East Kirkby Hampden project

Space and money, the two most important factors (drive is usually no problem)
Just keep the idea in the back of your head. An opportunity happens sooner then you will know. I had the same question and at some point things started to fall into place.

Cheers

Cees

Let’s add them to the list as well then.

And perhaps Lindy’s Lad Westland Whirlwind proposed project as well.

Any more?

Dave Robinson is also working on a Typhoon in it’s early stages.

Cheers

Cees

The whirlwind project has stalled at an early stage. Mainly due to lack of workshop facilities to be quite honest. Also lack of cash. It is still in the back of my mind, and I have a few gigabites of data ready to rock! As it stands at the minute, I could construct a good replica fuselage externally. The engines, undercarriage, and spars are the stumbling points so far. All are not insurmountable problems, but like I said, I need a good workshop and facilities first. Or a shed….

Cees,

Yes indeed, Steve purchased the cockpit/forward section but that is all. He wasn’t interested in the rest.

Discussed in the recent past….

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=56708

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=54932

Cheers…..

Some years ago I bought some parts from Steve Milnthorpe (who had just disposed of his magnificent Hurricane project as published in FP) and he told me his next project would be the Havoc/Boston. This is about four years ago.
The UK really needs a Boston to plug a hole.

Cheers

Cees

……p.s. I could also add the Douglas Boston/Havoc to the list too, and maybe a Tempest aswell.

DC…

Really ? Which A-20 would that be ?

Can’t be the Boston/Havoc trust as Dick broke the project up and the parts went to all points of the compass.

Dave T’

Let’s add them to the list as well then.

And perhaps Lindy’s Lad Westland Whirlwind proposed project as well.

Any more?

Dave Robinson is also working on a Typhoon in it’s early stages.

Cheers

Cees

Cees

If a team such as the Halifax restoration team at Trenton was formed, some nice things could be established….

This is very true!

However, in Canada, I think the Haifax and Avro Arrow, that came about through these well supported projects, also have iconic status for their aviation achievements – the Halifax as a very worthy memorial, and the Arrow, as a pinnace of aeronautical design.

In Europe maybe if there were no spitfires and Lancasters left, similar projects would be equally well supported, and several in number? However worthy, the aformentioned projects probably just don’t have the draw for the general public.

Privately run projects have their benefits. There are no commities to argue with, and you can stay focussed on the work in hand. But as you say, things take a lot longer, financial input is more limited and fundraising is harder if it is not part of a charitable museum.

p.s. I could also add the Douglas Boston/Havoc to the list too, and maybe a Tempest aswell.

Hi Cees

I haven’t seen it for 6 years, but I’m sure some things have been advanced since then. This is a really important project in the UK in my mind. It would be good to see this progress, having got so far with it.

… there are several rare projects in the UK:

The Stirling Project
The Whitley Project
The Hampden Project
The ‘ahem’ Hornet Project
Roger Marley has done wonders with his Typhoon too.

I hope they all continue to progress and produce some substantial display in the future.

Hi Dave,

Yes, exciting projects indeed. What irritates me though (and I am not the only one I’m sure) is that these projects came about through inspiration of private individuals or groups who wanted to make a difference and close some gaps in historic aviation. No official UK museums have ever started projects to restore/rebuild a Stirling or Whitley for example.

That’s why it takes much long for such a project to be finished. If a team such as the Halifax restoration team at Trenton was formed, some nice things could be established. Oh if only.

In the meantime, keep it up chaps, you are all doing a magnificent job.

Cheers

Cees

Hi Chris,

She is looking good already. A long term project but let’s hope it’s completed before too long. Although wings will be a problem.

Cheers

Cees

Hi Cees,

East Kirkby’s Hampden looked like this last September:

http://aviationpages.fotopic.net/p34134932.html

We saw it a couple of months ago and it seems to have a aquired a few more skin panels but nothing more externally obvious. Hope this helps.

Chris

Hi Cees

I haven’t seen it for 6 years, but I’m sure some things have been advanced since then. This is a really important project in the UK in my mind. It would be good to see this progress, having got so far with it.

… there are several rare projects in the UK:

The Stirling Project
The Whitley Project
The Hampden Project
The ‘ahem’ Hornet Project
Roger Marley has done wonders with his Typhoon too.

I hope they all continue to progress and produce some substantial display in the future.