Hi folks,
I dunno about everyone else,but I’m absolutely gobsmacked that the guys at the Museum of Flight are considering chopping up thier Comet.What is the point in a museum which destroys it’s own exhibits??I realise that sometimes an airframe degenerates too far to be saved,but G-BDIX is in such excellent condition I fail to see how they could justify scrapping her.The Comet is one of the most significant types in UK aviation history and there aren’t many left,so if this example isn’t worth preserving then I don’t know what is.
I know there is usually very little that can be done when a ‘museum’ has made up it’s mind like this,but I can’t simply sit back and let it happen.I propose a letterwriting/emailing campaign to the MoF to air our surprise and dismay at the decision to scrap the Comet.Who knows,if they get a few dozen emails in thier inbox on Monday morning,they might just think twice about it,and whatever the outcome,we will atleast have done something to stop this important aircraft being reduced to produce,rather than just grumbling about ‘the state of preservation in the UK these days’ etc etc.
Oi!I can see you muttering ‘One email from me won’t make any difference’!Shut yer trap and get writing! :p lol
Here is the main e-mail address for the MoF…
[email]museum_of_flight@sol.co.uk[/email]
…and here is the address to email the curator directly…
[email]cch@nms.ac.uk[/email]
Ok folks,let’s see what we can achieve…
I intitially put this post up on the Flypast forum,but I know quite a few of the airliners folks don’t go into that forum much,and the Comet is an airliner afterall so I thought it would concern many of you as much as it concerns the Flypast brigade.
By: MSR777 - 1st May 2003 at 20:56
Great news Ant! As a great fan of the Comet 4B its good to hear of any survivors. I spent 8yrs working in the preservation of the Monarch Bristol Britannia 300 Srs at Duxford. Airliner preservation is a vital part of our aviation history and is often underrated by some museums.
By: Ant.H - 1st May 2003 at 20:40
Hi folks,
Just to let you know that the Museum of flight at East fortune will NOT be scrapping thier Comet!There has recently been a change of management at the museum,and the new boss is keen to keep the aircraft.It seems the rumour cropped up through bad communication amongst museum staff and management under the old ‘regime’,and speculation from outside.
Before you sigh about it being a ‘wasted effort’,we have to remember that things like this are worth getting involved in.Atleast now we have the peace of mind that the Comet isn’t going anywhere,and the museum themselves have a had a chance to ‘clear thier name’ so to speak.I should also say that we shouldn’t be hesitant on things like this in the future because of the way this has turned out.Museums DO make crazy and/or regrettable decisions occasionally,and we should always be prepared to make ourselves heard.
A huge thankyou to everyone who emailed the Museum and gave thier support,it’s much appreciated by myself and by many others.
By: Merlin3945 - 27th April 2003 at 21:50
Hi guys have a look at some photos of the comet , vulcan and buccaneer on the flypast forum post named East Fortune Comet.
By: Ant.H - 27th April 2003 at 15:08
Thanks for your support folks,it’s always good to know there are others who care about things like this. 🙂
Comet-I’ve replied to your posting on the Flypast forum.Not sure i’d agree that scrapping her would be criminal,but it’s certainly a very confusing decision given her apparent good health.
By: Comet - 27th April 2003 at 14:37
CRIMINAL. CRIMINAL. CRIMINAL. CRIMINAL. CRIMINAL. CRIMINAL. THAT TIMES A THOUSAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve just posted my views on this on the Flypast forum.
I don’t call myself Comet for nothing you know.
By: SOFTLAD - 26th April 2003 at 18:13
Me too.Just hope it does some good ?
By: MSR777 - 26th April 2003 at 17:30
Have sent one to both addresses…….Here’s hoping, thanks for bringing it to our attention mate.
By: EGNM - 26th April 2003 at 13:21
i’m sure the forum will put a good response together Ant for you!
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April 26, 2003 at 11:35 am