Spotter Alert !!

Camouflage has been brush-painted at the front , but sprayed ( as normal) elsewhere. Tsk tsk……

Michael,

Contact Key Publishing, surely they would love to feature this? Flypast sells worldwide.

I would approach National Geographic, it is right up their street, ie strong geographical context, environmental issues, and a compelling human interest aspect.

Really great report and photos – welcome to the forum, Michael.

Its such a sad tale, but very interesting to see how things are now.

To pick up on your point about precedent setting…surely the Canadian Halifax proves what is possible? They are actively seeking a second airframe to build into a taxiable one now.

I was hoping someone might come up with other (better) examples. The Halifax is indeed a fantastic project, and a great example of ‘people power’ . I suppose the main differences with the Wellington fantasy is that they had an airframe to start with, and are not crushed by the need to complete engineering to airworthy standards.

i am trying to think of a precedent, where a non-professional body of volunteers has undertaken the restoration or build of a historic airframe, and the best I can come up with is the now-disbanded Northern Aeroplane Wokshops, who built a Sopwith Triplane, a Bristol MI and a Camel, all flyers

They did outstanding work on aeroplanes that were everything that a Wellington is not, ie wood construction, single engined and simple design.

Everything about the Wellington idea is ludicrous. Even if it were built ( by some miracle) how would it pay its way as an airworthy asset ? Unlike the B.17, it can’t even live outside, and Sally B, a machine with a far higher public profile, struggles to remain airworthy. Airshow bookings alone will barely dent the costs involved.

The best way forward is to channel this enthusiasm into a project which offers the prospect of success and satisfaction, rather than failure and disappointment.

Where would you put a couple of big hangars at Duxford?

The footprint of the blown-up one might be a good start !

WHAT ?? Police brutality !! What about their human rights ? Lets have a £5 million pound enquiry.

‘Trebles all round’ for the Human Rights lawyers.