Guess the type!

That Hampden looks to be coming along very nicely. Is it still the intention to fully restore one side and leave the other side “as found”, or has common sense prevailed?

David,

I can see where you are coming from with the Hampden in particular, I believe restoration has currently been paused to allow aircraft to be prepared for the new hanger. It is however coming along quite well and its a shame it can’t go on display in its current state. I still feel that RAFM Cosford’s new building will attract more members of the public to visit (possibly again) and hence help to keep museums like this alive.

I think that its also a case of take what you can get – would the lottery money have been available to restore aircraft – I doubt it.

Rich -In all fairness Cosford has been open for the last thirty years give or take and certainly hasn’t suffered for lack of a ‘Landmark’ building!
Lovely as it is to indulge the flights of fantasy of architects – I apply a very simple
rule i.e why re-invent the wheel. Since the earliest days of flight aircraft have notably inhabited hangers . Possibly a little bland but ideal for the purpose. Now since the advent of the Lottery in the minds of some museums, aircraft their prize possesions have been elevated from historical artifacts into modern sculpture or indeed works of art. Great and wonderful for those who enjoy aircraft hanging from bits of wire but fairly impractical if you actually want to carry out any kind of maintainance on them or
if a new curator arrives and fancies a change!
None of this deminishes the effort in getting these undercover – I do however hope
some surviving Hampden aircrew are around to see the RAFM example restored and on display rather than have them looking at an overgrown greenhouse wondering at it’s
significance in comparison to their heroism.

Now here’s another ‘Landmark Building’ they could have used………

Although I haven’t seen any drawings, and I would only vaguely understand them if I had, I’m not denying it’s an awesome piece of engineering.

I just firmly believe it is a ridiculous building to keep aeroplanes in. In fact, I’m not sure I even needed to qualify that sentence with the bit about aeroplanes.

Rectangular green boxes may be boring but it seems they’re still the best things for aircraft storage. The original Cosford plans I thought were excellent, as much style as could be expected and producing large amounts of solar power. How is this edifice better?

Careful with the criticism guys – the new hanger being built is an awesome piece of engineering. I spent a long time talking to the guy whose job it is to arrange the aircraft in the new building including the suspension of several types from the roof (Hunter, Mig 15, Dak, Sabre and more). The effort being put into suspending aircraft (in unusual attitudes) without damaging them is admirable. The number of aircraft going in is also incredible and until you see the scale model in person it seems impossible (they estimate 3 – 4 months to get all of the aircraft in!). We must also not forget that the museum does not exist for the small number of enthusiats but for the general public who, lets face it, would far rather visit a museum with an exciting and attractive building than a series of rectangular green boxes.

It’s a “landmark building”. Two large triangles divided by a walkway.

Ideal for displaying aircraft. 🙁

Oh, you mean another way of spending lottery money on architects instead of exhibits.

It’s a “landmark building”. Two large triangles divided by a walkway.

Ideal for displaying aircraft. 🙁

The building looks like another example of architecture overcoming common sense. Are they actually going to fit aeroplanes in there or will it just win “prizes”?

Wow that buildings coming along great! Have they moved the twin pioneer across yet? Haha love the pic of the Valiant, i think they should keep it!

How come you were at Cosford all week, air cadet camp? Luckily when i was a cadet i got a week at Kinloss, two 8 hour missions in a Nimrod 😀

I have spent the past week staying at RAF Cosford and have spent the time looking down at the museum from the air and then on the ground when the weather has not been so good. Managed to get a quick tour of the restoration hanger as well! Since taking the pictures the engine nacelles have arrived and the only major components still absent are the outer wings and fuselage.

Rich

P.S. Check the comedy duct tape on the Valiant Nose!

Thought so, don’t know where i got the idea of it being a Valiant, don’t think i’ve ever seen the rear of a nose section of one before! Were you there today then? If so, were all the bits there yet? Beautiful aircraft the Valiant, one of my old favourites

Indeed it is a Vickers Valiant! Very quick replies!

It is currently residing (half of it is) outside the Restoration Hanger at the RAF Museum, Cosford. Due to be assembled soon with more bits arriving all the time!

Rich

Vickers Valiant?

It’s not a Vickers Valiant by any chance is it?