UK Explosion

[Delta_]

The firefighter have been evacuated because the most volatile fuel stored at the site is close to being breached.  If that one goes i suspect the blast will be much bigger than the initial blast.  Not only will that fuel go up, but i suspect it will take the other 6/7? storage tanks aswell.  It is going to be one hell of a bang.

I hope they get it sorted asap.  They should fly an ac over there and dump loads of foam on it if it is possible.  Atleast the ac is only there for a min.

Souchiro, nice!!  Dunsfold is a pretty cool place.  They film the track parts of Top Gear there aswell.

[Souichiro]

Yup I know the Top gear part..unfortunately they don't film in the summer when I'm usually there. In the spring and or autumn they do( when my parents are there)

Hopefully they aren't gonna close the Airfield and turn it into houses......

I used to be woken up by the sounds of incoming or leaving Harriers....

Those were the days!

[Hagar]

Hopefully they aren't gonna close the Airfield and turn it into houses......

I used to be woken up by the sounds of incoming or leaving Harriers....

Those were the days!

On the subject of Dunsfold I went to the Wings & Wheels event held there earlier this year. I got the impression that this would be the last such event held there & it's quite possible the runway will be broken up. I picked up a brochure* explaining future plans for the site which include a much smaller GA airfield. This is privately owned so I'm not sure if this will be specifically for the use of customers visiting the site or open to other traffic.


*PS. No idea what I did with it. If I can find it I can give the exact details.

PPS. Straight from the horse's mouth. http://www.dunsfoldpark.co.uk/news/news.asp?memvar=2&newsno=49

[Souichiro]

Thanks for that Info Doug! The link is bookmarked. I really DO hope that it stays open for aviation. the latest I heard is that they're going to increase the number of flights to a possible 40,000 a year. Knowing the area a bit I don't hope they're just going to fill up the area with houses. It would destroy the little Village that Is Dunsfold right now ( only one shop and a pub + 9 ponds )  

If it were to continue to stay open as an Airfield, in the summer I'd be in prime position to see them all.

Another reason is that My grandfather flew from there in the war and I would hate to see the place dissapear.

On a side note...I hate the Waverly Count Planning Commision! (due to experiences)

[Hagar]

Thanks for that Info Doug! The link is bookmarked.

That was a lucky find. Here's the link to the main site with some photos of this year's Wings & Wheels event.
http://www.dunsfoldaerodrome.com/home.asp?fdv=1
This was the first time I'd actually been to an open day at Dunsfold although over the years I've had personal invitations from friends who worked there. I'm glad I went as it was quite possibly my last chance.

On a side note...I hate the Waverly Count Planning Commision! (due to experiences)

Unfortunately the fate of this historic airfield is in their hands - & the government's hands of course.

[Souichiro]

Yup sadly it is....

Some years ago ( I think in 1987) BAE invited former dutch airmen from Dunsfold for a honorary celebration. They were picked up here in Holland at Valkenburg by a BAE 146 and flown in to Dunsfold after which thet did the honorary route. The presented a Dutch Naval flag to the people of Dunsfold who gave them so much during the war. The Flag is displayed in the Dunsfold Church. On the graveyard a friend of my grandfather is buried. I always pay my respects to Mr Vink and to the Flag. It's also very nice to see the guestbook of the church. In it you can find names from all over the world including mine. Also Children of Mr Vink (My grandfathers friend) have signed the guestbook. I suppose I'm not the only one to return there on a regular basis. My mother had a strange incident some years ago when a Dunsfold lady came over to her and asked if she was the daughter of Freddie Meijer (my grandfather). She reckognised the face. Must have been realy emotional. It's a small world afterall

[Hagar]

My mother had a strange incident some years ago when a Dunsfold lady came over to her and asked if she was the daughter of Freddie Meijer (my grandfather). She reckognised the face. Must have been realy emotional. It's a small world afterall

Remarkable story. It is indeed a small world.

[Fozzer]

Hemel Hempstead Explosion....
Some more amazing photo's via my Service Provider...>>>

http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/news/hemelhemp ... =10&PREV=1

The smoke plume can now be seen from outer space...

Cheers all...!

Paul.... ...!

[beaky]

What a mess!!  Amazing that there are so few casualties, and a good thing, too. Reminds me of a similar accident in Texas years ago- shipload of ammonium nitrate went up. Many casualties, and the entire port was destroyed...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_City_disaster

[Delta_]

The 3,000 pound (1,400 kg) anchor of Grandcamp was hurled 2 miles (3 km) and was found in a 10-foot (3 m) crater.

That was the ship that blew up in Texas.

Very interesting read, thanks for that.

[commoner]

...mmmm....all that was rather nasty I must say, but the Daily Express today came up with what I call a typical British response in the face of adversity.......HUMOUR!

..Well it made ME laugh anyway...........commoner

[Saitek]

ROFL! Nice one!

[Tweek]

http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/images/editori ... mp_350.jpg

Jesus christ! I'm surprised it hasn't travelled over here *looks out of window*. Could prove to be a great tourist attraction if they kept it burning!

[Hagar]

http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/images/editorial/news/hemel_boom_dec05_emp_350.jpg

Jesus christ! I'm surprised it hasn't travelled over here *looks out of window*. Could prove to be a great tourist attraction if they kept it burning!

Not heard the latest news but they hoped to have it under control by the end of today. I actually saw the smoke plume from the M25 this morning at about 10.30 am GMT. When I returned in the dark this evening I saw no sign of a glow so let's hope they did just that.

PS. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4525828.stm