I agree up to a point in that there should be a clear collecting policy, however I think unfortunately the viewing public are increasingly becoming more sophisticated and want ever changing exhibits.

Absolutely true, but who are we to deny future generations our own past. A lot of people have this notion that museums are there to entertain, and that we measure their success through increase visitor numbers. The logic behind this is that in order to increase visitor numbers we create an attraction which will appeal to the masses – even if a few unsightly and not that important (in the eyes of many, but not all) airframes get scrapped.

I don’t know of any other sector of our heritage, were an exhibit can be cast aside because it’s not in vogue. In truth our museums are tasked with protecting for future generations our past – the good, the bad, the ugly and the oversized. It matters not if the VC10 or Boeing 707 are dismantled and hidden away (most museums store more exhibits than they put on display) as long as they are preserved for future generations. The new museum at Cosford will succeed in protecting part of our heritage, but it will also fail other airframes that (if true) might be scrapped, all because they are in the way and might distract from Cosford’s new glossy imagine.

I thought we’ve learnt from past mistakes. Because of mistakes made by many there are numerous aircraft – some historic and other innovative – that I’m denied. I honestly think that the funding and the HLF should be approached in a different manner. Its should be easier for museums and individuals to secure funding – not just for the capitol projects, but also for moving airframes and for restoring individual airframes. I don’t know of a single aircraft restoration that’s been funded by the HLF (other than those earmarked for AirSpace or Cosford)?

Just out of interest, how much did these aircraft sell for?

2. Hollywood has absolutely no involvement at all

For years I’ve harboured the idea of producing a 12 part documentary series on British Aviation – the best bit being I’d exclude totally any mention of the Americans – pure bliss.

Check Out http://www.abc.se/~m10354/mar/sidescan.htm and http://www.marinesonic.com/SonarImages/pb4y.html

There’s a Halifax in a lake near Berlin – complete with bomb load and the crew survived. There is also a MkV Halifax buried in the UK. The pilot retracted the U/C too soon and he skidded along the runway before ending up in a field. The aircraft had just been serviced. I understand they stripped it clean then dumped it into a pit (made when they were filling sandbags). It was later buried. Now the chap who told me this is well known to a lot of people and he isn’t the kind of person who would I believe spread such rumours (I Hope). He won’t tell me where the aircraft is buried, but the site has not been built upon and during the war the airfield was used to refurbish Halifax aircraft.

Regarding those aircraft which ditched. We know roughly where hundreds ditch (through ORBs). We also know which areas are more likely to keep an aircraft intact. Survey work is expensive, but if you just sonar scan, you’d know through searching this way, which sites were prime for further investigating (ROV or divers). The problem is in securing a really good scanner.

You know, what really pisses me off. Assholes who win the lottery (or those who don’t claim their winnings). Not one lottery winner I know has a keen interest in our aerodrome or aviation heritage. As some of you know I’m keen to see former RAF Driffield preserved and guest who won £18m last year on the lottery – some TESCO workers from Driffield. I bought my last lottery ticket on New Year’s Eve. You can tell I’m bitter.

AND ANOTHER THING…

Oh, I got distracted – where was I????

Hello

does anyone have a contact email address or URL for:

Tex LaVallee/LaVallee Cultural & Aeronautical Collection, St. Chrysostome, Quebec, Canada?

Cheers

Check out http://www.driffieldaerodrome.co.uk/heritage/english-heritage-pages/english-heritage01.htm (Part of my website), which details all those buildings which are now listed and also my concerns for the future of those that are not.