Time stands still at Hendon!
Over the last few years RAFM Hendon has come in for some considerable criticism from enthusiasts. At the weekend I made my annual pilgrimage to see if any improvements had been made.
Please note despite the following I still had a good time!
(Hopefully will be able to post photos soon :confused: )
Lighting in the Bomber Command Hall.
It was almost fully illuminated, even the lights over the Battle were switched on. Unfortunately the lights were out over the Airspeed Oxford. 🙁
Grahame White Factory Hangar.
This was closed all day, two different reasons were given. 1. Lack of staff as it was a very busy day. 2. Problem with the heating system-Gas Leak. 😮 So if you are going to specifically see the WW1 aircraft, call first.
Lighting in Battle of Britain Hall.
This is still appalling due to the ‘Our Finest hour’ presentation. I can’t see why the lights have to stay dimmed when the show isn’t running. Talking to one of the staff he said the lights only go up when the “cleaners are in”.
Food.
I should know better than to have used the restaurant, the quality and choice was appalling. There were only three or four options on offer as a meal. Rather than a snack I decided on what was meant to be a Satayed Chicken burger and chips. It could have been anything, totally tasteless and unappealing, an insult to World’s chicken population. This was washed down with an equally poor cup of tea, courtesy of a vending machine. As a one of the Top ten Aviation collections in the World, the dining facilities should be top notch.
On a positive note, the museum is installing a lift up to the gallery areas, which has been totally in accessible to disabled visitors. Although whilst work progresses the superb Southampton has had a couple of old sheets ignominiously thrown over the cockpit to keep the dust out.
Isn’t it about time that the RAFM started to take on board some of the constructive criticisms leveled at it. After all they surely need to encourage people to come back on a regular basis. Memories of closed hangars and decidely suspect chickens are hardly reasons to make a return visit.
Septic.
By: Septic - 3rd February 2005 at 20:43
Thanks MotF, whats happening with this b***** system I’m sure I never typed that yesterday.
Septic.
By: Manonthefence - 3rd February 2005 at 20:38
You mean
http:// in front of photobucket.
By: Septic - 3rd February 2005 at 20:37
There’s an idea AJ make all the staff and visitors wear period dress, Goodwood style but with aircraft.
Last few to finish
Septic.
By: Septic - 3rd February 2005 at 19:16
[QUOTE=benyboy]Is it just me or do you seem to have court a few gohsts on one of your Lanc pics 😮 😮 🙂
I’m glad you like them benboy, I dare say there are few spirits that haunt the old hangars of a night, rather like the ghosts at East Kirkby and Cosford.
The ghosting that appears in some of my photos was down to very slow shutter speeds that were used in an attempt to lure some light into the photos.
Septic.
By: Bluebird Mike - 3rd February 2005 at 08:41
As a presentation for the masses as it were, I like the ‘Our Finest Hour’ thing, but agree entirely that between shows, it spoils the BoB Hall.
Wish they’d decide whether Sugar’s bomb bay doors are open or closed, grrrr….
By: benyboy - 3rd February 2005 at 00:59
Is it just me or do you seem to have court a few gohsts on one of your Lanc pics 😮 😮 🙂
Great pics. I realy should get round to visiting Hendon one day.
By: Septic - 2nd February 2005 at 23:45
Thanks Peter,
Last few photos for tonight.
Septic.
By: Peter - 2nd February 2005 at 22:25
great pics!!
Too bad to see that the lanc is still up on her budgie perch…! Sorry Lancman..!! 🙂
By: Septic - 2nd February 2005 at 22:06
By: Manonthefence - 2nd February 2005 at 21:59
Good to see the lights on in the Bomber Command Hall, how long will it last.
The Mossie can be a real bugger to shoot on a bright day.
By: Septic - 2nd February 2005 at 21:54
Heres a few to start with.
Septic.
By: Septic - 2nd February 2005 at 21:37
Just a test post. 🙂
Photobucket to the rescue more to follow.
Septic.
By: von Perthes - 2nd February 2005 at 20:54
TMN, I was just thinking that if anyone was inspired by this thread to visit Hendon this Saturday, I might have popped over too.
Geoff.
By: TMN - 2nd February 2005 at 20:28
von Perthes,
could supply quite a few from my Hendon visit of 27th December once the posting problem is sorted !
Any particular requests?
By: DocStirling - 2nd February 2005 at 10:17
Their non-VOP Day grub … .
..non-Very Old Person..? 😉
DS
By: DocStirling - 2nd February 2005 at 10:02
Maybe the person in charge of food at Cosford should go and give some advice to their counter-part at Hendon as Cosford’s food was first class today.
The grub at East Kirkby is rather tasty, but very expensive. Mind you, they throw in a ride in a Lancaster for free.
DS
By: archieraf - 2nd February 2005 at 09:39
I was at Hendon a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday and the Bomber Command Hall was pretty well lit in stark contrast to my visit there in October 2004 on a Friday. I wondered if it was because Sunday is the day they do their dusting?!!! Graham-White Factory was also closed but can’t remember what reason was given for it.
By: von Perthes - 2nd February 2005 at 09:11
Anyone thinking of going to Hendon this Saturday (5th) to supply some photos for this thread?
Geoff.
By: FLY.BUY - 2nd February 2005 at 07:40
Buccaneer
Its about time they opened up that Buccaneer cockpit! It seems to have been off limits for about 2 years now despite having an accessable ramp along side of it!
By: Septic - 2nd February 2005 at 00:11
Dave,
Partially well lit, the Oxford was now in the night ops area, the light bulb having been loaned to the Fairey Battle.
Septic.
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February 1, 2005 at 11:36 pm