Open cockpits are a good idea as interactive exhibits, but with certain limits. If it means access steps ect these need to be safe, its not H&S gone made, its common sense. Far easier to use a cockpit section, this can be displayed at a ground level with a simple wooden frame to access the cockpit, the side of the airframe can also be ‘cut out’ to improve access.

Remember seeing a cutaway Catalina at Pensacola Museum. The whole aircraft had been cut down the centerline and all the crew positions and structure could be easily seen. Not sure if its still there ?

The same question could be applied to any aircraft, DC-4 at North Weald. If we can not be bothered to preserved the complete aircraft, which I think we should, then scrap the wings, cut the fuselage down the middle, mound the thing at ground level so the public can sort of ‘walk in’

Also remember a very well prepared Jet Provost at Halton / Cosford tech training school which had most of skin removed revealing the structure, cable runs and engine, very interesting.

OK thanks Tony. Maybe another ‘basic’ question, do all static restorations have hydraulic fluid within their systems ? Never considered this before.

For the interest of a non techie type like me. What is this oil used for ?

Good news that time effort and money are being spent on XM603.
Still find it sad that the Avro Heritage collection has been stuffed in the former fire station buildings when a far better location would have been in one of the disused hangars. Really hope that fundraising and heritage lottery money can provide a roof over XM603 and hopefully other exhibits will follow.

Excellent set of photos Jur. Just as they should be displayed. No clutter, no special effect lighting and no pointless “info” banners hanging from the roof.

“This may sound like heresy but why not return the likes of the CR42, He111 (not a BofB aircraft after all) to their home land?” do not give the CEO any ideas !!!!

With the budget for the redevelopement and the relocation of aircraft I am sure a simple exhibition space could have been erected at at Hendon, adjacent to the the BoB hangar, for the propose of a Hundredth Anniversary display.

Several things, replying to several posts.

The building can hardly be described as a “tribute” its a tin shed, that for the last 20 years or so has had a name, and some dimly lit aircraft in it. Time for change.

If I remember reading correctly the new use for the building will be :-
1) as the main entrance to the whole RAF museum site.
2) as a sort of time line and exhibition space. Hence some design consultant receiving XX million quid. Expect fancy lights and talking heads.
3) as an education space, something to do schools science and engineering ? We might not like it but guess it brings in extra funding.
4) all this is for 1st April 2018, so they better get moving.
5) question is what happens in 2019 ? Expect the ‘management’ rubbing their hands over the prospect of a big open venue for quilt show ect.

I am more concerned by the removal of aircraft from Hendon to Cosford. We can all have our favourite aircraft but to move signification types from the Hendon, where the vast majority of international visitors go, to the Midlands, is unfair. The Defiant is the sole survivor of type and deserves to be at Hendon as it is a RAF aircraft. As with most collections we can not show them all, and some of the German types may well be better displayed at Cosford, or indeed the IWM Duxford. Reports by the new CEO early this year indicated that some exhibits could be loaned out, the Typhoon has already gone to Canada, how long before the Gladiator goes to Belguim, or the Me109G goes to Germany. Losing these, all be it temporarily should be of more concern than the name of the tin shed they live in.