Sky TV paid a visit to RAFADRM to talk to museum staff including a special visit to our Bloodhound kit for a demonstration and talk to our team representative, Rob Findlater.
This link will take you to the the Sky article then to Sky’s video that they made on site.
Mike Strange
With our kit now installed at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, Neatishead, Norfolk we need to support the functioning Launch Control Post (LCP).
We especially need engineering support to service and maintain the Engagement Simulator equipment that utilises the Ferranti Argus 700 computer, associated complex input/output devices and the displays. You may have undertaken this line of work with Ferranti , in the RAF or perhaps with another Argus user.
You might also have Bloodhound Mk2 LCP experience as a Technical Supervisor or Engagement Controller. Your skills will also be welcomed to assist museum staff with guided tours and engagement explanations.
At present there are only three folk who volunteer at the site on a regular basis. We need to bolster this number to provide support cover throughout the summer and beyond.
If you think you have forgotten about how things work; don’t let it stop you as we have lots of notes, diagrams and schematics to help you remember.
Please offer your help by dropping us a line via the Contact Form on our web site
Thank you in anticipation.
BMPG Team
Before and after photos of our work
LCP at RAF Cosford 2011
LCP at RAFADRM March 2023
T86 Radar at RAF Cosford 2012
T86 Radar at RAFADRM March 2023
Bloodhound Simulator at RAF Cosford 2011
Bloodhound Simulator at RAFADRM 26th March 2023
Simulator demonstration to RAFADRM 28th March 2023
Mike Strange
Transportation of all the BMPG equipment from Cosford to RAFADRM Neatishead was completed by Shebdon of Telford within the short time allowed to us by RAF Cosford. The carpark was to be its initial location until concrete pads were constructed.
Once the pads were completed the next task was to transfer the LCP, T86 and Rapier FSC Launcher to their positions for display.
Recommissioning started on 24th March 2023
A job well done by Blakes Self Loading Vehicles Ltd of Wensum Lodge, Taverham Lane, Norwich NR8 5BE.
With the LCP we were first presented with an intermittent fault seen on the Engagment Controller’s display (far right) the LCP.
Once this was rectified thanks to DeoxIT Gold on some circuit board contacts the Simulator was, once again, up and running as it was at Cosford. It had survived the journey well.
The Bloodhound Mk2 Operational Missile Serial No 4574, belonging to RAFADRM, is looking superb in original white paint livery.
Here are some additional external photographs of the installation.
Refitting the tail lights to the T86 Radar
Our T86 Radar and the FAC Rapier Launcher
The Missile and Launch Control Post
Another of the Missile and Launch Control Post
Missile and T86 Radar
So we have achieved our objective when we embarked on this restoration project of getting a representative collection of Bloodhound Mk 2 Missile Sytem equipment on public display.
It was very unfortunate that completion of the transfer had to be so rushed but this was totally out of our control having been dictated to us by an edict to remove the kit from Cosford. This has meant that, when RAFADRM, Neatishead re-open on 4th April, the system will be on static display but the LCP Simulator will not be running as there has been zero time to train the current volunteers how to operate the system.
If anyone in the locality, who worked on the Mk2 LCP with both the necessary experience, would like to help out by stepping up to assist we would be most grateful.
The BMPG Team
[Photographs from Mike Strange, Rob Findlater and Pete Murray]
Our kit duly arrived and was off-loaded at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum (RAFADRM) at Neatishead, Norfolk this morning. I will let the photographs tell the story.
Mk 2 Bloodhound Missile Ser No 4574 belonging to RAFADRM
Thank you Shebdon Crane Hire Ltd for a job well done!
Thank you to the fabulous RAFADRM team for your generous welcome and help with this difficult move. The future for our Bloodhound is bright.
The BMPG Team
Loading of the Aerial Cage was just starting here this morning.
At 13:00 today a convoy left RAF Cosford for Neatishead, our time in Hangar 5 is at an end.
Our photograph shows the convoy loaded and heading for the exit embarking on its 200 mile journey to Norfolk. The first truck (a low loader) has the T86 and FSC Rapier Launcher on board. The second truck and trailer has the LCP and aerial cage.
Late this afternoon the convoy arrived safely at Neatishead and will be unloading in the morning.
A huge thank you to Shebdon Crane Hire Ltd, Telford for providing the transport.
BMPG Team
Today the aerial assembly was removed from the T86, here it is lifted and in transit
Here is the aerial in deposited in its transportation cage which had been resucued from its dumped location at North Luffenham a few years ago.
Removing the aerial assembly would not have been possible without Neil and Pete J and their commitment plus a ‘can do’ approach to the task. A ‘well done’ is definitely in order.
A video has been taken of the aerial removal, which will be provided on YouTube soon (ish).
Time was spent on the Rapier FSC Launcher but despite carrying out all of the instructions to the letter the brakes refused to come off. So a call was put out to one of the Rapier guys who had provided the detail but the bottom line is that it looks like the brakes are stuck on. It could be that the Launcher has been in the open for a long while, brakes off. When the FSC arrived at Cosford it is possible that the brakes were applied and are now stuck, lack of use and corrosion are all possibilities.
The tasks to be completed tomorrow 14th and Sunday 15th in order to be ready for the move to Neatishead on the 19th are (roughly!):
GENERAL
1. Empty the LCP and T86 cabins
2. All parts awaiting refitting and necessary tools (specifically for the T86) to be boxed and placed in the cabins to accompany them to Neatishead.
3. All spares etc will be removed unless they can be stored securely locally.
4. Items that will be beneficial to Neatishead such as extension leads, tools and hard hats can go with the LCP/T86.
5. Inventory everything that that is to go with the cabins.
LAUNCH CONTROL POST
6. Check the LCP is still serviceable
7. Set the roof struts for moving
8. Seal and bolt down the roof sections
9. Check that the repair on the rear of the cabin is water tight
10. Check for any rivet holes in the cabin sides and roof and seal
11. Fold down the roof awning supports and fit holding straps for the side, front and rear rails
12. Fit door seals
13. Refit and seal the eight screw down plates on the external corners of the cabin (Pete has the spacers)
14. Remove mesh from AC inlets, rear of cabin
15. Refit all covers on the computer racks
16. Secure covers and monitors for transit.
17. Lock wire the cupboard door (note the hinges are bent)
TYPE 86 RADAR
18. Refit M Rack
19. Refitthe cover on H.26 – mains contact and distribution panel. Ensure mains unplugged first.
20. Refit the EHT capacitors, they are currently under console
21. Check for missing power supplies in F Rack. F16 is missing and the 24V supply is replaced. Any other supplies missing?
22. Check the three standoffs in the rear cabin and remove their extension pieces
23. Lower the pedestal on to the standoffs
24. Treat the boom bracket on the pedestal for corrosion and paint
25. Prime on Saturday and then top coat on Sunday the exposed parts on the cabin – hidden when jacks were down.
26. Clean out the drainage trough base of pedestal. Must quite a few treasures that have dropped in there.
Remember it isn’t at all warm in the hangar and it can be damp so wrap up and don’t forget a woolly hat!
Apologies for all the tasks missing from the above lists. I’m sure they’ll be added to this weekend!!!!!!
Best of luck guys, we will need it.
Pete Harry
Another step on our move to Neatishead accomplished today. The T86 has been moved to the centre section of the hangar and positioned for loading on the low loader. See photo.
The tug was provided, with great appreciation, by the aircraft handling guys on the Station
With the jacks stowed on the T86 it exposed some small areas on the cabin that couldn’t be treated and painted previously, a start has been made with the odd bit of corrosion treated. Otherwise the heap of ‘stuff’ behind the LCP is gradually reducing and yet another trip to the local tip carried out.
Next step, remove the T86 aerials which will happen on Thursday.
Pete Harry
Three extra team members were down so a good working session was had so more tasks were completed ready for the move to Neatishead.
First challenge was to put the six tyres back on the radar and all I can say is that it is not like changing a car tyre. The wheels are very heavy so difficult to manoeuvre under the wheel arch but Pete J and Pete M managed it with a combination of patience and frustration if there is such a thing. The radar now sits on its wheels and the jacks are stowed.
Next: Fit the lifting yoke socket to the Aerial Assembly beam. Several questions, ‘is it the right way up’, ‘why isn’t it sitting flush on the beam’. In the end The two Pete’s were happy and ‘no’ the socket doesn’t fit flush on the beam. The four bolts securing the Ae Assembly to the pedestal were ‘cracked’ to ensure they can be easily removed. One problem discovered, with the aerials on their back which they need to be for lifting, two of the four securing bolts are not accessible!
Ian drew the short straw as usual and spent most of the day in the rear cabin of the T86 refitting covers and the stand offs’ on which the pedestal will rest once lowered. Nothing is straight forward but all ended well after the bolt holes were re tapped.
A combined effort was involved in re fitting the drawer unit in the radar cabin. Heavy is an understatement and it took the four of us to lift and manoeuvre the drawer unit. We discovered there should have been a girder or box section under the rear of the drawer unit once fitted but no sign of it anywhere, a block of wood was used which happened to be the right size.
We have been having a problem getting the brakes off on the FSC Rapier; a lot of helpful advice was gleaned from members of the Rapier Facebook Group but we ran out of time today.
Next events:
Jan 10th – Pull radar out from under the low roof section of the hangar.
Jan 12th – Remove Aerials
Jan 14th/15th – Last working days, more prepping for move
Jan 19th – Move to Neatishead
Pete Harry
A very Happy New Year and all the best for 2023 to all our readers.
As the work up to readying for transportation gets underway we shall not be having the usual Work Day reports. Instead we shall keep all informed about progress of the move to the RAFADM at Neatishead which has to take place by the end of this month.
Be assured that the staff at the RAFADM are enthusiastic about creating a ‘Bloodhound Section’ display for the museum. The engagement simulator will of course be maintained in a serviceable state.
Before we get to the serious part of removing the T86 Radar aerials its transportation cage needs preparation.
We are now in pretty good shape but several tasks that remain do require two men e.g., fitting the chillers in the T86, fitting the socket for the U Beam on the T86 Ae boom, putting the drawers back in the T86 and refitting the T86 wheels.
Some minor outstanding jobs will need to be undertaken at Neatishead such as fitting the leather straps for the awning rails on the LCP, fit sprit level on the T86 aerial boom and so on. Nothing major, just finishing off jobs that we had intended to complete prior to the Cosford air show in June.
We do have a haulage company set up to undertake the transportation once have completed the transfer of the aerial into the cage using this beam.
Thus!
We do have an important request. Please, we really do need your help with the cost of this move. The easiest way for most would be to make your donations direct to our bank account:
Lloyds Treasurers Account
Acct Name: BMPG Limited
Sort Code: 30-18-83
Account No: 13392468
A reminder that we are a strictly not-for-profit Group that is totally privately funded determined to have a definitive set of Cold War equipment co-located and available for public viewing and demonstration. It will fit admirably with Neatishead’s ex-operational Mk 2 Bloodhound missile.
Thank you in advance
The BMPG
BMPG 