So what would you do?

I see nothing of vision in this release. It is simply a list of the maintenance work required, trotting out the hackneyed old hotel plan yet again (with seemingly no substance behind it) and a bit of piggybacking on the plans of a private organisation to invest further in the site.

The previous regime at Duxford gave us visionary projects such as the Superhangar (and its later development into AirSpace), the Land Warfare Hall, and the American Air Museum. In addition, there was a constant programme of additions to the exhibits, although this obviously slowed over the past couple of decades as the hangars filled up.

All we have seen over the past few years is the virtual cessation of restorations and additions to the collections, and substantial, often controversial, divestments.

What would I do? This is a plan for the next five years, to 1918. I would put in place planning to add another building to the site in this timeframe. With the upcoming 100th anniversary of the site, this could be the theme of the new building. It could contain types relevant to the history of Duxford. For example, the Casa 2111 could be restored to BoB film markings, and used to represent this aspect of Duxford’s history, rather than being bodged to represent a pseudo-Heinkel. The P-47 could be removed from the AAM and repainted into 78th FG markings, and be replaced in the AAM by the Lambeth P-51, also in new markings. The plastic P-51 could then go into the new Duxford hangar. A replica of one of Duxford’s inter-war types could be commissioned in the intervening 5 years, to represent this era of the station. Imagine a Grebe, Siskin, Bulldog, Gauntlet or Snipe. Add the Bristol Fighter, Meteor and Javelin (thinking outside the box, even arrange an exchange with Cosford for their fighter Javelin in exchange for Duxford’s test example) from the existing collection and a Spitfire (real or replica). With suitable displays of artifacts, models, add appropriate interactive displays, and this could result in a worthy addition to the site.

The type of vision that enabled the site to develop into the world-class museum that it is today does seem to be lacking in this press release outlining the view for the next five years. 🙁

What happened to the T33?
I understand it was lost in an accident.

Link to the AAIB report

http://www.aaib.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/december_2007/lockheed_t_33_silver_star_mk_3__g_tbrd.cfm

Are their plans to restore the aircraft?

I believe it was too badly damaged to make repair a viable option

http://mmpbooks.biz/mmp/books.php?book_id=32

Because of their nature original WWI aircraft rarely change hands, most are in national collections and the like. Having said that, there are always exceptions to this such as the recent departure of the RAF Museum’s Hanriot and Farman project to New Zealand. I agree, an update would be nice.

The IWM were offered an F-14 some years back, but turned it down due to the type’s lack of relevance to the UK. I believe it was then offered to Newark, who also turned it down.

The plastic P-51 is due to be replaced by the Lambeth example.

According to fundraising blurb circulated by the AAM to its members, the IWM are donating the P-51 to the AAM, who are raising funds to pay for its transportation from London and re-assembly.

Not exactly following in the footsteps Heinrich Schliemann or Howard Carter….! :diablo:

Avid treasure-hunters both! 🙂