I’m new to the forum,and recently read a thread with regards how the RAF museum at Hendon had gone down hill a bit.I’ve just spent a couple of days in London and its a while since i’ve been,so i paid an afternoon visit.
The Battle of Britain hall i really enjoyed and contains some really rare exhibits.I wish some of the aircraft were better positioned to view,and a little more light in the building!!! It was nice to access the Sunderland as i hadn’t been in one before.
The new hall containing the Mosquito,Mustang,Harrier etc etc is fine and then you arrive in the main hall……
I have to say that it is looking a little on the tired side which i found disappointing.It was quite clear that nothing had changed since the last visit that i made.I look at the Halifax and carn’t help but wonder why nothing has been done with it since it was recovered over thirty years ago.It would have looked fantastic next to the Lancaster in that hall,rather than being left in an ‘as found’ state.Money maybe an issue,i don’t know.
I don’t think i’ll be visiting again for a while.Its just my opinion,but i don’t think that a 200 ft building costing 80 million pounds(or there abouts) is the answer.I think something better can be done.
Still,my little lad enjoyed it,especially in the shop afterwoods!!!!!!
Steve
By: AlanR - 30th August 2011 at 10:01
Like others, I had a problem with the lighting.
Shadows/Highlights in Photoshop comes in handy. 😉
By: AlanR - 30th August 2011 at 10:01
Like others, I had a problem with the lighting.
Shadows/Highlights in Photoshop comes in handy. 😉
By: Black Shoe - 30th August 2011 at 09:55
Visited Hendon in 2008. It is a bit tricky to find, I probably would not have found it on my own (my brother-in-law, who used to live in Ealing, navigated).
My biggest complaint is with the lighting in the BofB hall, and in the bomber hall.
That said, I thought the aircraft were displayed with plenty of space around them, which made viewing and photography much more convenient. By comparison, the AAM and other hangars at Duxford were much more cramped.
Overall, I enjoyed the visit very much, and hope to go back again one day.
By: Black Shoe - 30th August 2011 at 09:55
Visited Hendon in 2008. It is a bit tricky to find, I probably would not have found it on my own (my brother-in-law, who used to live in Ealing, navigated).
My biggest complaint is with the lighting in the BofB hall, and in the bomber hall.
That said, I thought the aircraft were displayed with plenty of space around them, which made viewing and photography much more convenient. By comparison, the AAM and other hangars at Duxford were much more cramped.
Overall, I enjoyed the visit very much, and hope to go back again one day.
By: KG51 - 29th August 2011 at 12:25
I’d settle for them turning the lights on in the B of B hall. I’ll even supply a shilling for the meter.
By: KG51 - 29th August 2011 at 12:25
I’d settle for them turning the lights on in the B of B hall. I’ll even supply a shilling for the meter.
By: Arthur Pewtey - 29th August 2011 at 11:53
I agree. I think it has the potential to be a fantastic addition to the London skyline.
Something that size cannot fail to have an impact. The BoB memorial on the Embankment is a fine memorial but something as important as the Battle of Britain deserves this as well. What a shame it couldn’t have been done many years ago.
By: Arthur Pewtey - 29th August 2011 at 11:53
I agree. I think it has the potential to be a fantastic addition to the London skyline.
Something that size cannot fail to have an impact. The BoB memorial on the Embankment is a fine memorial but something as important as the Battle of Britain deserves this as well. What a shame it couldn’t have been done many years ago.
By: Eye on the Sky - 29th August 2011 at 09:04
This is the problem. There is nothing to suggest that the building would actually attract people to aviation history. The museum already does that perfectly and to its fullest ability, with such a range of aircraft and variety of exhibits. The new building will not help, IMO.
But at the same time, what evidence is there that the building will not attract folk to Hendon? As I understand it, the construction shall be one of the largest features of the London skyline. Surely it will bring people to the site, if only to look inside the Beacon. And even if each person goes away with only the slightest inkling of what took place during the Battle of Britain, the building will have done it’s job. I think funding for a landmark building project would be far more available than that required for aircraft restoration. But that is just my opinion…
By: Eye on the Sky - 29th August 2011 at 09:04
This is the problem. There is nothing to suggest that the building would actually attract people to aviation history. The museum already does that perfectly and to its fullest ability, with such a range of aircraft and variety of exhibits. The new building will not help, IMO.
But at the same time, what evidence is there that the building will not attract folk to Hendon? As I understand it, the construction shall be one of the largest features of the London skyline. Surely it will bring people to the site, if only to look inside the Beacon. And even if each person goes away with only the slightest inkling of what took place during the Battle of Britain, the building will have done it’s job. I think funding for a landmark building project would be far more available than that required for aircraft restoration. But that is just my opinion…
By: danjama - 28th August 2011 at 18:05
There is a desert airbase depicted in the bomber hall IIRC, and it is one of the most interesting parts of the museum! Other dioramas would definitely be appreciated; 8th AF BG base pre-mission is one that comes straight to mind.
By: danjama - 28th August 2011 at 18:05
There is a desert airbase depicted in the bomber hall IIRC, and it is one of the most interesting parts of the museum! Other dioramas would definitely be appreciated; 8th AF BG base pre-mission is one that comes straight to mind.
By: hampden98 - 28th August 2011 at 17:36
The RAF museum is excellent because despite what they might do with the buildings, layout, lighting etc it still houses some unique aircraft examples such as the Lancaster, Beaufighter, B17, Catalina, Me109 and more.
One thing that surprised me was the closure of the upstairs exhibits (which I read may have been re-opened). Entering the museum and enjoying an hour browsing the exhibits seemed to make it much more of a day out before walking into the aircraft area.
If I could improve the museum it would be to have more models and dioramas. Lets not forget the draw for children (and some adults 🙂 ) of dioramas. Wouldn’t it be great to have an RAF diorama of a WW2 Bomber station. Or perhaps a Vulcan dispersal. Or even a well made model of RAF Hendon (if there was such a thing). What about teaming up with Hannants down the road, local Scouts or modellers to help out.
Some better full scale models would also improve the exhibits. The B17 is great. More of same please.
Parking charges are a but mean. Either the museum is free. Or it’s chargeable. But not a back door way of raising funds. I would rather pay £10 and see that money go to improving the museum.
One other point how about improving some of the signs to the museum. I lived in South London for 40 years and it was always hit and miss finding the museum by car. Seems to be easier from Hampshire off the M3.
By: hampden98 - 28th August 2011 at 17:36
The RAF museum is excellent because despite what they might do with the buildings, layout, lighting etc it still houses some unique aircraft examples such as the Lancaster, Beaufighter, B17, Catalina, Me109 and more.
One thing that surprised me was the closure of the upstairs exhibits (which I read may have been re-opened). Entering the museum and enjoying an hour browsing the exhibits seemed to make it much more of a day out before walking into the aircraft area.
If I could improve the museum it would be to have more models and dioramas. Lets not forget the draw for children (and some adults 🙂 ) of dioramas. Wouldn’t it be great to have an RAF diorama of a WW2 Bomber station. Or perhaps a Vulcan dispersal. Or even a well made model of RAF Hendon (if there was such a thing). What about teaming up with Hannants down the road, local Scouts or modellers to help out.
Some better full scale models would also improve the exhibits. The B17 is great. More of same please.
Parking charges are a but mean. Either the museum is free. Or it’s chargeable. But not a back door way of raising funds. I would rather pay £10 and see that money go to improving the museum.
One other point how about improving some of the signs to the museum. I lived in South London for 40 years and it was always hit and miss finding the museum by car. Seems to be easier from Hampshire off the M3.
By: danjama - 28th August 2011 at 17:09
As for the Beacon, ok the money could be used elsewhere, but if it brings more people into our hobby, I can quite happily live with it.
Dean
This is the problem. There is nothing to suggest that the building would actually attract people to aviation history. The museum already does that perfectly and to its fullest ability, with such a range of aircraft and variety of exhibits. The new building will not help, IMO.
By: danjama - 28th August 2011 at 17:09
As for the Beacon, ok the money could be used elsewhere, but if it brings more people into our hobby, I can quite happily live with it.
Dean
This is the problem. There is nothing to suggest that the building would actually attract people to aviation history. The museum already does that perfectly and to its fullest ability, with such a range of aircraft and variety of exhibits. The new building will not help, IMO.
By: Eye on the Sky - 28th August 2011 at 16:45
Roger- a wonderful idea, certainly something I would pay to see. It would definitely appeal to families too.
As for the Beacon, ok the money could be used elsewhere, but if it brings more people into our hobby, I can quite happily live with it.
As for the parking charges- I have no problem. £3.50 for entry into one of the best aircraft collections on the planet? Bargain!
Dean
By: Eye on the Sky - 28th August 2011 at 16:45
Roger- a wonderful idea, certainly something I would pay to see. It would definitely appeal to families too.
As for the Beacon, ok the money could be used elsewhere, but if it brings more people into our hobby, I can quite happily live with it.
As for the parking charges- I have no problem. £3.50 for entry into one of the best aircraft collections on the planet? Bargain!
Dean
By: danjama - 28th August 2011 at 16:38
I can only echo some of the views here, by saying that I am disenchanted and disgusted with the museums choice to build the tower. What a waste of money and time.
By: danjama - 28th August 2011 at 16:38
I can only echo some of the views here, by saying that I am disenchanted and disgusted with the museums choice to build the tower. What a waste of money and time.
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August 24, 2011 at 9:16 pm