In another thread on this site I previously put up a photo of the Freighter concerned in Canada. I photographed it at Wetaskiwin last Summer prior to speculation about it’s disposal arising. See: http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=106000

Only if she joins in as a competitor. 😀

The response I received from the local management at Cosford was along similar lines as that received by others from other areas of RAFM management, i.e.
………”Thank you for your email about the BA Museum Collection. The five aircraft displayed here are the property of British Airways and therefore the responsibility of the Airline. Until 2001 BA maintained these airframes and generally assisted the Museum in other ways too. Since this support was switched off, the aircraft have been neglected by British Airways and the RAF Museum is powerless to intervene. Our funding is from the Ministry of Defence and cannot be expended on these aeroplanes. The press release says that the situation is under review and it remains so today. The contact at British Airways is:

Mr Bryan Mitchell,
British Airways
Waterside (HFA3)
PO Box 365,
Harmondsworth,
Middlesex,
UB7 0GB

John Francis”

Fiat lux – Let there be light
Fiat TFC – Let there be darkness!
Fiat CR-42 – Let there be anticipation

Quite right TLAR – twas a spolling erar

I recall UK displays in the 1960s when flying examples of WWII aircraft could be counted on one hand and were mostly operated by manufacturers or what have since become historic flights. The notion of a person restoring and maintaining a massive private collection were but a dream. I know there are a number of folk who have contributed to the generation and growth of the UK warbird scene but IMHO Stephen Grey has had the greatest positive effect. Being a renowned international business expert he could no doubt have opted to locate his collection in any country he chose. We are VERY fortunate he chose the UK and has shared his passion by creating a situation where we can not only enjoy see the TFC collection fly but can get close to much of the restoration work. I’ve travelled to many museums, restoration shops and private collections round the World but consider TFC unparalled. In my professional life one of my responsibilities concerns information security and commercial sensitivity of information around any potential deal is very high and is a delicate area. Whilst interest in aircraft collections is understandable and often helps their support, it would be a great shame if unwelcome speculation jeopardised the health or growth or continuance of any such organisation(s) and there is a balance to be drawn. I’m grateful for grayfly’s taking the trouble and concern to post this re TFC and I agree with HP57’s comment posted at 17.47.

I think it’s the Fairey Battle which Strathallen obtained, passed to Charles Church and is now in Brussels. I recall that at one time it was owned by a US gent who endorsed it with stars and bars?