithwaite http://www.rob.clubkawasaki.com/
