E-mail just sent.

Best wishes.

Woody

Well done TFC

She flew over my house three times early in the afternoon. The Merlin sounded particularly sweet 😀 . Congratulations to the TFC team.

Woody

Two into one in a Spitfire

Jeffrey Quill reports in Spitfire a Test Pilot’s Story that F/L Tony Bartley hitched a ride to a party with Humphrey Gilbert in a Spitfire. They removed the parachute and each had one foot on one rudder pedal; one had his left hand on the throttle and the other his right on the control column.

Quill also reports that this feat had previously been achieved in a Spitfire with a WAAF by F/O Gordon Brettel, but she had been much smaller.

On a sadder note, Gilbert was killed attempting the same feat with a non-pilot.

Woody

1) What do you like most about Duxford?

There’s an awful lot to be proud of but, if I am asked to single out one aspect, it has to be the maintenance of the extensive TFC collection in Hangar 2. To have that many “live” historic aircraft (plus the restoration/maintenance projects) on public display is remarkable. It may sound odd but they smell right, unlike the museum pieces. It is difficult to believe that the public is allowed so much access to a private collection.

2) What do you dislike most about Duxford?

There’s very little to dislike. I suspect that the entrance fees are a challenge for some one-off visitors but, as a a local enthusiast who is a FoD, I receive real value for money.

3) What makes you return to Duxford? (When time and distance allows of course!)

My son, who is four years old and loves the place. Hangar 2 and the ever-present prospect of seeing vintage aircraft in the air.

4) What do we get right at Duxford?

Most things. The staff and volunteers are enthusiastic and helpful. The range of exhibits is breathtaking. The airfield is alive. It has history and soul.

5) What do we get wrong?

Not much. The catering is very average, however, and compares poorly to the new facilities at the Shuttleworth collection. That said, my son is very pleased with the range of ice cream.

I am not sure if the museum has any influence over FoD but, if it does, could I put in a plea for more events to be held at weekends so that those of us who work do not have to take holiday to join in.

6) What changes or improvements would you like to see made at Duxford?

Better catering, particularly at air displays.

Any way of providing local visitors with information about anticipated activity by airworthy historic planes would be a real plus. Last weekend I found myself, not for the first time, burning rubber to get to the airfield in the hope of seeing a practice display having caught Charlie Brown in BM597 beating up the field between Duxford and Thriplow and figuring that it would only be a matter of time before he put on a display at the airfield itself. I was not disappointed.

7) Should we put on more airshows? Or fewer? Quantity or quality – for example have fewer airshows with longer displays?

I think it is about the right number. As I said though, it would be great if we could be advised of anticipated informal displays, such as those that occur when pilots of Duxford aircraft are obtaining display authorisation – I caught this by accident last April and enjoyed a hugely impressive display, particularly by Charlie Brown in BM597 (again). I was also lucky enough to see a number of practice displays by Alister Kay in Ferocious Frankie later in the season, which were both exciting and immaculately executed.

8) If sometimes you are accompanied to Duxford by family or friends who are not particularly interested in aircraft, do they leave feeling they have at least had an interesting day out, or do they think that Duxford is for enthusiasts only?

I have only ever received positive feedback. The children’s play area and constant activity on the field in all but the very worst weather helps!

9) How do you rate the catering outlets at Duxford? Expensive or good value for money? Enough variety?

Very average with much room for improvement. I think that there are enough outlets, its the quality of the offering that could be improved.

10) How do you rate the Museum shop? Is it well stocked for enthusiasts with something new to catch your interest each time you visit? What in your opinion could we sell that we don’t already?

I disagree with some of the other comments on this thread as I think that the new shop is a vast improvement and offers an excellent range of gifts. I’ve bought a number of books and DVDs in the last few months, including Sigh for a Merlin, Spitfire a Test Pilot’s Story, and the DVDs for Legends 2004 and Band of Brothers.

Woody

Thank you PNK

Tremendous pictures PNK. Thank You.

Woody

Thanks again

I think this is the one the ‘Veltro’ gets quite excited about. 🙂 Mark

Many thanks Dave and Mark for the i/d. 🙂

I have been researching the G.50 following your responses. Do you know if the survivor is a G.50bis or a G.50ter?

In addition, its successor, the G.55, looks quite beautiful. A quick trawl of the internet suggests that there are no G.55 survivors, save for a replica based on a G.59. Does anyone know of any G.55 survivors?

TIA

Woody

Do 335 Pfeil

How about the Dornier Do335, or even the Do635 ‘twinned’ version.

I’m with von Perthes.

I recently heard a rumour (from a very entertaining but notoriously unreliable source) that half a Pfeil was found and is still held, with one of its DB engines, crated, in Germany. Does this ring any bells?

Woody

will it be running on sundays ?

Yep. This link should take you to the IWM site which gives details and contains a further link to the timetable.

Link

Woody