The loud rumble when they tested the Vulcan Bombers engines could be heard in North Hykeham

They were not 'testing the engines' Margaret. The extremely loud noises you heard in North Hykeham from time to time was a single Vulcan doing a "Heavyweight Circuit and Overshoot" after takeoff. Because they were full of fuel, the four Olympus Engines had to go a lot of moaning and groaning to develop enough power to keep the Vulcan flying enough to clear the circuit and climb away.

Note the 617 Squadron Emblem on the Tailfin of Vulcan XL317.
It says "Apres Moi - Le Deluge." The emblem shows a dam being breached by lightning bolts from above. It is often forgotten that 56 Aircrew did not return from that raid. Eight aircraft were lost.

Kevin, I worked on both the Lancaster PA474 (1970/3)and Vulcans (1970/6) and there were many days and nights where I would be out on the test pan testing the engines, plus there would be excercises where 4 V's would be launched one after the other. Most overshoots were post a sortie although following an emergency they ould carry out a heavy overshoot, good picture.

The Lancaster left Waddington late 1973 to join the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, at that time based at RAF Coltishall, Norfolk. I was privaliged to work on the restoration team and be the ground engineer on the first few flights before going off to complete my fitters course, on returning in November 73 I helped to deliver the last lorry load of spares with the Team Leader Flt Sgt Eric Gledhill. They were happy and sad days! BBMF is now based at RAF Coningsby in Linconshire.

I remember the vulcan well as my father was a navigator in 617 squadron he was stationed between three camps Waddington, Scampton and Finningly spending most time at Scampton - wonderful days