English Electric Lightning F3 XP748 Tail Fin, former RAF Binbrook Gate Guard

For sale: English Electric Lightning F3 XP748 Tail Fin, former RAF Binbrook Gate Guard...a unique opportunity to own a piece of aviation history.

Lightning F3 XP748 first flew on 4th May 1964 and served with 56 ('M'), 111 ('G') and 11 ('P') Sqns in the RAF.  On 20th December 1974 it went into storage at Binbrook.  On 19th May 1975 it was allocated the serial 8446M, and on 29th May 1977 it was mounted on a plinth as the last gate guardian at RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire, with the emblem of 5 Sqn painted on one side and 11 Sqn on the other, representing the 2 last operational Lightning squadrons.  In one of the photos you can see the aircraft on the plinth at Binbrook - the photo was taken by myself at the last Lightning show in August 1987.  I believe the aircraft was withdrawn from Binbrook in late summer 1988 after the Lightning had finished flying and the aircraft was taken to the range at Pendine.  The fin was sawn off there and lay on the ground for a time until it was salvaged.  It came into my possession about 7 years ago and has been on open display since that time.  Considering the fact that it has been on open storage all that time it is in good condition.  The 11 Sqn side has fared better than the 5 Sqn side: some paint is chipping off and there are some scratches and dents.  The aerial has been removed from the top as you can see in the pictures.  The fin is completely original and has not been painted in any way...it is as it was when it left RAF Binbrook all those years ago.  The other photo is from my collectioin and shows XP748 when it was with 111 Sqn.

The fin measures 8' in height and just over 10' at the base: a large, unwieldy and heavy item which will have to be collected by the buyer.  Winning bidder please contact me after the auction to arrange collection.  I will require cash on collection and an initial deposit (to be arranged after the auction ends, the amount depending on the final total selling amount) via paypal.  

I'm pretty sure that this is a unique opportunity...not one you see every day of the week!!  It is only after long consideration that I have decided to part with this piece of aviation history; it's now time for someone else to enjoy this Lightning relic, and hopefully store it in more suitable conditions than I can.  Please email me if you require further information.

One of a number of excellent items which Kit's Kits  has  for sale this week...Check out my other items!