Another aspect is computers in the aircraft industry.
C. 1965 during my apprenticeship at Dunlop (in the era of angliscising the F-4) computers were being tried out for machining operations on auto-lathes, milling machines, etc. There was a (large) air-controlled computer room with restricted access and approved personnel wore white smocks/hats.

Roger Smith.

Roger, off topic I know but you weren’t allowed near the compounding control room at the ‘Fort’ were you?

The early 1960s saw the introduction of ‘solid-state control systems’ called Select-O-Weigh blending systems from Howe Richardson Scale [later Chronos Richardson]. I’ve written countless articles about them and the weighing systems they controlled.

I believe the Autosport Division may still operate the later incarnations – happy hours videoing these at the ‘Fort’, but I always hated the smell!!

More reminiscences next time we meet.

I wonder if somewhere like the Newark air museum would like to take it on.. and maybe display her next to the Gannet AEW3 (XP226 i think!) that they already have on superb display.. Or for that matter anywhere that could give it permanent cover.

Whilst you might justify it with the naval connection, which I believe is a ‘sub-theme’ of their Collection & Disposals Policy – what would you take out of their Hangar 2? 😮

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/aircraftlist.htm

Semantics I know, but ‘Accreditation’ only replaced ‘Registration’ very recently and now there are far more onerous collection and disposal criteria guidelines.

Sadly I don’t see it as a game; only a sad loss to aviation preservation and its reputation 🙁 ; but we’ll obviously all have to differ in our views.

… The Charity Commissioners (in cases of Charitable Trusts) are just a paper tiger, as are organisations like the BAPC or Museums & Galleries Commission.

Forgive my cynicism, if you will. It comes through years of experience. Bad experience!

I do understand your view point, but from your comment I would respectfully suggest that you’ve obviously never been through a Charity Commission investigation.

Before you ask I have; successfully helping to overcome a couple of malicious and unfounded complaints about choices made in good faith and with external advice. Those original choices are, even now being recognised as being truly in the best long-term interest of the museum where I volunteer.

That investigation was about 8 years ago; it was onerous and potentially held many personal implications for those involved. Yet we still don’t know for sure who made the un-proven allegations.

I reiterate the point – “to make any agreement work there has to be co-operation and goodwill on both sides – that isn’t getting at anyone but merely an observation”.

Perhaps there needs to be a rule that the description ‘Museum’ can only be used by those organisations that hold ‘Registered’ or ‘Accredited ‘ status.

When you actually check it’s surprising how many ‘museums’ don’t have such status, but even then some might not pursue best practice all of the time! 🙁

‘Area 51’ and UAVs…. I thought that Lincolnshire had already got this covered!

😮 RAF Waddington 😀

The following company have done many moves for Newark and also for other museums / aircraft purchasers; they will also try to arrange a move as a ‘return’.

Hutchinson Engineering Services
Old North Road
Weston
Newark
NG23 6SY
Notts

Tel: 01636 821648
Fax: 01636 821354