Day 5 of 5
Day 1 – Northolt Here
Day 2 – Duxford Here
Day 3 Pt1 – Church Fenton Here
Day 3 Pt2 – Elvington Here
Day 4 – Aeroventure Here
The purpose of this trip to Cosford was a first visit to the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, which was open for its twice-yearly viewing period, and a first look at the Cold War Exhibition. Monday was probably not the best time to visit as it appeared to be pensioners’ day and there were a lot of people about.
Interesting seeing some of the airframes in the MBCC that I had only seen in photographs before and listening to the engineers talk about their projects. The one aircraft I had wanted to see was the Single Pioneer (XL703) but the fuselage was in the paint shop and only the wings were on display. Apparently the RAF ‘loaned’ the Royal Air Force of Oman some Single Pioneers when they were in service. This one is being painted up in RAFO markings and will be on ‘loan’ to the RAFO Museum.
Having read all about the ‘photographing problems’ of the Cold War Exhibition on the various forums since it opened, I put away my camera tried to clear my mind of those thoughts and had a wander around as a visitor and not as a photographer. I was quite impressed. I thought it was logically laid out. ‘V Bombers’ together in one place, Transports grouped together and fast jets hanging from the roof giving top cover with various associated Cold War exhibits scattered around the perimeter.
As a photographer?. Well, I think everything that needs to be said has already been said but I didn’t find it as bad as I though it would be. Difficult and challenging but not impossible and I might try again but with a tripod next time. I quite like some of the angles you could get in there. I also liked the viewing gallery up in the gods, but the Javelin is far to close to it, even for a wide-angle lens.
The MH-53 Pave Low helicopter is going into the Cold War Exhibition where the Jetstream is now so it should be interesting when they take the end wall down to get it in.
More from RAFM Cosford HERE
Was nice to get back to work on the Wednesday for a rest.
Brian
By: kev35 - 3rd April 2009 at 17:29
I would guess parts are hard to get?
Noooooo. They’ve got all they need for the one side anyway.
Regards,
kev35
By: SADSACK - 3rd April 2009 at 12:35
re;
I would guess parts are hard to get?
By: Sgt.Austin - 2nd April 2009 at 19:06
[QUOTE=jeepman;1388007
Is it me or does progress on the Hampden seem to be very slow at the moment.[/QUOTE]
I last saw the Hampden when it was in the old airship hangers at Cardington in the mid-nineties. Progress was really slow then. We were told they had one chap working on it every Wedsnesday morning!
By: David Burke - 2nd April 2009 at 18:02
I suppose the historic side of it is whether they were actually used for anything historic. Plenty of air forces in the Middle East were formed with ex British equipment with varying results.
By: Pen Pusher - 2nd April 2009 at 15:21
Is the Omani’s use of the type particularily historic
Very quick Google.
RAFO formed March 1959 – First 2 aircraft – Scottish Aviation Pioneer, transfered from RAF.
I think that could be classed as historic use of said aircraft
Brian
By: David Burke - 2nd April 2009 at 15:14
I have always wondered why the Single Pioneer wasn’t sent up to East Fortune. Is the Omani’s use of the type particularily historic and is it likely to return to the U.K?
By: RPSmith - 2nd April 2009 at 14:19
There were notices up saying photographs were not to be sold on for commercial use but no mention of any restriction on posting on forums. Brian
That’s pleasing – a reasonable position for them to take.
Roger Smith.
By: Rlangham - 2nd April 2009 at 13:27
Yep, it is the RAFM’s Battle. It was in the Bomber Command Hall post-restoration, but it’s now at Cosford for a few more months because the haulage company damaged it – but they’re paying for the repairs, at least
By: SADSACK - 2nd April 2009 at 13:23
re
Unless I am very much mistaken, thats the RAFM Battle in the top pic. I thought it had returned to the Bomber Hall?
Nice pics btw. Love the angle of the Valiant.
By: Pen Pusher - 2nd April 2009 at 12:45
Nice set of photos Brian.
Have the RAFM now dropped their request that photos taken in the Beetham Conservation Centre are for ‘private’ use only?? IIRC other Forum members have refrained from posting.
Roger Smith.
There were notices up saying photographs were not to be sold on for commercial use but no mention of any restriction on posting on forums.
Brian
By: jeepman - 2nd April 2009 at 12:14
Just what are they getting back from Oman in return for the Single Pin?
The RAFM are obviously flush with the things if they can let one go.
I smell filthy luker and fear we will never see the aircraft again (unless you go to Oman) 😡
My own thoughts exactly – as the sole UK survivor of its breed (and one of only two worldwide), I find it hard to understand why it is being loaned to Oman – unless we get something in return like a Wellesley or Vildebeest or other such inter-war years exotica.
Is it me or does progress on the Hampden seem to be very slow at the moment.
By: RPSmith - 2nd April 2009 at 10:31
Nice set of photos Brian.
Have the RAFM now dropped their request that photos taken in the Beetham Conservation Centre are for ‘private’ use only?? IIRC other Forum members have refrained from posting.
Roger Smith.
By: Arabella-Cox - 2nd April 2009 at 00:51
Just what are they getting back from Oman in return for the Single Pin?
The RAFM are obviously flush with the things if they can let one go.
I smell filthy luker and fear we will never see the aircraft again (unless you go to Oman) 😡
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April 1, 2009 at 8:32 pm