Nice first post.

Hello mjr and welcome to the Forum… im glad my post prompted you to reply

Firstly i must point out to you that i don’t like the way that the Shackleton has been left, however thats great news if there is a team of DAS volunteers starting work!

My post which you quoted wasn’t intended to rubbish Gatwick i was just tying to put across a balanced argument as to why the Shackleton has been left… I was hoping that someone from DX would back me up at this point however…:rolleyes: I don’t have the answers but i have mailed DX.

Does anyone on this forum know the ratio of volunteers to airframes at DX?

Ive not been to Gatwick yet however i have relatives who live nearby so a visit is on the agenda for next year… if you’ll have me! 😉

Anywho… Warbird UK, thats a superb idea however… Im pretty sure DX will ask you to become a DAS member first. Many reasons as to why but the main ones are Insurance related and all DAS members undergo police checks/Induction days etc… However with a bit of clout from ‘Flypast’ you never know…

I do hope that no one feels that my posts on this matter have been aggressive or distasteful, im just simply trying to look at the situation from another perspective not just my own… i think they might call it ‘Playing Devils Advocate’ !

Regards

Choice?

Take an airframe on knowing that it goes to the bottom of the agenda…

or let the scrap man have it?

We’d be up in arms if it come to light that DX turned down an airframe which then went to the scrapman.

anyway its a tough one :confused:

ive sent an email to DX lets hope they can give us an update on the old girl…

Agree to Disagree!!!

I think i may be misunderstood here?

Im not defending the fact that the Shackleton is being left to rot.

Im trying to empathise with IWM. I don’t imagine they have unlimited resource.

AMM was a project supported by many organisations (mostly American) so for it to be open in time American airframes were restored first. Didn’t see too many British companies up for a similar project. Until now that is once they have seen what a superb showcase AAM is!

Bush and Blair have got nothing to do with it!

As for ‘dumping airframes over the fence’ sometimes an airframe comes along and long term there is a place for it but you need to take it now or never.

Is there a budget to employ more skilled engineers? I doubt it?

I’m going to send an e mail to DX and ask for there comments on the Shackleton? That should answer some of our concerns.

😉

David Burke, i know what you mean but i’d imagine its difficult to prioritise. with the AAM project having taken up most of there resource during the 90’s. I just wonder what commercial pressures IWM Duxford are under??

Warbird UK, Would straightening the prop make a great deal of difference given its current condition? (How easy is it to straigten a prop???) perhaps its easier to wait until theyve got there hands on it. i havent asked anyone at Duxford but id imagine if the airframe has no future then i doubt they would just let it sit and rot? maybe???

As for still collecting airframes, id imagine that some of IWM’s aquisitions come out of the blue and IWM don’t proactivly look for some types. again i don’t know the answer just trying to look at the scenario from IWM’s point of view.

My understanding is that care and maint of aircraft is mainly carried out by DAS volunteers with a small team of full time engineers?
I suppose Robbo’s thoughts on this one hit the mark, Join the DAS! (Granted thats easier said than done!)

All in all i agree that the Shackelton scenario is frustrating, however im not sure that IWM are to blame????

First Light

Daz looks good, i havent read a book for about 2 years the last one i read was ‘Onward To Malta’ by Wing Com. T F Neil i read it whilst on Holiday in Malta!!

Can’t wait to get stuck into Secret Weapons! After a few games of FIFA 2004!

Chad!

i know what you mean but the best way to commemorate those lost is to keep going, then they are never forgotten.

Keep the faith,:)

?

The wall ? :confused: 😉

Catering!

No hot food, just a selection of sarnies and cakes, although you do sit on a nice balcony where you can look at the exhibits.

I agree though, the main restaurant is horrendous! I can accept paying over the odds for food if its well prepared and has some taste !

Must try the grass next time 😀