Definately Steve, dreams are what resulted in a Halifax at Elvington for example (Sssssh Lancman 😉 ) so we should keep on dreaming.
What worries me is the attitude of Hendon, they left their Halifax in ‘as found’ condition. Very emotive indeed but when a veteran returns to ‘their’ aircraft they see a wreck immersed for decades and not an aircraft standing on its own undercarriage ‘ready for ops’. Now we hear whispers that Hendon is planning a half half restoration of the Hampden. Whats the point! If we had plenty of Hampdens then ok, it would make a different and innovative display, but apart from Hendons potentially complete example i believe we only have one complete example of the Hampden in existance.
I have serious doubts if Hendon will take the challenge of finding or replicating a complete example of a Stirling. As for the Whitley this will be a long long time before completion i would imagine.
Ps- I dont wish to sound too negative about Hendon. Its a wonderful museum with dedicated staff and volunteers, there just seems to be a worrying trend amongst national collections of skirting around the task of restoring there exhibits. Im sure its more financially realistic though.
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