Duxford Monday 17th February:
Today’s partial opening was the result of a lot of hard work from Duxford staff, and much appreciated by a large (half-term) attendance. The roof damage to Airspace is pretty severe:
Otherwise, nothing much to report. Paint stripping continues on the IWM Mustang:
Duxford Wednesday 12th February:
The IWM P-51D has begun the paint-stripping process:
Last September, this unidentified airframe section passed through Hangar 5 briefly. It’s back and now identified (A-20G). The undercarriage gives a clue:
In Airspace, the Shackleton disassembly continues. The fins are now detached, and this morning the first Griffon was removed. The prop blades that were damaged many years ago were trimmed to ease the process:
In Hangar 2, it’s the turn of the TFC Bearcat to receive attention:
Another visiting S-76 today:
Duxford Sunday 9th February:
Dragon Rapide G-AGJG remains on course for a CofA renewal, allowing a rare view of an uncowled Gipsy Queen 3:
Next door, the TFC Wildcat remains on maintenance:
Three of the four Spitfires currently residing in Hangar 3 (I/V/IX/XVIII):
Naturally, there was a steady stream of visitors admiring SM845:
Finally, a rare look at the instruction book revealed my new camera’s ability to take shots like this:
Duxford Friday 7th February:
Spitfire SM845 has taken up residence in Hangar 3 for a while:
A nice surprise in Hangar 5, with the Ship’s Camel assembled:
Old Warden Tuesday 4th February:
I was very fortunate to get an update on the Tomtit rebuild this morning. The fuselage is mostly complete, with tailplane and roundels added. The wings are making steady progress, with the first of the four wings covered.
The workshops are dominated by two large machines at the moment. The Lysander is in flying attitude with many panels removed, allowing a look at some details:
Work is also underway on Dragon Rapide G-AGSH:
Elsewhere, some winter maintenance on Storch G-STCH:
Duxford Tuesday 4th February:
To answer some recent queries, the Lancaster nose is back in London (the Halifax nose is staying).
The Shackleton is being surveyed, some dismantling is taking place. The airframe will probably move into storage, nothing has been said about restoration or conservation.
Today, Spitfire SM845 was noted for the first time in six weeks, taking some exercise in the sunshine. Sadly not airborne today, possibly due to very strong crosswinds:
Among today’s visitors was this S-76:
Finally, I’ve walked past this Polaris missile countless times without noticing who had sponsored it. Thanks to FT for pointing it out:
Duxford Sunday 2nd February:
This Leopard Moth will celebrate her 80th birthday next month:
Opposite end of the hangar is another de Havilland:
Featuring February’s first fighter flypast:
Here are a few of the many GA visitors today:
Duxford Friday 31st January:
Another cold and quiet day, but some housekeeping in Hangar 2 meant open doors for a while:
Two more shots from Hangar 5:
Duxford Wednesday 29th January:
Another quiet winter’s day with little to report. Shackleton XF708 remains in Airspace for assessment:
TFC’s Wildcat is the latest winter maintenance project:
In Hangar 5, the F-15 has been washed and cleaned up:
The first indication that the IWM Mustang’s days as Big Beautiful Doll are numbered, a section of paint has been stripped (aft of code letter ‘I’):
Duxford Sunday 26th January:
Bitter weather, but lots of visitors at Duxford today. As usual, plenty of work going on, and a chance for some more detail shots.
Chipmunk G-BCOU / WK522 is progressing well towards resuming her flying career later this year. October will mark 40 years since de-mob, and she is still with the first owner. Many thanks to PL and JL for these close-ups:
Duxford Friday 24th January:
This morning I got the Shackleton picture I’d hoped for, the Griffon/Viper installation.
More BBD:
Hangar 2 this morning:
Finally, the IWM Mark V Tank is nearing completion. A huge amount of work has gone into this machine over the past year.
Duxford Wednesday 22nd January:
A quick check on the Shackleton at lunchtime found some dismantling in progress, and some detail not seen for a while. There’s no official word on plans for the aircraft yet:
More of BBD is visible as the airframe survey continues:
Also revealing some fascinating detail is TFC Spitfire G-SPIT/MV268 and her Griffon 65:
I hadn’t noticed this Merlin before:
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