Army Air Corps Museum

It’s amazing how such things survived considering how “disposable” they were in service and the fact they are wood.

Originally posted by turbo_NZ
…is that Hamilcar in the first pic genuine article or a replica ??

As Arm Waver says, it is bits of the genuine article – but if you look at that Horsa in the second picture and image that as being in excellent condition compared to the Hamilcars scrounged remains (apparently) then you will possibly appreciate that it will contain quite a bit of new build…
I have a funny feeling that the Hamilcar in Bovington Tank Museum is a bit more complete (have to look through my negs again!) but not as restored (came from the same location, I believe).

Flood.

I totally agree, OAW.

I truly believe that the glider pilots were one of the unsung hero’s of the war.
They had to land in fields with big stakes in them, with no opportunity to “go-around-again”, and all the while being shot-up with very little fire back capability.
You woulda needed ‘nads the size of basketballs.

Turbo
The thought of one of those approaching on it’s landing run…
Almost impossible to imagine!

Andy-in-beds and I discussed the thought of flying a Horsa on an earlier thread. I have often wondered what they were like to fly. As I said then I know they land in the same way as a T.21 or whatever in theory but something that size on the one shot landing…:eek:

I’d love to see some WWII gliders flying. The tow by an appropriate type and release and landing (or controlled crash as they appeared to be sometimes..)

OAW

Thanks Arm Waver.

Must have been a sight to see in the air being towed by a Stirling.

How can anything THAT big glide, esp with a load inside it ??

I once heard that Horsa’s had the glide characteristics of a brick , and they didn’t land, they were crashed in a controlled manner…:D

Indded great pictures Flood.
Haven’t been there for a while so think a return visit is in order.

Turbo NZ
The Hamilcar is genuine example but as Flood indicated contains components from two others – and probably some smaller new build bits.
OAW

Nice Pics thanks, Flood

I had to look twice when you said “unmarked Beaver”….:D

Anyway, just getting out of the gutter, is that Hamilcar in the first pic genuine article or a replica ??

I agree, I enjoyed my last visit there and the staff are friendly too.

Now, That is what I call a museum, great displays with a thought for how to display the items in diorama.

Tahnk you for the pics Flood

Unmarked Beaver AH1 in the picnic area which is (according to Wrecks&Relics 18) XP822…

Flood.

Piper Bird Dog 111989…

Flood.

Auster AOP6 WJ358 hanging from the roof…

Flood.

The Prospector composite marked as XM819…

Flood.

Magister I T9707 (but really T9708!), with Gazelle AH1 ZA737 to the left and Sopwith Pup N5195 behind…

Flood.

Beaver AH1 XP821 in its Laos Defence Attaché scheme…

Flood.

A view of Hall 1: Austers AOP9 WZ721 (lower foreground) and AOP6 WJ358 (above), with Piper L19 Bird Dog 111989, EP Prospector composite XM819, with Lynx prototype XX153 (right).

Flood.

The ML Utility Mk1, XL776 – an early microlight.

Flood.

The Hotspur II replica, with the Chipmunk lower right…

Flood.

The Rotachute III…

Flood.

Opps! Knock that down in size, I think!!!

One of the Horsa remains on display – with the Hotspur and CG-4A in the background.

Flood.