RAFM disposals

I’m shocked by this news, but particularly by the thinking behind including the prone pilot Meteor and the Avro 707C on the list. As was said previously in the thread these two are surely important aircraft, and I would have thought were key aircraft for the Cosford “Test Flight” hangar? It’s been a while since I visited Cosford but that hangar is special (with some unique aircraft) and has always been a favourite of mine. I don’t know whether the intention had been to move the 707C back there from storage, but I can’t help feeling that should be it’s natural home.

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/pv1venturaregistry/pv1ventura-aj469.html

https://www.key.aero/forum/historic-aviation/41766-raf-museum-cosford-h…

What is the condition of the Ventura in store?

I suppose the point of the ‘leak’ is test the water, see what airframes people are most animated about, then tailor the subsequent ‘formal’ announcement to generate the fewest possible recriminations.

Thank you, Guns.

I’m not sure if it was the original post I saw but I’ve found pretty much the identical post in a group called Staffordshire Aircraft Restoration Team dated November 23rd

@guns80’s original post says the leak/whatever surfaced on Facebook. Can anyone point me in the direction of that post?

Unfortunately , with the current management, acquisitions of any kind do not feature in RAFM’s list of priorities.

DD

Totally agree Tony! 

You would think they would use them as exchanges to acquire items they deem more relevant.

Leaked e-mail and an official denial. Did Dominic Cummings leave Downing Street for a new job at Hendon?

Leaks are infrequently “by mistake”. They are released for a purpose. Just ask the Government……

Leaked ! TREASON I SAY, Treason !

It came from an internal email which was apparently leaked by mistake and contained a list of aircraft up for possible disposal. As and when the final decision is made they will go through their statutory process which is listed above- initially offered to other museums then via the MA. 
 

TT

According to Aviation Heritage UK (BAPC as was) they have contacted the RAF Museum who say that there are NO aircraft currently on offer. So where has this ‘news’ originated from? The last aircraft I know the RAFM were trying to rehome was the Miles Magister that was taken off display at Middle Wallop, which is still available as far as I know as it’s still stored in Hangar 2 at Wallop.

Ian Thirsk has recently sent round clarification that this is just the first round of airframes being considered for disposal along with engines. I suspect that some of this is a paper exercise, ie donating airframes to Museums which have had items on loan for many years (ie Hafner Rotachute to MAF).

Some it seems to me are fair duplications – having two Avro 707s on books probably not required, or multiple Hunters. I imagine the choppers may well find a home at IHM. Further, some arent that relevant – such as the DH60 which hopefully will find a home at DHM. Some duplications may raise eyebrows that for example that they are disposing of the bitsa P-51 – well they have two – both D models. Also the 190s – the obvious thing would be to keep the rarer twin tub but I know not which is in better order or most original.

I dont understand the logic of disposing of the Auster, and especially the Mitchell (which would be a pain to remove – I would have thought the B-17 was less relevant!) – surely the Comet and Miles Mohawk are less relevant to the RAF. Further, the Cornell needs a full resto – I would get rid of the Ventura which also needs work – they have a Hudson on display. The Tabloid would find a perfect home at Solent Sky given its Schneider links

I guess its easy to pro and con each airframe but some, in my opinion, disposals make sense- it is after all the RAF Museum and is trying to be more focussed.

TT

Museum artefact acquisition and disposal is a very touchy subject with the likes of The Arts Councils, National Lottery, others Museums and public bodies. The RAF Museum’s  Acquisition and Disposals general policy is freely available online. The full details are available to interested parties upon request. 

Very true, we tried to get a short term loan of a piece of Stirling bomb bay (24″ x 18″) for research purposes, but as we had no intention of putting it on Public display we were turned down.

We can of course go and view it, with prior permission though…

Presumably these are being put up for disposal to other accredited museums – with strict conditions on them being preserved indoors?

I was also previously told by the RAF Museum curator they are not allowed to sell, loan, give or exchange airframes or artefacts to any individuals or non-accredited museums!

I await with interest.

Its the Vimy that had the fire. Brooklands have one replica that did long distance flights.