A good question Andy that I have wondered myself.

In fact, I’ve often wondered why old skins of restored aircraft are not cut up and sold for profit.

I think the answer is that no one has bothered to administer such an enterprising idea. However, Shuttleworth did when they recovered their DH88 Comet racer, G-ACSS, and sold off various sizes of painted fabric when they recovered it. I am the proud owner of a piece. Maybe not original 1930s fabric, but at least it’s from the Comet and the money went towards the aircraft’s restoration.

Can anybody think of a single aviation-based commercial museum operation anywhere in the world?

Perhaps this one?

http://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/SMDWebsite/Museums/Al_Mahatta_Museum.aspx

The ‘Concorde on the Thames’ idea has got to be a better option than mouldering away at Heathrow for another ten years, particularly as part of a ‘Best of British’ (evolving?) exhibition, which could be a real draw.
Two concerns from me, apart from the obvious one already pointed out, of a Salt Water environment, would be;
a) Location: This is an area already SATURATED with attractions; ie London Eye/Aquarium, HMS Belfast, London Dungeon, Britain At War, Tate Modern, 02 etc; the list goes on and on! Are’nt they all competing for the same ‘tourist
dollar’ or do these people have bottomless pockets in these difficult times?
b) Cost: How do you pitch the entry price at a level that will attract tourists in such a competitive environment? Business Plan anybody? hmm.
Would’nt part of the ‘Exel Centre’ (under cover) be a better option?; plenty of exhibition space/restaurants and a link to DLR/Crossrail (2015). If you really want ‘Ark Royal’ (my preferred option would be ‘Invincible’ with a Falklands display) moor it alongside.

Well said Ian! I wonder if those that are planning this are liaising with the owners of the Concorde in New York that sits on a barge on the water alongside USS Intrepid. Would be interested to know if corrosion is setting in on that one and how it is being preserved.

If Manchester Airport can have an Aviation Park with preserved airliners, then isn’t it time Heathrow had the same? This Concorde would be far better kept there and forming the centre attraction at an Aviation Enthusiasts and Visitors Centre, situated somewhere near Hatton Cross when visitors and enthusiasts can take photos on the approach, without having to find spots around the perimeter or annoy the residents of Myrtle Avenue. With a restaurant, gift shop and toilets, I’m sure this would be a good money-spinner for BA and BAA alike.

Good grief – I never knew this one was put on the civilian register, let alone superbly restored and civilianised! When were the extra windows fitted, as G-BUCJ or by ARCO recently? Anyone know what’s going to happen to her, as it doesn’t exactly fit in with the rest of Duxford’s machines? Wouldn’t mind betting it has been refurbished for sale.

Now I’m wanting to focus on another Meteor variant: the NF.13; which, I know, served with just two RAF Squadrons: nos 39 and 219.

Don’t forget WM367 that served with A&AEE at Boscombe Down. It was in the static park at Abingdon in June ’68 for the RAF’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. Then there were the foreign operators, such as the French and Israeli Air Forces.

Don’t know how sharp the original print is, but have a look at that motorway and see if the traffic is driving on the left or the right? Just a thought re the UK v. Europe debate. Because of the field pattern I feel it may be over France or Germany. The 66 TRW moved from Laon, France to Upper Heyford in 1966 and at that time some of their RF-101Cs were camouflaged and some were still silver. I would assume that when they received their first camo machines (in France) they sought an opportunity to take some air-to-air shots to assess the camo and also for PR purposes. Having a few official 66 TRW PR photos in my archives,I don’t recall them taking more air-to-air official photos after they got to Heyford, but I may be wrong.

Very good Deano. What type were these taken from?