G-AWZK at MAN – An update (with 2 big photos!)

I’ve never worked for BA or in the aviation industry.

The crux of the matter in my view is that in the case of a lot major museum exhibits they are not owned by the museums, but on loan. Museum ethics then ensures that the museum they are on loan to look after them as part of their of loan agreements for the articles.

The RAF museum should have been resourcing the preservation of the BA collection. They were given to cosford in preference to other museums as they offered what at the time we can suspect was the best plan to look after and display them. Sadly they lost interest over the years and decided to concentrate on their RAF heritage.

they used the we did not get a Concorde excuse to get rid of the collection….well all I can say it thanks god we did NOT give them a Concorde if that was their attitude.

The bigger issue is that in the Uk we struggle for a dedicated National aviation museum that does look after our heritage. There are a lot of museums and parks that do a fantastic job, but there is not proper funding or co-ordination programmes to ensure our heritage IS wholly preserved for the future.

You’re a BA employee aren’t you Gordon, so I understand the need for this post, but it certainly doesn’t reflect reality.

Nope, don’t work in the aviation industry.

Any museum given an airframe, no matter how big or how small, has an ethical responsibility to attempt to look after it. Don’t think Cosford ever lifted a finger in recent years, let alone a paint brush.

People always seem to forget the efforts made by BA to bring a Vickers Viking to the U.K for display at Cosford or indeed planting Concordes around the globe. The airline is exactly that and doesn’t have to preserve it’s heritage as part of it’s remit. It’s great for everyone to say how terrible BA were in allowing the aircraft to get in a poor condition – however did the RAFM in all those years budget any gate money to preserve them in the long run ?

Great Progress, I big step forward from 6 months ago when I was last up there.

Really looking forward to seeing her like her old self 🙂

Its important not to plant the Cosford blame at BA’s door. In fact BA went out of their way to ensure some of the airliners were preserved. The people at the RAF museum decided years ago they had no need for civil airliners in their collection, so stopped caring for them. They were in a hell of a mess.

Only today, another step forward took place in the restoration of the VC10 with the 2 sections being lined up at Brooklands, in what will be a unique exhibit that shows the aircraft off in a completely different fashion to others around the country.

The last time I was at the AVP I noticed a solitary naked lightbulb illuminating the interior.
It’s obviously been providing light to let amazing things happen.
Can’t wait for the chance to get on board.

Unfortunately it does give the impression not much is happening with her but once she is open, all will be revealed! 😀

Huzzah!! What a gorgeous cockpit! And none of that mamby-pamby glass stuff, this is a real mans cockpit. Beautiful.

I was up at the viewing park a few weeks ago for the first time in many many years and was saddened to see her resting on pallets and tyres. I’m now a lot happier and will be up to see her as soon as the doors open.

Fantastic job!

Roy.

Nice work guys:)

She’s looking very purdy.

Tis a shame I never got to fly one. Looks like a real comfy ride.

A huge thanx to you all on your kind comments,and Steve for all of his backing (in more ways than one!!) i have indeed been a busy body ,but as this is the only Trident Three that the public etc will be able to board,attention to detail is the key,by the way DDVideo will be releasing a DVD documentary on the Trident in March and the rebuild will happen realy soon .A formal announcement will be made soon along with details of the opening for genral viewing.
best wishes for the new year to all.
rgds
Neil Lomax

An excellent restoration project. Must visit some day.

that’s a brilliant job!

Superb job.. and brings back memories of fliyng on Tridents from LHR in the early 70s….

Especially at this time of year.

Looking forward to seeing her on her legs again.

Some more shots of the interior.

A wider shot of the entire cockpit

The interior has all new carpet throughout

All the over-seat lighting will be working shortly and all of the overhear warning signs are up and running.

The exhibition area is located in by the aft toilets

great stuff and GREAT pics!

Watch out Dan Patterson!

TT