RAF Kinloss to get Nimrod gate guard.

Discussion in 'Postwar' started by Peter Clare, Aug 11, 2009.

  1. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    ‘Gate Guardian’ campaign gets off to flying start - Press & Journal


    A CAMPAIGN to put a Nimrod at the entrance to a Moray airbase to mark the aircraft’s significance in the area has got off the ground.
    The fundraising efforts of the Kinloss Gate Guardian Project group are paying off, with almost £10,000 being handed in so far
    .
    The project was launched last October and aims to raise enough money to have the Nimrod MRA2 fixed permanently to the ground near the RAF Kinloss base entrance.
    Rab Forbes, executive officer of 42 Squadron, said the reason there is no “gate guardian” at the entrance is because there is no room for such a large aircraft.
    He said: “Historically, there have always been ‘gate guardians’ at the entrance to RAF bases.”


    A site has been identified by the group, 400 yards away on Burghead Road, and they are hopeful of getting the aircraft in place by spring 2010.
    The MRA2 which will be put on the site is being stored in a hangar and preservation work is being carried out to ensure it does not rust.


    The engines and other parts have already been removed, and it will be bolted to three concrete plinths to stop the aircraft from being blown over in the wind.
    Mr Forbes said: “The MRA2 will soon be out of service completely when it is replaced by the MRA4 next year, so it’s really the last chance we have to keep a permanent reminder of the older aircraft in Moray.”


    He welcomed the donations received but said he does not know how much the project will cost until they move the plane.
    Manpower for the groundwork is being provided by the base at no cost to project funds.
    He added: “We do not anticipate any expensive problems emerging but we may encounter one or two along the way.”
     

Share This Page