I have just returned from the Olypmic-induced silence of Rochester airport where I spent a pleasant morning being shown around the Defiant under restoration for RAFM. It is now almost nearing completion and a matter of weeks from delivery. Truly wonderful to see – especially the turret!
After the Spitfire I and Battle restored/conserved for the same ‘customer’ I just wanted to pay tribute to the truly superb volunteer work carried out by Lewis Deal and his team. All credit to them and what they have achieved. They deserve a proper acknowledgement for the incredible work they have undertaken.
By: Arabella-Cox - 15th July 2012 at 21:38
Entirely possible, but I don’t know. It wasn’t mentioned. However, one can be sure that a photographic record was made – even if we haven’t seen it yet.
By: Supermarine305 - 15th July 2012 at 21:28
Could the embargo be to do with an upcoming book deal ‘BP Defiant – The official Walkaround’ (or somesuch). Of which a portion of the sales would go to the museum?
Just chucking an idea about, not actually trying to justify the photography embargo – which does suck.
In any case I do look forward to seeing the Defiant post-restoration. I seem to recall that there was a little snafu regarding the delivery of the Battle back to the RAFM (not the fault of the restorers as I seem to remember).
By: Arabella-Cox - 15th July 2012 at 21:15
Yes, there is an RAFM embargo on photography at the MAPS site. A shame, as seeing the Defiant broken down into component parts is not something that will probably be seen again in the lifetime of any on this forum and is a unique opportunity. Hopefully, images will emerge in time.
I spent a good half hour looking at the turret and all its internals and the work carried out by Lewis Deal’s team. Truly a labour of love.
By: mmitch - 15th July 2012 at 19:09
I have visited them many times over the years. There is a notice at the entrance that the RAF Museum does not permit photography of it’s aircraft being restored there.
I second Andy’s comments but should point out that Lewis Deal was awarded the MBE and MAPS the Queen’s award for voluntary excellence.
mmitch.
By: jeepman - 15th July 2012 at 18:45
Wasn’t there some sort of embargo on the taking and publication of photos of the restoration.
Can understand it with a private collection like FHC but find it hard to swallow for a national museum in receipt of state funding……
By: ian_ - 15th July 2012 at 16:56
Were photos allowed, Andy? Can you post them!
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July 15, 2012 at 3:53 pm