007 “Quantum of Visitors” – Bond Film Sparks Interest in Legendary Dakota!
The stunning and spectacular aircraft action scenes in the latest Bond film, Quantum of Solace, has sparked a surge of interest in the legendary Douglas Dakota DC3, with visitors clamouring to see inside the Museum’s example of the amazing DC3 aircraft.
As more and more people see this record breaking 007 film, the Museum is expecting this trend to follow over the coming weeks.
The Dakota is open to the public most days and children in particular are fascinated and excited at getting inside and being able to imagine 007 wrestling the controls as the Marchetti fighter tries to shoot it down amongst the mountains of Bolivia.
Over 15,000 examples of this revolutionary 1930’s designed American transport aircraft were built, and over 400 are still flying around the world today.
The Museum’s example entered service with the Royal Air Force in January 1945 and went on to see wartime action in Malaysia, before returning to Europe as a passenger aircraft after the war had ended. From the aircrafts log book, it is estimated that it has spent over 11 years in the air!
Museum Director, Ian Reed, said, “the new 007 film is excellent and the DC3 shows what an amazing aircraft it is. I can understand youngsters (and the not so young) wanting to imagine what it is like inside this exciting old warbird in action, and I’m pleased we can provide the service”.