For those interested there’s an excellent thread on the PPRuNe forum discussing the Belfast, including a lovely pic of when they managed to get all ten aircraft, the entire production run, in the air at once in staggered formation (how many other aircraft types can claim such a feat i wonder?).
Also has an explanation for the Belfast’s early “Belslow” nickname and how modifications helped resolve its lack of performance.

http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/483264-short-belfast-why-3.html#post7448878

Rob

Wyvern

Outer airbrake release mechanism (incorporating a Mk.1A bomb release) from one of the airbrakes that was mounted in the top surface of both outer wings.
This one is labelled as coming from VZ777 and was quite possibly removed sometime during its use as an instructional airframe at RNAS Bramcote. According to the book ‘Fleet Air Arm Fixed Wing Aircraft Since 1946’, VZ777 was used entirely as a trials and evaluation airframe (it was the first S.4 to land on HMS Eagle and also made the first mirror deck landing on HMS Illustrious). It finally arrived at Bramcote by road on the 11th September 1957 – but was broken up there during March 1959 after some eighteen months of use.

Rob

Thanks everyone who replied.

Rob

No worries DR, it was a brilliant day for the museum with around 200 visitors and some much needed funds going into the coffers. With so many kind comments and words of encouragement it just showed how keen people are for us to continue, and also the potential we have if we can just find a bigger more permanent home 🙂

A few pics of just some of todays exhibits both inside and out, with a big thank you to all those who travelled to us.. both near and far.

Rob

Hope to see you there DR. We would appreciate as much support as possible today at Bottisham, and the sun is out here too 🙂

Rob