Another lancaster bomber under threat?

4. Moving an aircraft as large as a Lancaster bomber through residential suburbs to a new site will mean it has to be broken down at its transport joints and trucked in pieces.

This wouldn’t be the first time they have moved aircraft in large pieces through the suburbs.

Here is a shot of their Spitfire, PK481, taken 13 March 1971.

Take a look at the sign on the front of the truck!! 😮

Mark

Photo: Courtesy of the Airforce Association Aviation Historical Group.

further update…

He would like to also add….

1. There has been a fund in existance for some years for the purpose of joining our two hangers together, increasing floor space by at least 33%, releaving the cramped nature of our displays.

2. The RAAFA is the body behind the plan to re-develop the site, not an external developer.

3. Re-developing the site will mean the destruction of the 2 existing, unique hangers.

4. Moving an aircraft as large as a Lancaster bomber through residential suburbs to a new site will mean it has to be broken down at its transport joints and trucked in peices.

These are all facts, not mis-information.

Hmmm. I find it very hard to believe that this would be false information from the fellow who runs the lanc group……

Dear all,

Ron Bullard from RAAF Association of Western Australia has expressed some concerns about this thread. To disperse the hearsay I have posted an email Mr Bullard has sent the web team.

*********************************************************
It has come to our attention that certain people are circulating incorrect information in relation to our aviation museum and it appears from the above, that your forum is also being used for that purpose.

The facts are:

1. The Bull Creek Estate is not solely a museum site. It is the headquarters of the RAAF Association (WA Division)on an 11 hectare property comprising a retirement village of 240 independent living units, a 100 bed frail aged facility, a licensed club, a small motel, an administration building for the RAAF Association (WA Division), The TPI Association Headquarters, The Royal Commonwealth Society, a Memorial Chapel, the band building for the RAAFA Brass Band and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

2. The Museum occupies approximately 1/eighth of the property and only came into being well after many of the other projects had been commenced.

3. There are no developers involved in the redevelopment of the site. RAAFA in Western Australia has developed six retirement complexes for its members and other ex-service people and is one of the largest aged care organisations in the State. The Division is embarking on a redevelopment of the retirement estate at Bull Creek which has now become too old and needs replacing.
(If you check out our website at www.raafawa.org.au you will see some of the achievements of this organisation.)

4. As the museum needs to expand to properly house and display its collection and be more accessible to the general public, the Association has been considering alternative sites. E.g. Jandakot Airport, the old Maylands Airport, which is now a heritage listed site, and the old East Perth Power Station which will become a museum precinct. However, it is important to point out, that at no time will the Association resite the museum if the alternative site is not a viable proposition. We are a not-for-profit organisation and do not get any government assistance.

Sadly, there has been some incorrect statements passed around by a very small group of members who will not accept that some changes need to occur to maintain an ongoing viability of both the museum and the Association facilities.These are then being passed on as mentioned above.

We are disappointed that this misinformation is being circulated as it is denigrating the good name and reputation of this Association and the fine people who have achieved so much for both the RAAFA membership and the other ex-service people we serve.
The Association is very proud of its museum and the heritage it represents. The Association will always endeavour to maintain the remembrance of our heritage through both the museum and the memorials at all our sites.

Yours sincerely

Ron Bullard

Director of Estates/Webmaster
RAAF Association of Western Australia
[email]webmaster@raafawa.org.au[/email]

*********************************************************

I dropped them an e-mail and this is the reply:

Dear Nick
The article is false information.
The Museum is not being dismantled or sold off. There is the possibility that it will move to another site but this decision has yet to be made.
Sadly there are some mischievous people putting around rumours and I can advise you that they are totally without foundation.
Can you pleased advise the address of the Flypast forum so that we can correct their misinformation.
Thank you
regards
Ron Bullard
Webmaster/Director of Estates

What’s the true story? – I think I might have made a bit of a fool of myself 😮
Oh well, not the first time…….

-Nick

Hi guys.
The website is
http://www.raafawa.org.au
email:webmaster@raafawa.org.au

Please post the addresses so that all readers can write a letter or email.

Help us to help you 😉

I would like to know what types of buildings the RAAFA museum currently occupies and any more details of them (dates built, uniqueness etc) – and I would anyway consider sending a letter of support for the museum staying put!