Ian Thirsk has recently sent round clarification that this is just the first round of airframes being considered for disposal along with engines. I suspect that some of this is a paper exercise, ie donating airframes to Museums which have had items on loan for many years (ie Hafner Rotachute to MAF).
Some it seems to me are fair duplications – having two Avro 707s on books probably not required, or multiple Hunters. I imagine the choppers may well find a home at IHM. Further, some arent that relevant – such as the DH60 which hopefully will find a home at DHM. Some duplications may raise eyebrows that for example that they are disposing of the bitsa P-51 – well they have two – both D models. Also the 190s – the obvious thing would be to keep the rarer twin tub but I know not which is in better order or most original.
I dont understand the logic of disposing of the Auster, and especially the Mitchell (which would be a pain to remove – I would have thought the B-17 was less relevant!) – surely the Comet and Miles Mohawk are less relevant to the RAF. Further, the Cornell needs a full resto – I would get rid of the Ventura which also needs work – they have a Hudson on display. The Tabloid would find a perfect home at Solent Sky given its Schneider links
I guess its easy to pro and con each airframe but some, in my opinion, disposals make sense- it is after all the RAF Museum and is trying to be more focussed.
TT
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