The thought of destroying this priceless artifact to make another airworthy P-40 turns my stomach. This may be the only 100% original RAF WW2 aircraft in existence. This is as it was in 1942, there is no other RAF aircraft that can boast that. I think we all understand Egypt can be a place of murky deals but there can only be two claims of title to this. Firstly it is still a RAF aircraft and of course the other is the Egyptian Government. It would therefore seem logical that the RAFM traded a Spitfire for the recovery of one of their own aircraft not expecting a counter claim, but only time will tell?

Also remember that pre mid 50’s photography was banned at all RAF shows! The RN and USAF were much more relaxed about this.
Rob

Good to see this happening , a big step towards a secure future hopefully. I assume the shack will be remaining outside due to its size?
Rob

I am glad to see somebody is researching the many spits built in my former home town. My day just about remembers seeing then on lorries in his childhood. One of my long departed uncles worked in the Vincents garage production line, I believe he worked on wing production? I assume you have been in contact with the Museum of Berkshire aviation? I wonder if the Southampton Hall of Aviation have any of the V-S archives?
Good luck.
Rob

I actually see this as a opportunity. I attended most of the 90’s and 2000’s , a couple of Halton events, and 2014. The previous rallys had good aircraft attendance but those of us non-members paying to get in seemed to feel like 3rd class citizens. I was glad of the access in 2014, it was long overdue. There are plenty of airfields who would probably host the rally for free as long as the rally people organized everything? This would cut costs dramatically and could result in a much more open event if the organizers wished? Although, based on the Halton events, members may not be that keen to bring their aircraft?

Great shots Mark12, what no Spit LOL. Lovely Stinson inside, B-23 and Cat look in great condition, DC-6 makes me drool!
Rob

North weald have tweeted that the DC-4 cockpit left the airfield today, presumably the rest has been scrapped?

😀 Too busy ‘planning’ at the moment for a detailed response, however!

Museum Accreditation requires a minimum of a Five Year Forward Plan to be in place; longer if possible.

NAM will shortly start planning ahead for the next 20 years – bizarrely just noticed it’s on an Agenda for next week!

Purely out of curiosity farnboroughrob, which out of Lynx, Gazelle, Sea King, Harrier GR9, Tornado F3 would you like to see in preservation?

I would like to see the harrier GR9 but that is obviously not very practical! Failing that the Tornado F3 would be my pick. Living down south the helicopters have always been around but have never seen enough Tonkas, and the F3 was pretty rare in the air at shows.
I think its just sad the way MoD now dispose of their ‘assets’ would be nice if at least a few from each type were gifted to the likes of Newark, MAM, NEAM, Aeroventure etc. Lets face it £30k for a airframe is peanuts to the MoD but a fortune to a museum.