Rather than debate the issue endlessly, can someone here please post the relevant contact details so that some of us can perhaps start doing something constructive to try to save them?
If enough people get behind the issue and push BA (and perhaps RAFM too) to spend a few pounds on them then maybe they can be saved, at least for a few more years?
But three points are worth considering – as has been pointed out:
1.UK climate does not help preservation of exposed airframes of any size.
2. The cost of bringing large aircraft indoors is huge, esp. if it means a new building.
3. Commercial airliners are probably not as appealing to the average man on the street as are noisy/macho fighters, bombers etc
So, no simple solution, but perhaps lessons to be learned on thinking ahead before “donating” such large (and unique) exhibits. Was Cosford the best location to send them too in the first place, or perhaps someone should have looked further ahead and done some “What if? s”
– What will happen to them if (when :diablo: )BA decide not to fund their care & maintenance?
– What will happen if Cosford want the space for new buildings?
– What will happen if the airframes stay outside?
– What if RAFM has no funds to care for them?
I know hindsight is wonderful (and the older we get the more of it we have 😮 ) but rather than simply bemoan their possible imminent fate, is it not time to learn from another (potential) mistake, and avoid it being repeated when the next large airfrmae is up for donation or aquisition.
In the longer term what will become of the Science Museum collection at Wroughton – will the Connie remain there forever, out of sight (and thus out of mind) to most average UK punters. Will Wroughton remain forever as a closed airfield on which Science museum can “lodge” artifacts that will never squeeze into South kensington, or will it one day be seen as a site of prime re-development potential, think how many houses or out-of-town superstores could be built there :dev2: ?
So, if someone here can post the relevant contacts I am happy to “waste” a few pence on letters or emails to BA (and RAFM) in hope of preserving the BA Collection a little longer, though I guess deep down I know that bulldozer awaits them. One letter will have little effect, but if we all stop whinging, and get off our backsdies then who knows what we might achieve – as someone implies in an earlier post on this thread:
“If we do “s*d all” now except moan amongst ourselves we can’t complain about their loss once they have gone for good”.
Paul F (pen poised to put to paper)
Editted to improve spelling – PF
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