I love this time of year at Duxford, lots going on, lots to see, if you are lucky its almost a free airshow if you catch a few air tests etc – am loving the shot with the Spitfire in the loop – lovely…..
I believe the new engine on ‘Sally B’ will be running in the morning on Sunday, presuming all went well today:D
Brian
Taken at Church Fenton many years ago

Just got back from a visit to Duxford and she is sitting outside as per last year, with only 3 engines. Post pictures later.
Brian
Is the Omani’s use of the type particularily historic
Very quick Google.
RAFO formed March 1959 – First 2 aircraft – Scottish Aviation Pioneer, transfered from RAF.
I think that could be classed as historic use of said aircraft
Brian
Nice set of photos Brian.
Have the RAFM now dropped their request that photos taken in the Beetham Conservation Centre are for ‘private’ use only?? IIRC other Forum members have refrained from posting.
Roger Smith.
There were notices up saying photographs were not to be sold on for commercial use but no mention of any restriction on posting on forums.
Brian
My brother went flying in Chipmunk WD390 on Sunday
http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7918
Brian
There is an article in the Mail on Sunday Magazine on SM520 with a piece of video at the end. Not sure about the music played or the relevance of the b&w footage.
Brian
Noooooo, oh well better luck next time! 😀
My brother photographed it, I was waiting for the heavy stuff to come out:D
Brian
This is all very well Brian – but where is the Chipmunk photo’s!!?? :D:D
I was sitting in my brothers car when it flew in 😀
Brian
From RAFM Web Site
Renovation of Iconic Exhibition Hall Announced.
As part of an ongoing programme of continuous investment in its Estate the Royal Air Force Museum London is proud to announce the start of a major refurbishment of its Battle of Britain Hall, from Monday 16th March. Works will include a new energy efficient lighting system donated to the Museum by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, and a complete re-cladding of the building funded by the Ministry of Defence.
Mike Gell, Building and Services Manager for the Museum, said of the work:
“I am very pleased that we have the opportunity to undertake these works. Not only will they enhance the appearance and prolong the life of a building that houses so many historic aircraft from this period of our history but they will also improve the visitor experience by utilising the latest developments in LED lighting to bring the very successful “Our Finest Hour” exhibition and cinematic experience to life.”
This new form of energy saving lighting can change colour and light intensity whilst still being cheaper to run and as it is kinder to the exhibits because it doesn’t give out any UV light we will be able to increase the light intensity between each show.”
Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire, said: “We are delighted to have been able to fund this lighting upgrade. The Charitable Trust aims to support the work of RAF charities and the Museum is a great tool to promote the Service and its exciting history to a wide range of people, young and old.”
During the course of this work the Battle of Britain Hall will be open to the public although sections will be closed off in areas where work is taking place.
Between 16th March and 15th May the Battle of Britain Maze and Our Finest Hour, the Hall’s sound and light show, will be closed to the public whilst the Sunderland Hall will remain open. The Sunderland Hall will then close from 18th May to 12th June and the Battle of Britain Maze and Our Finest Hour will reopen. Whilst this work takes place the Museum will open the Grahame White Factory from 10am to 6pm each day.
During the course of the Easter Holidays, 8th April to 15th April, the entire Hall will be open to the public and the Grahame Factory will revert to its normal opening hours of 10am to 12noon.
Work on the Battle of Britain Hall is scheduled for completion by 24th July.
Brian
The one date I’ve seen for G-AMHY is 1974 but have come across nothing yet to confirm it. Don’t have any date for G-AMHZ, but still looking. 😀
Brian
Collecting info on the Marathon for scale drawings and what I have on the 2 aircraft are
G-AMHY registered Handley Page (Reading) 02/03/51 – Ministry of Supply 04/12/51, RAF Serial XA277 but not taken up. Registered again to Handley Page(Reading) Ltd 03/03/54 – sale to Far East Airlines 21/07/54 as JA6009 – scrapped Nagoya
G-AMHZ registered Handley Page (Reading) 02/03/51- Ministry of Supply 04/12/51, given RAF serial XA278 but not taken up. – sale to Far East Airlines 05/08/54 as JA6010 – scrapped Minamitama-Gun
Brian
Cheers gents, I’ll see what they say.
Brian
Before I plan a visit, I’m sure I read last year that the museum was closing at some point for refurbishment.
Any one know if that is still on and when please?.
Brian
ABSOLUTELY NO PERSONAL CALLERS PLEASE, YOU CAN NOT BE GIVEN / SHOWN / OR PHOTOGRAPH ANYTHING AT PRESENT
That rings bells for me.
May be wrong in my assumption but they are quite happy to take money off you for brochures and shares but you can’t see the actual aircraft. Which aircraft?
Brian