Plane lifted into back garden as bunker takes shape
A man is burying a decommissioned Bmibaby plane fuselage in his back garden to create an underground bunker, documenting the audacious project on his popular YouTube channel. Hacker News is captivated by the sheer audacity and DIY spirit, but quickly pivots to dissecting the engineering challenges, legal hurdles of retrospective planning permission, and the motivations of a modern content creator.
The Lowdown
Dave Billings, a YouTube creator known as 'Tornado Dave,' is undertaking a remarkably ambitious personal project: burying a section of a Bmibaby passenger plane in his backyard to form an underground bunker. Documenting the entire process for his 326,000+ subscribers, Billings is employing everything from 3D printed scale models to heavy machinery to realize his unique vision.
- The Vision: Billings aims to integrate the plane fuselage into an existing underground room beneath his garden, creating a substantial bunker. When asked why, his simple reply was, "Why not?"
- Methodology: He used a crane to lift the large plane section into a massive, specially prepared hole in his garden, with the help of five volunteers. He's planned for concrete footings and re-enforcement around the structure.
- Planning & Legality: Billings intends to apply for retrospective planning permission for the project, hoping to have it completed by February.
- YouTube Fame: His YouTube channel, 'Tornado Dave,' showcases his various DIY and engineering projects, including a past collaboration with TV presenter Guy Martin, significantly boosting his online profile.
This project represents a fascinating blend of engineering ambition, DIY enthusiasm, and modern content creation, pushing the boundaries of what one can build in their own backyard.
The Gossip
Planning Permission Predicament
The most discussed aspect revolves around Dave's decision to seek retrospective planning permission. Commenters debated the inherent risk of this approach, with some suggesting his YouTube popularity might sway local authorities in his favor, while others worried it could backfire and force them to apply regulations more strictly. The consensus leans towards the idea that underground structures in less dense areas might face fewer obstacles.
Structural Soundness & Subterranean Safeguards
Many users expressed concerns about the longevity and structural integrity of an aluminum fuselage buried underground. Discussions covered potential issues like corrosion from soil, water ingress, and the ability of a plane's airframe (designed for internal pressure) to withstand external ground pressure. There was speculation about waterproofing, concrete encasement, and whether the planned reinforcement would be adequate, with some questioning the engineering rationale behind using a plane for this purpose at all.
The Content Creator's Calculus
The YouTube aspect of the project was a significant point of interest. Commenters highlighted that the project's 'silly' nature (as noted by a friend) likely makes it perfect for viral content. Comparisons to other ambitious DIY YouTubers, particularly Colin Furze, were frequent, with some suggesting a collaboration or that this type of 'why not?' project is a staple for gaining views and engagement. It's perceived as both a passion project and a savvy content strategy.