I think Kabir and VLM Flyer are right about the bulging appearance of the fuselage before the tail section. Do 747’s have that Coke bottle shape at the tail? I can’t put my finger on it but it just looks wrong somehow.

Regards,

kev35

Originally posted by DIGBY
Like the idea about the wheels up landing for Concorde at Duxford. They could plant little containers and tubs full of pretty little flowers all around it , and being a wheels up landing “Hey Presto” instant wheel chair access Hey Yak pretty neat idea mate

DIGBY.

I was like you, well, maybe not quite, but I gave little thought or concern to the peoblems of someone in a wheelchair. I’d think, right, I’m off to Hendon, Duxford, Cosford, the swimming baths, the pub and virtually anywhere else I wanted to go. Things are a little different now. Everything has to be planned and thought out. Will I need assistance? What’s the access like? Can I manage on my crutches? Are their ramps? Is there enough room to get to all the exhibits? Where are the toilets located that I can access? Where are first aid facilities located? Do I have my insulin and testing kit? Have I enough food or access to food should I have a hypo? If it’s going to be a long day will I be too exhausted at the end of it?

Ok all criteria covered and I make the decision to go. I don’t expect every airframe to be accessible to me, not even every exhibit, but it is nice when the places I visit go at least a little way to acknowledging that I exist and that some effort is made to cater for my needs.

Tell you what, if you come to the October meet at Duxford ask Becka if you can borrow a wheelchair for the day and see how you get on?

Regards,

kev35

US Agent.

Just because a bully is bigger than his opponent makes him no less of a bully, does it?

Regards,

kev35

David.

“The notion of sectioning a Concorde for display is balmy. I believe
the might well be a good chance of a BA Concorde being acquired by the IWM . I can only think they would have her flown into Cambridge and then dismantled by Marshalls for road transport into Duxford.”

I agree that dismantling and sectioning the aircraft would be wrong, however I do not think the IWM is the place for another Concorde. The only place that I feel should definitely receive a Concorde is the British Airways Collection up at Cosford.

“Whilst I applaud the notion of access for all can this really be a justification for dismantling an extremely noteworthy aircraft.”

No, hence my suggestion of a PAX example which the non-enthusiast public would more easily identify with. But , I reiterate that I don’t think Duxford is the right place.

“Surely if the aircraft cannot be accessed at present by the disabled well maybe its time to explore a glass lift which could transport people up to her whilst at the same time looking a bit more futuristic than the present staircase.”

Quite like that idea, or the extension of an ‘air-bridge’ from a gallery accessed by lift. Possibly a cheaper option?

” As for the Shackleton – well how exactly are they going to do that in such a way that it appears interesting ?
Are the general public that interested in viewing a toilet that was used by a crew or the galley area?”

Knowing of the British interest in all things toilet related I should think they would. I think perhaps you are underestimating the average visitor. If someone can have an exhibition of turning lights on and off win a major art prize in a London gallery the Shackleton must stand a chance. Interactivity is the key.

“Simply put she isn’t glamourous enough – her long hours of patrol work and air sea rescue work pales when you compare her to fighter aircraft of no significance to the U.K such as the CF-100-Draken and Mystere which are all housed inside.”

I have to agree that I fail to see why such airframes as the Draken and CF-100 should receive preferential treatment to home grown aircraft. Perhaps IWM could tell us why?

Regards,

kev35

Duh…. Forgot the photo.

Interesting thread. I’ll have a think about the wheelchair issue whilst rolling round the park this afternoon and get back to you.

Regards,

kev35

Mongu.

I know nothing of the legal complexities of this issue. But, from an operational standpoint, doesn’t it make sense that a current Hawk operator would want to continue with the Hawk rather than replacing it with something totally different?

Regards,

kev35

And in more relaxed fashion comtemplating a little light reading….