Cosford 30 August 2007

You’re right about the effort needed to look up – I’ve just looked at the photos above again and realised I completely missed the Javelin!!!!

Whilst I was there I overheard a long discussion by two visitors who were debating what the F86 was – confusion due to the angle it was at and no apparent information close by telling you what it was.

I do wonder how they will attract the non enthusiast visitor back – possibly with a marketing campaign suggesting you will see something new every time…….(mainly becuase you may have missed it the first time!!):D

Hanging

Yes, you do need to make the effort to ‘look up’ to see the suspended aircraft but I do think that the exciting visual representation will be inspiring to some youngsters. I really hope so. I know I would feel that way looking at the Lightning. I know for us enthusiasts we might prefer them to be at ground level but
a) they are undercover, well presented
b) good use is made of conservation space
b) I can forgo the 360 degree look around the airframe at ground level and enjoy them from a new perspective.

Don’t forget folks that they can (and at some stage will have to) be taken down for refurbishment, someday. And that could mean a rotation of exhibits.

Cracking photos there!

Got to say though, I am anti hanging the aircraft and cramming them all in, this trend seemed to have started at Duxford with the super hanger.
how are you supposed to get a decent pic of the York or Hastings? Im glad I saw all exhibits when they were outside or parked properly.

Is the Brittannia and other airliners still there?

I went back home over the bank holiday and went to Cosford to see the new buildings and have to say the new displays were very disappointing. Overall I think they have got the educational bit absolutely spot on – it really is informative and interesting. But I have to disagree with the hanging aircraft – one of the things I have always liked about Cosford is that you can get up close to the aircraft. It was a shame to see so many aircraft inaccessible and how many people actually walk past without seeing them as they are out of the eyeline I wonder?? Actually disagree about the impact of the F86 – this is quite a rare aircraft and it’s a shame it can’t be seen properly. Not all bad though as the fact that the Belfast is inside is great and that most of the aircraft are still accessible is really good. The shop is a huge improvement on what it used to be – even things in there for the real enthusiast! And the cafe was excellent value for money with reasonable food which is rare in this day and age!

I went to Cosford a few weeks ago (Forgot my Camera! 😡 )

Like some have suggested, I too was very much ‘anti’ suspending aircraft but I couldn’t help be totally inspired by The Cold War Museum.

Knocks Airspace at Duxford and Milestones at Hendon into a crocked hat!

The way the Lightning is displayed really puts me in mind of the first time I saw a Lightning displa at Biggin Hill when at the start of the pilot went into a vertical climb..

What I Thought

Thanks for posting, LAHAVRE. I was going to start a new thread on my views after a a recent visit but thought the subject had been thoroughly done by the gurus. However, your excellent pics have caused me to scribe as follows….

Cold War Exhibition: Tremendous. I’m not usually one for arty-farty stuff but I really ‘got’ the idea behind the building. I explained the meaning of the building shape to the children with me (aged 8-11) about how it illustrates the tension between the super-powers and they understood. One of the kids loved the way the building appears to change shape as you drive past it. Perhaps it left him inspired…

Suspended aircraft? Gets my vote. Dramatic, awe inspring, (esp to the youngsters), memorable, SAFE INSIDE.

They also understood about the rusty appearance of the girders. really added to the feel of the place, I feel. And how many of you have seen the enormous 50’+ mushroom cloud picture hanging up in the building on your left as you enter. It is beautifully framed by two girders forming an ‘X’ over the picture as you view it. Geddit? There were also some excellent presentations with good use of historical footage placed into a modern setting. NOT GOOD: The museum shop, shunted into the corner of the museum as an afterthought (I think to strike at those families who have had enough and want to go home without looking further). The site of the old museum shop look disappointingly empty (apart from me and the boys with our packed lunches). Clearly, the cafe generates more revenue. Business is business.

Pity about the last hangar (forgotten the theme – ‘odds and ends’?). Looks like an afterthought to me, an enthusiast. I bet that more of Joe Public than not don’t bother as they’ve walked far enough. The cars must look very tempting being so close. And anyway, doesn’t the shop generally mean ‘the end of the museum’?

My tuppence-worth.

I used my Olympus Camedia C-740 just set on auto, so easy to use and it seems to react better to the light indoors than my Cannon D.300.

Superb Pictures mate, can i ask what camera/Lens you were using and what settings, Im afraid my humble compact didnt like the lighting. Have to say the COLD WAR hall is somthing else. although not a photograph freindly, i think the way they have displayed them is very clever, Great to see the full V FORCE there too, Standing under the Vulcan really brings it home, just how big these beasts are. 😮

Balliol shot taken from gantry, just visible left of the Dragonfly..

Good pictures, thanks for letting us see these.
Have yet to visit the new building at Cosford but its on the list. Interesting angles!
How did you get that shot looking down on the Balliol? I guess they have moved it near to some steps. Think it was still having some work done near the hangar doors when I saw it last year.
Thanks,
Mark.

Nice photos. Only just realised the Javelin has no Squadron markings – I always think of the “flat Iron” WITH markings.

Anyone know which was most common with or without.

Roger Smith

Not really a lover of hanging aircraft, but I like this one especially…

Mind you I also think the Lightning and Hunter are well displayed.