As usual, a good post Dave.
We have been involved over many years with the implementation of radiation regs.
At first everyone got upset and stamped feet (a bit like this thread has shown!). Indeed it upset lots of people and is emotive.
I do not acquire pre-1952 (or thereabouts) instruments anymore as I wish to display them in my cockpits. The fact is that there would be no additional risk if I collected stamps, but there is from instruments.

The threats and risks are known. Legislation is in place. What needs sorting out is meaningful and practical guidelines to prevent scaremongering and people disposing of old instruments in a foolish and irresponsible way.

It should be noted that (at the moment) most of the regs etc only apply to museums, business etc and not private individuals.

I hope the BAPC is now taking an active role in helping small museums cope with this matter.

Regarding sales at jumbles, I walk a mile from instruments without glass faces.

Back to the thread in hand please chaps!!

Fact: The Lightning (or at least a big part of it could be saved) given the will and way.

Fact: I would save it if I could, but cannot due to my other projects and limited resources.

Fact: If I chose to save it, I wouldn’t give a tinker’s cuss what anyone thought! ISTR that me choosing to save a Pucara cockpit came in for some ridicule and various armchair enthusiasts saying that I should have placed my money elsewhere…..do I care? Nope. Do I choose to dare to suggest that people stop buying models and sink money into real aeroplanes? Or stop taking photos as there are better toggys out there? Nope, I do not.

Fact: the hobby of aircraft preservation and history encompasses all from the armchair critics, modellers, toggies to the go getters and restorers. It is not up to me, or anyone else to ridicule anyone on this forum’s views or efforts in this fantastic hobby.

Be happy, chill, have another bud, spit ale or whatever floats your boat. 🙂

Many thanks for the assistance, both. Good point about the Bowden cable guide, I’ve spotted damage to one I’ve looked at and wondered why it was that way. The early version would be preferable but finding one is as you say, not easy. Thanks for the pointers on the brake lever too, I may just be in touch re the catch later in the year!

feel free old chap, spade grips are my favourite subject

Good luck old chap!

I’ve been, albeit a few years ago and I thought it was superb although a bit “chaotic”. I dare say it’s more organised now. Loads of recovered items – engines, turrets etc. plus a few airframes/cockpit sections. I’ll dig out some pics if you’re interested.

I need to go there this year, they have a few lumps of my stuff on show including a replica 500lb bomb from the Memphis Belle film. They have an outstation display at the delightful Newhaven Fort, well worth a visit Ashley.
Regards
Tony

The best thread on the forum. But I still don’t understand how the scrap business works. E.g. what was the point of having Typhoon elevators or Bristol Hercules cowlings knocking about in your scrapyard for 50 years? :confused:

A mix of steel and mag alloy and too much effort to scrapfor the money

Ask the ICC old chap they may be able to help