Managed to get across to Cosford for a quick visit this afternoon. The plans for the new hall are now on display along with a model. It seems that airframes to be ensconced in this very strange twisted triangle shaped building are the Vulcan, Victor and the Valiant. The Belfast, Hastings and York are going in as are the Canberra, Mig, Sabre, Meteor, Vampire and Javelin. If the drawings come to fruition you’ll get a whole new perspective on the Javelin, that’s for sure. I’ve a feeling I may have missed a couple out, possibly the Varsity is one and I think the Dakota as there is to be a Berlin Airlift exhibit.
I was told the Argosy is to go in as well, this has already been moved down to the shooting butts where it is to be stored while building work is in progress. The Museum, to me, appears to have an air of uncertainty about it now and I must admit to being a little worried about the futures of the Trident and Britannia which, after the years they have remained there, are going to really take some moving. I look forward to it being completed. In the meantime here’s a few photo’s.
Regards,
kev35
By: Hatton - 15th December 2003 at 01:10
Definately Steve, dreams are what resulted in a Halifax at Elvington for example (Sssssh Lancman 😉 ) so we should keep on dreaming.
What worries me is the attitude of Hendon, they left their Halifax in ‘as found’ condition. Very emotive indeed but when a veteran returns to ‘their’ aircraft they see a wreck immersed for decades and not an aircraft standing on its own undercarriage ‘ready for ops’. Now we hear whispers that Hendon is planning a half half restoration of the Hampden. Whats the point! If we had plenty of Hampdens then ok, it would make a different and innovative display, but apart from Hendons potentially complete example i believe we only have one complete example of the Hampden in existance.
I have serious doubts if Hendon will take the challenge of finding or replicating a complete example of a Stirling. As for the Whitley this will be a long long time before completion i would imagine.
Ps- I dont wish to sound too negative about Hendon. Its a wonderful museum with dedicated staff and volunteers, there just seems to be a worrying trend amongst national collections of skirting around the task of restoring there exhibits. Im sure its more financially realistic though.
By: Arabella-Cox - 15th December 2003 at 00:14
I’m not so sure that there would be much of an empty space for long. Presumably it’ll take a good couple of years (possibly longer?) to complete the building work at Cosford, during which time it would be perfectly possible to restore the Hampden, just add lots of money and resource. Okay, I know, that’s easier said than done… 😉
Maybe I’m just being over optimistic, but I’d like to see the RAFM illustrate certain themes with three of a kind; the three V bombers at Cosford, with the York, Dakota and Hastings forming the Berlin Airlift trio. And then at Hendon we’d have the three heavies (Lancaster, Halifax and Stirling), and three mediums (Wellington, Hampden and Whitley).
Lots of if’s and but’s involved in that of course, but hey we all have to have dreams don’t we? 🙂
By: Hatton - 14th December 2003 at 23:58
Good points Steve, if she’s in good structural condition as you remark then a move will be no problem (although difficult), because though we won’t be seeing a Whitley, Stirling or Hampden (half wreck/half restored !!!!! please NO!) for a number of years (maybe even if ever) then im not sure how they will utilise the space. My suggestion would be for the addition of more aircraft but also why not free some space up, allow a little more breathing space for the exhibits
best regards, steve
By: Arabella-Cox - 14th December 2003 at 23:51
Steve, I’m in favour of the Valiant’s move to Cosford, for a number of reasons.
Firstly, because of the early withdrawal of the Valiant from front line duties, she’s a relatively low-houred airframe, which I guess would mean that structurally she’s more able to withstand a dismantling and re-assembly than we might think.
Secondly, by dismantling and relocating, she’s being put into a state where any necessary conservation work can be more easily carried out.
Thirdly, by removing the Valiant from Hendon, there’s a substantial floor area which can be filled; personally I’d love to see either or all of the RAFM’s Hampden / a Stirling recreation based on the Mickle Fell remains / Elliot Smock’s Whitley housed in there.
By: andrewman - 14th December 2003 at 23:42
Those photos are nice did you get any of the Vulcan.
Will be nice once all the building work is done their.
By: Hatton - 14th December 2003 at 23:36
Thanks for taking the time to post the info and pictures, Kev.
I’m in two minds about the proposed move of the valiant. On the plus side…….
– it will be the only place in the world where whole examples of the RAFs three v-bombers can be seen together
– you’ll be be able to see it without Night vision goggles! 🙂
On the minus side,
– Is it really in the aircrafts best interests?
– Couldn’t the cost be spent on worthier causes?
best regards, steve
By: kev35 - 14th December 2003 at 20:39
Now, either the RAF were desperately short of a refuelling probe or someone’s got a very unusual piece of kit hanging above the mantlepiece!
There’s a few more to come if anyone’s interested.
Regards,
kev35
By: kev35 - 14th December 2003 at 20:37
Thought this might bring back memories for a few of us.
By: kev35 - 14th December 2003 at 20:35
Just liked this shot, no particular reason for posting it.
By: kev35 - 14th December 2003 at 20:33
The Mustang is now in place.
By: kev35 - 14th December 2003 at 20:31
I just love this angle. It looks so aggressive….
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December 14, 2003 at 8:29 pm