I think that putting some of the a/c in context makes more of an impact. especially for ‘Joe Public’… ‘we’ may be able to tell the difference between a Spitfire and a Sunderland and know their roles/history but what about the groups of non-enthusiast visitors, especially those with kids, who probably make up the bulk of visitors?

one of the best set-ups i’ve visited is at Yeovilton where they have a/c displayed as if on a deck of a carrier.. you enter the exhibition via a lift which promptly does an impression of a Wessex whisking (!) you out to the carrier… its the sort of thing that could be overdone, but things like having ‘battle stained’ Hurricane and Spitfires parked around a dispersal type area with all of the associated vehicles etc etc.. wouldn’t want to see Duxford turned in to a theme park and realistically you’re confined by the space available…. also theres the argument about is it better to display a few a/c nicely or have all of the a/c under cover which aids their long term conservation.. hmm…

personally I like the AAM… its crowded and difficult for photography however I appreciate the chance to wander around and touch (yes sorry I’m a toucher too!) the aeroplanes along with the display fo artifacts at the rear of the building..

I hope I’m among friends here and can also admit to patting my motorbike when I put it away!!

Neil.

it was interesting in the AAIB report that they stated that the aeroplane was actually steered to avoid the bank at the end of the runway which is there to stop any overruns on to the M11.?!. the Pilot also stated that no command to ‘eject’ was given… you aren’t told ‘not’ to eject to avoid possible confusion.. therefore the guy decided to take that action himself.. possibly with good reason, may’ve thourght pilot incapaciated or something.. whatever, its obviously sad and difficult for all those involved..

Neil.

well AGEORGE I’ll deffo go with your choice of malts… as a bitter drinker myself it is a bit of a beer free zone sometimes… although did have a ‘few’ in Stirling one year….

so is it true about the deep fried mars bars/ pizzas/ hamsters that are a staple post pub treat?!!! :p

just a guess but I suspect that there may be a couple of words missing from the airshow publicity blurb… perhaps it should read “last airshow appearance THIS YEAR”….. just a thourght..

the main problem with going up to East Fortune is that they don’t have any decent beer up there !!!! 😀 😀 😀 😀

(ducks to avoid flying can of McEwans)

Elvington doesnt sounds bad… somewhere else I’ve not been..

perhaps it may be easier to set up some informal local meet-ups as well as a ‘biggie’ ??

for instance, if anyone is over this way to visit East Kirkby or Coningsby then they’re welcome to send me a message and I’ll meet them for cuppa tea.. assuming that I’m here and not at work down south..

Neil.

I like the sound of the Coventry idea… a nice casual day out… and Air Atlantique seem to be nutter , sorry I mean enthusiast, friendly…

but as I’ve not been to Cosford that sounds OK too! only it sounds like most of us haven’t been there so we may be doing the ‘oooh–aaar look at that’ bit and missing out on the socialising.. I mean I only won 2 raffle prizes this time.. I’ve got some catching up to do!

seriously though, I’d go with early in the new year as I’m away most of Dec and am saving holiday time and money for then… sorry am I being selfish here! 😀

Neil