Work to bring Meteor NF(T).14 WS788 back to life continues apace at Elvington’s Yorkshire Air Museum (YAM) near York…
The 1954 Armstrong-Whitworth-built jet has been the subject of an award-winning restoration effort led by YAM volunteer Graham Buckle since 2016. Most recently, work has focussed on replacing and repairing countless cut wiring looms as the team works to wake ‘her’ up after nearly 60 years of dormancy.
Graham told FlyPast: “It’s been a slog, but the jet now accepts ground power, will run on ‘her’ own internal battery, both cockpits' electrical systems have been fully reinstated, as well as all external lights and engine start systems.”
With WS788 rolling off the production line in 1954, this year marks the jet’s 70th anniversary. Graham added: “To celebrate this, on July 20 this year - the closest available Saturday to the date ‘788 entered squadron service - we are hosting an event at YAM to mark ‘her’ 70th birthday. Anyone who is ex-Meteor, family of the 'Meteor boys' no longer with us, or have supported us in our quest to bring 788 back to life, in fact anyone with an interest in the aircraft is welcome to attend! On the day visitors will be able to get a proper look at the aircraft, learn more about her story and repeated escapes from the scrap man, and we intend to demonstrate the systems we have got working at the time.”
For more information, keep an eye on the team’s social media page here. Usual museum admission rates will apply – tickets are available direct through the YAM website: www.yorkshireairmuseum.org
