On my last visit to Cosford I was told that the Argosy had been moved down to the butts while waiting it’s turn for some remedial work. And that it was set to go in the new hangar/building/monstrosity/edifice (Delete those you feel are not applicable.)

I agree that some of the airliners should go inside. I would particularly like the Comet, Viscount and Britannia to receive some protection. I have no real complaints against the so-called ‘Hendoncentric’ nature of the RAF Museum. In Hendon and Cosford we have two fantastic collections of aircraft (and other artefacts) which are FREE to enter. I can see what they are doing with the Cold War collection and the Berlin Airlift theme and I am quite happy to see them at Cosford. It is probably quite fitting, and indeed wholly appropriate that the three ‘V’s are displayed together. That couldn’t really happen at Hendon.

I hadn’t heard the rumours about Manchester, so perhaps that is why Cosford is being depleted, to make room for Manchester’s airframes. It would be easier to transport from Manchester to Cosford than to Hendon.

Both Museums serve their purpose, to protect and display significant aspects of our aviation heritage. I think it might be best to reserve judgment till such time as all the moves are over and the new building is completed. Whatever happens we should applaud the fact that money is being made available.

Regards,

kev35

Originally posted by Dazza
I was about 14 or 15 when I first flew in the back seat of an AEF Chipmunk from RAF Newton, felt like a proper RAF pilot(well almost), helmet, parachute, emergency egress briefing, although the method of leaving the aircraft in flight in the event of an emergency was frankly terrifying and I my opinion almost suicidal!:eek:
Great fun though, could’nt stop jabbering on about it for ages!:)

-Dazza

Ah, Dazza.

My experience was very similar to yours except at 8 AEF at Shawbury. I remember the egress briefing too…. “I will tell you to undo your harness, but NOT your parachute! I will hold the aircraft level while you slide the canopy back and lock it. You will then hear me say JUMP JUMP JU. If you are not out of the aircraft by that time, you are on your own.” And those damn parachute harnesses were cinched so tight you waddled out to the aircraft like Galen from Planet of the Apes. Good Memories though. During that time I managed a trip on an RAF Hercules, an RAF Wessex, a German Air Force CH53 and a Danish Air Force Dakota.

My only commercial flight was in 1976 or 1977 in a HS 748 of Dan Air from BHX to MAN and back. I sat by the wing and watched the cowling fasteners unscrewing half way and then screwing back in with the vibration. I may be off to Valencia soon with Iberia so I will look forward to that. I’d like to fly to one of the forum meets as well so if any of the Scots guys are interested maybe I could get up to GLA?

Regards,

kev35

Originally posted by Airline owner
Why are we talking about chefs:rolleyes:

It’s called going off at a tangent. It’s something we’re very good at. 😉 Now if you want to see real experts at going off at tangents have a read of the historic forum. Sometimes we surprise ourselves, what starts off as a pretty lacklustre topic can often turn into something really interesting.

Regards,

kev35

I remember a few lines from a poem, can’t remember where from but I think it’s appropriate.

And most of them are gone,
The gay, the young ones
Who found among the clouds a swifter mirth,
The winged, the fleet ones.

Thank you Carolyn for giving me an image I will carry to the grave, and for giving wings to our dreams. And to Air Commodore Peter Brothers (just one of the ‘few’ but they are all so much more) for ensuring we have the freedom to enjoy that wonderfully evocative, emotive and heart gladdening moment when the years fell away before our eyes.

To you and your comrades I offer my most heartfelt appreciation.

And they say there are no heroes anymore…

Regards,

kev35