Afternoon all.
After reading about the genlteman who built a replica Westland Whirlwind cockpit in his garage, I decided to take a trip to the afore mentioned Museum, where the Whirlwind will be displayed.
Unfortunately when I got there, I found out that they were’t open for visitors, however, one of the staff said that he’d still be happy to show me around.
It’s not big in any sense, but they have a large ammount of very interesting exhibits. I took a couple of photos for the forum.
Lightning XS459, In need of some TLC, there are plans to get her repainted soon.
JP XM402
Merlin, i’ll let the experts tell you which type etc.
Merlin Camshaft and pistons
Cut away RR Avon
Ejection seat, not sure what Mk or what aircraft it’s from.
Liberator Radial engine remains
Spitfire panel
My heartfelt thanks to the staff who took the time to show me around, despite them being closed! The Museum opens it’s doors every weekend and bank holiday, from good friday through to October.
The Whirlwind Cockpit section had arrived, but I didn’t get a chance to photograph it. It did look to be a very well made replica though, a credit to it’s builder!
I will be returning later on in the year to spend more time looking around!
By: Arabella-Cox - 9th March 2009 at 10:52
Hi Peppermin_Jam
Do you have any contact details for the folk at the Museum please? I have quite a number of photos of 137 Squadron’s Whirlwinds and pilots whilst they were stationed at Matlaske and would be happy to provide them with some digital copies.
Thank you in advance.
I actually worked in Cambridgeshire in 2006/2007 – wish I had have known about the museum and the Whirlwind! It looks great from a ‘distance’ and I’m looking forward to seeing more photos.
Paul
By: 12jaguar - 9th March 2009 at 07:55
Yep, it’s XD434, I had her sat in a hangar at Wyton when I was still in the RAF (I was joint keeper of ac at Fenland at the time). It was a ‘temporary’ arrangement which I managed to extend to 2 years:diablo:
She’s probably in need of a repaint by now and the last time I saw her she was virtually complete.
It’s a shame about the state of XS459 though as she looks a bit the worse for wear at the moment:(
By: peppermint_jam - 8th March 2009 at 20:32
I think it’s XD434
By: peppermint_jam - 8th March 2009 at 20:29
It’s a Vampire, it’s disassembled at the moment and in the process of being restored. She’s complete except the Engine (is it a gnome or a goblin in a vamp?). Can’t remember the serial off the top of my head.
By: XH668 - 8th March 2009 at 20:18
What cockpit is that behind the whirlwind?
668
By: peppermint_jam - 8th March 2009 at 20:15
For sure, i’ll get some of the Whirlwind too! I did get one as it was being moved inside, but it didn’t come out too well unfortunately.
By: XM692. - 8th March 2009 at 18:12
….I intend to go back once the Museum is open for visitors and have a better look around. I’ll take some more pics and post them here if people are interested.
And the Whirlwind, dont forget the Whirlwind 😮
.
By: peppermint_jam - 8th March 2009 at 17:32
What about the Shack?
The Shack Fuselage was sealed up for the winter months, I intend to go back once the Museum is open for visitors and have a better look around. I’ll take some more pics and post them here if people are interested.
By: Anark - 8th March 2009 at 15:14
What about the Shack?
By: Peter - 8th March 2009 at 14:40
Not liking the desert sand/pink paint on the lightning! Hopefully she is repainted in proper paint camo this time.
By: peppermint_jam - 8th March 2009 at 10:08
A few miles North East of Wisbech mate,
52°41’9.07″N 0°11’50.27″E
On Google Earth.
By: bloodnok - 8th March 2009 at 09:43
where abouts is this museum?
By: Pure Lightning - 8th March 2009 at 09:25
Here she is:D
By: Pure Lightning - 7th March 2009 at 18:28
Fingers crossed the Lightning will be painted right this time, when she arrived at the museum she looked in fairly good condition in her camo :dev2:
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March 7, 2009 at 5:35 pm