When I visited last month, I sent some time in discussion with several of the volunteers. The accuracy of the information I was given, I have to accept as genuine.

There is much ground work underway at the moment relating to water and drainage etc which I was told is the start of a 2-3 year project which will see 2 of the hangers effectively dismantled and rebuilt allowing insert of modern insulation and climate control and necessary modern facilities, whilst still maintaining their grade listed status, these will be the civilian and restoration Hangers.
There was no mention of the museum closing but given it’s only open on weekends from October to Easter, it’s very likely that parts of the site will be closed off and that some aircraft will have to spend time outside over the next couple of years.

I mentioned the space display of yesteryear in a post above, I was told that the Blue Streak and the Polaris missile will both head back to Hanger 1, not sure what will relocate or roll outside to create that space. The Spitfire and Komet back to Hanger 4 and under Concorde’s tail perhaps.

Of other projects, apparently apprentices or trainees from somewhere will be washing down and repainting the 1-11 giving it a much overdue facelift, the Beau will be getting sent here there and everywhere as various parts are to be reworked and restored, several places and bits were mentioned but I think the Wings are going to Duxford this winter.The Bollingbrook is all but done, with the funds in place and approved for the final bits of metal work and the outer paint.

In trying to remember all that was said, I’m sure a spruce up of the Vulcan and Comet were mentioned but that could just amount to a run over with a pressure washer and removing the birds nests.

Sorry if this has hijacked the thread from the 1 1/2 Strutter conversation.