Regardless, I can’t fathom why all conclusions of N3′ going to the IWM involve it being grounded?

Because they don’t and have never flown any of the exhibits they own IIRC, so it’s only natural to assume they aren’t suddenly going to do an about turn on a such a long term policy.

The only ‘half exception’ to this was Black 6, which wasn’t an IWM exhibit, it was still owned by the MOD, and as it wasn’t deemed appropriate to have been operated by the BBMF it was operated on behalf of the MOD by the team that rebuilt it, under the umbrella of the IWM….so, should not really be considered as IWM flying an one of it’s exhibits.

I too agree it will be a travesty to see N3200 grounded so soon after such a magnificent restoration.