What a pitty. In my eyes the 310 is the best looking twin ever. With that long nose wheel oleo it does look a bit like an F7 Tigercat, if you close your eyes and stand back 5 miles!!:D

When it retires G-HLFT could still make it into a museum, so what exactly have we lost?

OK fine… Lets go down the “we’ll just save one and hope for the best” road. Do you really think if 30 years ago we had just kept one Beverley, say the “safe” example at Hendon, that it would still be here today. I doubt it!
And now the low timed almost airworthy Guppy at Bournemouth is being scrapped.. But never mind aye, because surely one of the other two examples will be preserved, won’t they….?

We are all entitled to our own opinions on preservation but i personally would like my kids, and in time grandchildren to still be able to see at least one example of most if not all types of aircraft, especially those that have a connection with Britain. And in MY opinion the best way for that to happen is NOT preserving just one example now and hoping for the best.
If those in authority had done more in the past we would’nt be scratching around now trying to resurrect complete examples of the Stirling, Whitley, Whirlwind, Wyvern, Firebrand, Hermes, Tudor, …. the list is endless.

And why does a type need to be significant to be worthy of preservation? What of the test pilots and crews who sacrificed all for the development of aviation…. do they not deserve to be remembered as well?
Contrary to some peoples beliefs, aviation does not just revolve around Spitfires and Concorde!

I don’t think it is a case of being complacent…..just realistic.

Remember, the owners are not just scrapping this aircraft, they are recovering spares first. These will certainly include the engines and propellers, possibly the tyres, wheels, brakes, instruments and so on. Which museum do you suggest would want what is left?

That brings us right back to my first point. “IF” the IWM turned this down when offered the chance of it complete and flying in, then we would’nt have to worry about anyone ‘wanting what is left’.

I do fear the worst for large aircraft when there are only a few left, because once they’re gone, they’re gone! BE WARNED!:(

Surely the sodding great flame and much extra thrust makes a bit of a difference!

Now come on Pagen, don’t be shy and say what you think..:D

It is sad to report that the scrapping of BEPS is now reported to be underway at Southend. she last flew from Manston to Southend on 30/03/01 a great deal of effot was made to get her back in the air sadly its looking like that dream will not now happen.

If this is true and ‘IF’ its also true that Duxford were offered this aircraft to fly in and turned it down then the IWM should hang its head in shame. Having just one example of an aircraft preserved (nee Blackburn Beverley) is just tempting fate.
Now that air and space is a reality there is easily enough ramp space for a Belfast, but then its not a Spitfire, is it IWM!!:eek:mad: