Looks like XS885 formerly of Predannack https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/registration/XS885 doesn’t look like the past few years has been kind to it.
Rob

Looks like Miles Martinets and Spitfire FRXIV TZ198. Martinets are coded ‘OK’ but that doesn’t tie up with things on the net. The Spit served in RAF Germany post war and that looks right for the hangar. Very interesting photo, thanks for posting.

Edit code is actually QK so 25 Arment Practice Squadron Westerland, Germany

That one passed me by, how much actually was left? Would be great to see it in the scheme in the link.
Rob

It is a real can of worms but worthwhile. Trouble is ,unlike the classic car world, enthuiasts never get to see these aircraft close up with panels off to really see what is underneath. If this did happen most of us wouldn’t have a clue anyway. Thing is pretty much every flying warbird is not original. The problem with such a system would be for aircraft that have been flying for a long time, and changed hands many times, know how much original is left.
I have always wondered if you purchased a Spitfire, or P-51 etc, that has been preserved from end of service and was 100% complete, how much would be discarded to bring it to flying condition? What would the warbird world be like if the CAA/FAA dealt with the reality and allowed short run production to order by approved organisations with the need for a data plate? That is 100% as the originals were not like the FW190/Me262 production.

The B170 coming to Filton is one of the most exciting pieces of news for years, but I am a prop liner nut! Going back to the Belfast has the axe actually fallen, any photos? The belfast was always a nice aircraft. So few were built and their military careers so short compared with their Transport Command stablemates. Plus they are pretty much the biggest UK built aircraft that you could preserve and would take a lot of effort.

Or how about a Spitfire / 109 dogfight for only £12,240.00. Hangar tour included!

Only if…
a. I win the lottery
b. I can make dak,adak,adak,adak noises at the 109
c.they can take me from ‘spring chicken to ****ehawk in one easy lesson’!:highly_amused:…..

I was lucky to go on one of their weekday open days a good few years ago: cracking collection and no-one around. Of course back in the day we were up there a great deal when the warbirds displays, Air Britain fly-ins, Sothebys auction etc were on. Favourite memory was sitting on the grass as BAe’s Mosquito taxied past, with its wingtip above our heads.

What happened? Did we live through a golden era and only just realize it?

Wroughton was run by John Bagley, a real enthusiast. He retired and the incoming management did not share his interest, sadly. Then came along the H&S culture giving the museum a good excuse not to open anymore.

Going back to the original request there is also the jet age museum at Staverton that is worth a visit.

Tony I’m staying in Wroughton but was told the SM collection is closed until March. So I have an invite there later in the year.

Is anything visible outside ?

Is that march 2045? Has anybody actually set foot in the hangars in the last 15 years? Wroughton has to be the most inaccessible, publicly funded, museum in the world!