Top Gear 747 with twin podded engines?

[Darren Griffin - PocketGPSWorld.Com]

Watching the spot where JC towed a 747 on Top Gear last night. In one shot
you could clearly see the inner port side engine pylon had two jets mounted
side by side in a single pod. The best description I could supply is that it
was similar to that of the B52. The piece was filmed in such a way that I
couldn't see if this was unique to the port side inner pylon or of two or
even more of the pylons were fitted in this way.

I've never seen a Jumbo like this before, it was quite different to those
that have had an additional engine fitted when ferrying. Does anyone know
any more of this?

[gpaleo]

Post by Darren Griffin - PocketGPSWorld.Com
Watching the spot where JC towed a 747 on Top Gear last night. In one
shot you could clearly see the inner port side engine pylon had two jets
mounted side by side in a single pod. The best description I could supply
is that it was similar to that of the B52. The piece was filmed in such a
way that I couldn't see if this was unique to the port side inner pylon or
of two or even more of the pylons were fitted in this way.
I've never seen a Jumbo like this before, it was quite different to those
that have had an additional engine fitted when ferrying. Does anyone know
any more of this?

Sounds like James Bond's plane. In the latest movie, they had a jumbo like
that (it was a movie prop, of course).

[Flying Rat]

Post by gpaleo

Post by Darren Griffin - PocketGPSWorld.Com
Watching the spot where JC towed a 747 on Top Gear last night. In one
shot you could clearly see the inner port side engine pylon had two jets
mounted side by side in a single pod. The best description I could supply
is that it was similar to that of the B52. The piece was filmed in such a
way that I couldn't see if this was unique to the port side inner pylon or
of two or even more of the pylons were fitted in this way.
I've never seen a Jumbo like this before, it was quite different to those
that have had an additional engine fitted when ferrying. Does anyone know
any more of this?

Sounds like James Bond's plane. In the latest movie, they had a jumbo like
that (it was a movie prop, of course).

it is.

The film company used it to simulate a newly designed 'stealth' type of
aircraft, and used the 1 and 4 pylons for underwing tanks/pods instead.

The engines (which are empty nacelles) were repositioned in pairs,
complete with 787 style chevrons on the outer edge of the D rings. All
good old fashioned hokum for movie purposes but it does look the part!
The plane is an old -200 series which has RB211 engines and was (IIRC)
previously a BA and later European operated aircraft.

The aircraft would probably rip itself to bits if the engines were real,
due to too much weight and thrust on the pylons.

FR

[Darren Griffin - PocketGPSWorld.Com]

Post by Flying Rat
it is.
The film company used it to simulate a newly designed 'stealth' type
of aircraft, and used the 1 and 4 pylons for underwing tanks/pods
instead.
The engines (which are empty nacelles) were repositioned in pairs,
complete with 787 style chevrons on the outer edge of the D rings. All
good old fashioned hokum for movie purposes but it does look the part!
The plane is an old -200 series which has RB211 engines and was (IIRC)
previously a BA and later European operated aircraft.
The aircraft would probably rip itself to bits if the engines were
real, due to too much weight and thrust on the pylons.
FR

Excellent info, thanks :) So it is the same 747 that was positioned at
Dunsfold some time back then? At the time it was said it was there for a
movie role prior to being scrapped so it makes sense?

[Flying Rat]

Post by Darren Griffin - PocketGPSWorld.Com

Post by Flying Rat
it is.
The film company used it to simulate a newly designed 'stealth' type
of aircraft, and used the 1 and 4 pylons for underwing tanks/pods
instead.
The engines (which are empty nacelles) were repositioned in pairs,
complete with 787 style chevrons on the outer edge of the D rings. All
good old fashioned hokum for movie purposes but it does look the part!
The plane is an old -200 series which has RB211 engines and was (IIRC)
previously a BA and later European operated aircraft.
The aircraft would probably rip itself to bits if the engines were
real, due to too much weight and thrust on the pylons.
FR

Excellent info, thanks :) So it is the same 747 that was positioned at
Dunsfold some time back then? At the time it was said it was there for a
movie role prior to being scrapped so it makes sense?

Top Gear did relocate recently as well to a new location, as well as
getting a new Reasonably Priced Car. The 747 would be the same one.

I'm not sure what the longterm plans for the aircraft are. It could well
still be owned by British Airways as they did a deal with European which
collapsed, and BA was effectively the lessor of the aircraft. It
certainly won't be flying anywhere and the parts value has to be minimal
beyond its scrap value.

It looks prettier anyway than that Greek one which was converted to a
meeting place, and sat looking shabbier by the day with empty engine
pylons.

FR

[David Wright]

Post by Flying Rat
Top Gear did relocate recently as well to a new location

No they didn't - they've been at Dunsfold for many, many years. They
*wanted* to relocate, but haven't yet.

Post by Flying Rat
as well as getting a new Reasonably Priced Car.

Yes, this they did do.

Post by Flying Rat
The 747 would be the same one.

Saw it personally at the Wheels & Wings event at Dunsfold last year. Jeremy
Clarkson recently towed it along the runway with a Tractor.

D.

[Richard]

Post by Darren Griffin - PocketGPSWorld.Com
Watching the spot where JC towed a 747 on Top Gear last night. In one
shot you could clearly see the inner port side engine pylon had two jets
mounted side by side in a single pod. The best description I could supply
is that it was similar to that of the B52. The piece was filmed in such a
way that I couldn't see if this was unique to the port side inner pylon or
of two or even more of the pylons were fitted in this way.
I've never seen a Jumbo like this before, it was quite different to those
that have had an additional engine fitted when ferrying. Does anyone know
any more of this?

Pictures:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2006/08/29/207684/pictures-james-bond-casino-royale-modified-boeing-747-xxx-on-show-ahead-of-movie.html
or http://preview.tinyurl.com/3btmcr