When the Cold War hangar was being built, I complained about it’s design and the fact, as I saw it, that it totally ruined the ambience of what is, after all, an active RAF station.The curator lead me to understand that it had, largely, been funded by the National Lottery Fund and they had the say in what was built – he who pays the piper etc…
I also complained about the move of the shop away from the entrance hall to it’s present dark corner.The idea, apparently, was to free up more room in the entrance/café area. It’s done that but that free space is never in use when I visit.
Not long ago I wanted to give some small WW2 aircraft parts [ still in their grease proof wrapping and cardboard boxes] to the Museum. The desk wouldn’t accept them – I was asked to make an appointment with the Curator – I didn’t.
From my conversations with people who used to be volunteers at the Museum, everything changed for the worse a few years ago.The finger of blame seems to point at Hendon.

There aren’t many Beaufighter books. I’d recommend “The Bristol Beaufighter by Richard Franks published by SAM Publications” – it’s directed at modellers but contains an operational history, photos, colour photos of interior, colour side views, plans etc.