Having promised myself a visit to the museum for quite some time i called in today as part of a trip’ down south’.
I have to say its a cracking little place with some excellent displays and very friendly staff. I also had not one but two guided tours (i am so greedy :)) of the very complete Shackleton MR.3 by an ex Shack navigator and pilot respectively – many thanks gents. Its always good to hear first hand of what life was like on board aircraft when they were in service.
For me the ground running and potentially running airframes really are the stars of the place, and today there was lots of activity with continuing work on the Lightning, Buccaneer and Venom.
The recently discussed but necessary departing of some of the non-runners to pastures new will definately help the museum in the long term as regards the remaining airframes and their future operation and preservation.
A few pics from me to wet yer whistle.
Rob
By: Wyvernfan - 5th June 2013 at 18:02
You’re welcome Adrian. If any museum deserves to succeed against such seemingly insurmountable odds then its this one.
Rob
By: AMB - 5th June 2013 at 15:08
Thanks for posting those pics and good to hear that the Gatwick Aviation Museum is still going strong since its founder, Peter Vallance, died recently. He was constantly fighting off the local council who wanted to close it down. I hope they don’t try again now he is no longer at the helm.
By: tdl - 3rd June 2013 at 07:24
The extra yoke is for the nose wheel steering, only the first pilot has the control.
Dear Peter!
Thanks for the quick answer.
Thomas
By: Peter Mills - 2nd June 2013 at 17:55
The extra yoke is for the nose wheel steering, only the first pilot has the control.
By: tdl - 2nd June 2013 at 17:51
Hello Rob!
Thanks for showing the pictures of the Gatwick Aviation Museum. I was given the “Shackleton tour” in the autumn of 2007 – and I am still asking myself what the small “auxiliary” yoke on the pilot’s side is for.
Any idea?
Regards from Germany
Thomas
By: Wyvernfan - 2nd June 2013 at 08:16
Indeed so Tim. The whole aircraft is very old school and makes for a great exhibit in illustrating that era of maritime aviation.
And i have to say it also helps considerably when you can listen to someone on board that actually operated the equipment during service, and can explain it all to you as if they were on a mission.
Rob
By: Junk Collector - 1st June 2013 at 22:52
Must have been about 1990 when I was in that Shackleton, the Flight Engineers panel only had a few bits in it, I understand the original went missing at some point.
I think the Engineers station is impressive, old school flying. I was so impressed I got my own Flight Engineers Panel to fondle.
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June 1, 2013 at 9:52 pm