Category: UK Aviation Museum News

Model show set to be a scorcher

RAF Cosford Vulcan Bomber model

20th and 21st July 2013

Gates open 8.30am

With the hot sunny weather looking set to continue into the weekend, organisers of the Large Model Aircraft Rally at Cosford are busy preparing for a scorcher of a show. The event which attracts in excess of 10,000 visitors each year is likely to see numbers soar as modellers and aviation fans from across the country enjoy the sunshine at this air show in miniature.

Taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 20th and 21st July, there is plenty for visitors to sit back and enjoy. The show is jam packed with two full days of flying and will see huge models of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft performing for the crowds over the airfield. Other activities keeping the whole family entertained include a children’s entertainment area and a wide range of trade stalls, selling all the essential modelling equipment you could ever need, plus lots of non-modelling related items.

With temperatures remaining in the high 20’s, organisers are advising visitors to come prepared for the hot weather with plenty of sunscreen and hats. Or why not cool down with an ice cream or a refreshing drink from one of the many on site caterers. For anyone wishing to take a break out of the sunshine, why not peruse the award winning RAF Museum where you can see many of the aircraft on which the models are based. Plus, visitors will have the chance to view the last surviving Dornier 17 recently salvaged from the bottom of the English Channel.

Dave Johnson, Event Organiser says:

“As show organiser, I would like to extend a warm welcome to visitors at this year’s event which is sure to be our biggest model air show ever. We have aircraft, some MEGA LARGE in excess of 20ft including a 1/5th scale Vulcan bomber, plus models coming from as far afield as Germany. With all the other attractions and the great weather forecast, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend.”

For anyone looking to take full advantage of the sunshine, camping slots are available for the weekend, giving you full access to all the weekends action and the opportunity to enjoy a warm summers evening at the RAF Museum, exclusively for this event. On site camping including entrance to the show is only £45.00 for the weekend. Contact Dave Bailey for more details on camping at dave.bailey08@tiscali.co.uk or call 07827 675665.

Tickets on the gate cost just £10 per adult and £8 per senior citizen. This time for the first year, children under the age of 16 are FREE, making this the perfect affordable summer’s day out for the whole family. Gates open at 8.30am and flying starts a 9.00am. Unfortunately, free admission to the Museum is not possible this weekend.

For further information about the show and for on the gate prices, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

Models of cancelled concept aircraft now on display

RAF Museum Concept Models display

Now on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is a collection of original aircraft concept models designed by some of Britain’s biggest aircraft manufacturers during the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. These pioneering designs never made it off the drawing boards. Visitors to the Museum will now have the chance to see some of the revolutionary ideas up close, as they go on display in the Museum’s Test Flight Hangar.

The collection brings together ten original pieces of aircraft design, including one by Barnes Wallis creator of the Wellington Bomber and the famous bouncing bomb used during the Dambusters Raid. Wallis’ design for Vickers known as the Type 010 or ‘Swallow’ was one of the more unusual projects of the 1950’s. This large swing-wing aircraft was designed with the ability to travel at both supersonic and subsonic speeds whilst the engines could rotate and tilt, acting as control surfaces. The proposals were not seen as practical by Government officials although the Air Staff seemed interested and despite Wallis’ best efforts, the Swallow was cancelled in 1957.

Many of the designs were far in advance of their time and only a few made it into construction before later being cancelled by the Government. Those which never made it any further than design concept were ambitious and many had their setbacks, as was the case with the Supermarine Type 559. This interceptor featured two de Havilland Gyron engines with afterburners and two de Havilland Spectre Junior rocket engines, whilst its design featured a Canard layout where the tail-wing was moved to the front resulting in fins being placed on the main wing tips. It would have been a fully integrated weapons system, with technologies beyond its years had it made it into service.

RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Nick Sturgess said:

“The models demonstrate the forward thinking of British aircraft designers during the 1950’s and 60’s, when Britain was at its peak of the aviation industry. There are some ambitious ideas and many of the designs are very futuristic looking, even by today’s standards. Some of the models look like they could be out of a science fiction movie and no doubt, ideas like this would have inspired the likes of Gerry Anderson.”

These new additions to the Test Flight Hangar gives the Museum the chance to bring from storage some items relating to aircraft designs held in the Museum collection. Models range in size from 2ft to 4ft and are made from, wood, plastic and metal, each with their own caption boards detailing the design concept and the expected results.

Other models on display include: The Bristol Type 204 – a state of the art bomber; the Bristol Type 178 – a rocket fighter designed to intercept high flying, supersonic bombers; the English Electric P.10 – a high speed reconnaissance aircraft that would have spied on targets before and after a V-Bomber raid; the Hawker P.1103 – thought to be capable of intercepting a supersonic bomber at 60,000ft within 20 minutes of take-off, the Fairey Delta 3 – a high level interceptor designed to catch incoming Soviet bombers; the Saunders-Roe SR.177 – the planned successor to the experimental rocket powered SR.53 which was cancelled during construction; The Avro 730 – an ambitious reconnaissance aircraft cancelled during construction; the Armstrong-Whitworth 681- a post war transport aircraft capable of carrying vehicles or 60 paratroopers and finally the Fairey Project 75 – designed to be a lightweight aircraft with a short take off run.

Anyone wishing to take a look at this unique collection, the concept models are now on permanent display, located in the Museums’ Test Flight Hangar. Admission is free of charge. For more information on the Museum please visit www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200.

Model aircraft take to the Shropshire skies

Model Aircraft Show RAF Cosford

20th – 21st July 2013

On site camping

Gates open 8.30am

Intricate models of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies over Shropshire next month for a weekend of flying entertainment. Model enthusiasts from across the country will travel to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford for this famous air show in miniature.

Taking place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, the Large Model Aircraft Rally at Cosford is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast. Set to be one of Shropshire’s biggest events this Summer, organisers are expecting over 10,000 visitors to attend the two day show. Visitors to this year’s Cosford Air Show will have seen a glimpse of what the event is all about, as members of the Large Model Association performed for the crowds during the morning before the main flying began.

Models flying this year cover the complete spectrum of aviation, including aircraft from the early 1900’s right through to the latest Red Arrows Hawks in miniature. Models range in size from small scale aircraft right through to the huge 1/5th Scale Avro Vulcan with 4 jet turbines, brand new to the show this year. Another first at this year’s event will be a squadron of World War 2 fighters and bombers from Germany, with special pyrotechnic effects recreating a bombing raid.

Alex Medhurst, RAF Museum Cosford General Manager says:

“Many of the models have taken years of dedication to build and apart from the obvious difference in size, they look just like the real thing. The great thing about this event, it’s not just modellers who will enjoy it, other activities keeping the whole family entertained throughout the day include: a children’s entertainment area; trade and food stalls selling everything from modelling equipment to hot snacks and refreshing drinks; plus, access to the Museum where you can see many of the aircraft flown during the show in full size.”

Anyone wishing to attend the event can save money by purchasing tickets in advance at a discounted rate. Advance tickets are on sale at the Museum, priced at just £8 for adults and £7 for senior citizens, saving £2 per person on the gate price and for the first time this year; children under the age of 16 are FREE. Gates open at 8.30am and flying starts a 9.00am.

Exclusively for the Large Model Aircraft Rally, visitors are able to camp on site, meaning you can make the most of the weekend’s flying and activities by being at the centre of all the action. On the Saturday evening there will be entertainment for the campers in the form of an aerobatic glider display with fireworks. On site camping available from Friday 19th to Monday 22nd July, including entrance to the show both days is only £40.00 when booked in advance. Any visitors interested in camping should contact Dave Bailey for more details on 07827 675665 or email dave.bailey08@tiscali.co.uk.

For further information on the event and how to purchase advance tickets, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

Viggen to come outside at Newark Air Museum

Viggen Newark Air Museum

To mark the return of the iconic Saab Viggen to the skies of Lincolnshire and the East Midlands the trustees of the Newark Air Museum have decided that they will being letting some air get around the ‘splintered surfaces’ of their Saab AJSH 37 Viggen; the only example of the type that is exhibited in the UK.

Plans are already well advanced to move the aircraft out of its undercover location in Display Hangar 2 and place it on temporary external display on the museum’s Southfield Site in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the border with Lincolnshire.

The actual date of the move outside still has to be determined, as has the length of time that the Viggen will remain outside; however it is expected that it will be on display in its new location until after the Waddington International Airshow has been held in early July.

This move represents the first time that our Saab AJSH 37 Viggen has been displayed outside since its official handover by the Swedish Assistant Defence Attaché in December 2006, following its delivery flight to nearby RAF Cranwell in February 2006.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Celebrating the legendary Supermarine Spitfire

Duxford Soitfires

Spitfires, Merlins and Motors (Sunday 28 July) celebrates the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, the unmistakable Merlin engine and the golden age of motoring.

Between 10am and 1.30pm you can get up-close to a number of historic Spitfires on static display.

Taking centre stage will be the Old Flying Machine Company’s Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434, an IWM Duxford favourite which is celebrating its 70th anniversary year. MH434 has been based at IWM Duxford longer than any other Spitfire.

MH434 was built in 1943 at Vickers in Castle Bromwich. It was air-tested by the legendary Alex Henshaw, Chief Test Pilot for the Supermarine Company at Castle Bromwich.

Once on active service, MH434 was allocated to South African pilot Flight Lieutenant Henry Lardner-Burke DFC at 222 Squadron. On 27 August in the St Omar area over France, Lardner-Burke, in MH434, shot down a Focke-Wulf 190 and damaged a second during a mission to escort United States Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. On 5 September 1943, they shot down another FW-190 in the Nieuport area. On 8 September 1943, they claimed a half-share in the downing of a Messerschmitt Bf 109G in Northern France.

In 1944, MH434 was transferred to 350 Squadron in Hornchurch, before being returned to 222 Squadron. Lardner-Burke having been posted on to another squadron, the aircraft was assigned to Flight Sergeant Alfred ‘Bill’ Burge. Alfred says. “MH434 was the best Spitfire ever. It was my MH434, the perfect Spitfire.”

Alfred flew another 12 operational sorties in the aircraft before the squadron’s existing Mk IXs were exchanged for a modified variant that could carry rockets. After 80 operational sorties, MH434 was stood down in March 1945.

Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434 will be on static display during the morning of Spitfires, Merlins and Motors and will take to the air to perform a spectacular display during the afternoon.

Aircraft Restoration Company is offering a rare opportunity to sit in a Spitfire. This costs £15 per person and includes a souvenir T-shirt and photo opportunity. All proceeds go to the Blenheim Restoration Fund.

There will also be the chance to see Merlin engines in action as they will be on dynamic display throughout the day.

We’ll be bringing the Second World War to life, in our Battle of Britain exhibition, with costumed interpreters representing a Squadron Leader in 1940, a Sergeant Pilot in 1944 and a female Air Transport Auxiliary pilot.

There will also be an RAF ground crew interactive display from Black Knight Historical. A member of RAF ground crew will be on dispersal duty, looking relaxed with his Bakelite telephone, 1940s newspaper and wartime tea, but poised to ring his hand bell and call the RAF pilots to scramble to their aircraft! You may also hear him wind up the air raid siren as he looks out for enemy aeroplanes. The Flight Sergeant is very much in charge of operations as he orders the RAF airfield defence to guard the airfield and its valuable aircraft. The wartime ground crew will also be showing visitors how they re-arm a Spitfire ready for action.

Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere is the first public appearance of the lovingly-restored 1934 Waltzer Christine, owned by Harrison Amusements, who have been running travelling fairgrounds since 1841. Christine is thought to be the only waltzer of its kind in this country, if not worldwide.

We celebrate the golden age of motoring with a display of vintage Rolls-Royce cars alongside hundreds of stunning vehicles, from pre-war vintage to contemporary classics.

Our summer holiday activities will be well underway, so while you’re enjoying Spitfires, Merlins and Motors, why not try your hand at some camouflage and concealment activities?

Between 11.30am and 3.30pm in AirSpace, you can find out how camouflage has been used in wars and conflict from the First World War to the present day in our fun family activities. Discover how camouflage techniques have developed over time. You can see how camouflage is used in nature and how that has inspired military methods of concealment.

Find out where our secret agent gadgets are hidden and test your observation skills as you try to make out our hidden camouflaged objects. Dress up in disguise and see if you can be spotted!

A favourite activity with kids and parents, Airfix Make and Paint take place in the Conservation Hall between 11.30am and 3.30pm. Make an Airfix model, paint it in the creative colours of your choice and take it home as a souvenir of your day. Airfix Make and Paint is suitable for children aged 8 and above.

Don’t miss Historic Duxford, our new permanent exhibition, which is now open to the public.

Housed in our original 1930s Watch Office building, Historic Duxford explores Duxford’s time as an RAF airfield from 1918 to 1961.

With many things to watch, listen to, have a go at, wear and even smell, Historic Duxford paints a vivid picture of daily life at RAF Duxford. Hear and see fascinating personal stories told by the men and women who worked and lived at RAF Duxford, in sound and film.

Personal objects tell the stories of a few of the many remarkable individuals who served at RAF Duxford. For the first time in almost a decade, items owned by Douglas Bader are on display.

See the Watch Office, the forerunner to the Control Tower, as it might have been during the late 1930s. Period details and interactive elements give the impression that the Duty Pilot has only just left the room.

Complementing the Historic Duxford exhibition is a heritage trail around the historic site with eight interactive posts. Each post features audio memories from veterans who worked at RAF Duxford. Pick up a family activity sheet from the exhibition to complete as you follow the trail.

Discover Duxford’s own story – its eventful past and fascinating people. Historic Duxford is included in general admission to IWM Duxford. Visitors aged 15 or under enjoy free admission to IWM Duxford.

Enjoy a day of iconic aircraft, elegant motors and evocative nostalgia at Spitfires, Merlins and Motors.

 http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-duxford/spitfires-merlins-and-motors

Cockpit-Fest – the winners

Newark Air Museum cockpit fest

The 2013 Cockpit-Fest at Newark Air Museum attracted a record number of visitors who came along in great numbers on both days of the event, which was attended by twenty-six (26) visiting cockpits. These travelled from all around the UK and an extended range of supporting displays in Hangar 2 at the museum provided an added dimension to the event. All of this was well supported by an Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation and avionics sale.

This year the museum was able to award prizes in five (5) different categories thanks to the external support for the event from: Ken Ellis (Wrecks & Relics); Farlam Airframes; The Aircraft Restoration Group; Grub Street; Peter Caygill; Chris Keltie; and David Gledhill. The winning entrants were:

Grand Champion (Visitors Award) – Tony Collins Scimitar F1 XD235

Visitors Exhibit Award -Scott Bouchard & friends Flight-gear & Helmet Display

Cockpiteers Cockpit Award – Darren Green Canberra PR.7 – WH779

Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – The Lakes Lightning Group

Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – Mike Davey & Jon Howard Anson – G-AGPG

Everyone who displayed at the event was really a winner and a credit to their hobby, with some tremendous exhibits proudly displayed around the site and all of which engaged with the visitors. Special thanks also go out to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, who provided flypast on both days despite the challenging weather conditions.

“Once again behalf of the museum members and trustees I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making Cockpit-Fest 2013 such a great success,” commented event organiser Bill O’Sullivan. “This year we revised the layout of the event, which seemed to work quite well and have already noted a few items that could benefit future events.

He concluded, “We would like to send out an extra special thank you to those individuals and organisations that supported the event financially and with the provision of trophies and prizes. We are already looking towards the 2014 event and we would love to hear from any fresh supporters who might like to get involved with the event.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org 

Dornier Do 17 arrival at RAF Museum Cosford

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford this weekend took delivery of the world’s last surviving Dornier Do 17, recently salvaged from the bottom of the English Channel. The fuselage and wings were escorted from Ramsgate, Kent, to the Museum by two low loader lorries.

Delighted members of the public and Museum staff welcomed the Dornier as it arrived on site, late afternoon. Shortly after its arrival, a crane lifted the fuselage and wings from the transportation lorry before being placed inside the purpose built hydration tunnels, where the Dornier will stay for the first stage of its conservation.

Alex Medhurst, General Manager at RAF Museum Cosford says:

“After all the hard work, planning and setbacks, it’s great to know the Dornier is finally here at Cosford. It will be a rare and exciting opportunity for visitors in the Midlands to get up close and personal to a unique piece of aviation history and the chance to view it in its salvaged state.”

More than 1,500 examples of the Dornier 17 medium bomber were built. The twin engine, twin fin configuration together with the narrow fuselage and shoulder mounted engines gave the aircraft a distinctive silhouette and earned it the nickname ‘The Flying Pencil’. Over 400 were employed by the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.

The aircraft will be on view to members of the public from 10am on Sunday 16th June. It is anticipated that thousands of aviation fans from across the Midlands will head to the Museum to catch a glimpse of the aircraft which has captured the imaginations of the public worldwide.

Thanks to the support of WarGaming.Net the Dornier Exhibition will soon be on display to member of the public at Cosford.

Admission to the Museum and viewing the Dornier is FREE of charge. Anyone wishing to donate towards the conservation of the aircraft can do so online via the Museum website www.ramuseum.org. For more information please call the Museum on 01902 376200.

Cockpit-Fest Newark Air Museum

Newark Cockpit Fest

This year’s Cockpit-Fest ‘migration’ has started with the first cockpit already on site at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire

Newark Air Museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe and its two day Cockpit-Fest event attracts exhibitors from across the UK and Europe, to sample what one aviation magazine editor calls “grass roots aircraft preservation”.

From its humble beginnings, when a few like-minded enthusiasts first displayed the cockpit sections at the museum; Cockpit-Fest now regularly attracts, many more visiting cockpits and associated displays. This year twenty-five (25) visiting cockpits are already booked to attend. It has also developed a word to describe the participants – ‘Cockpiteer’; many of whom have lovingly rebuilt and restored these projects at home, Cockpit-Fest giving them the chance to display them in public.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the public being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like the Raptor Foundation with its owls; local history / archaeological groups; book launches; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts. As an added bonus this year’s event has flypasts by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on both days.

Running alongside Cockpit-Fest is an Aeroboot aviation and avionics sale, which allows Cockpiteers and the public to search out those aviation artefacts, books and models.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16thth June; and full details can be found on the News & Information page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org 

Raising the Dornier

On Sunday 2nd June the Royal Air Force Museum attempted to lift the world’s last surviving Dornier 17 from the bottom of the English Channel, just off Goodwin Sands, following three weeks of intensive engineering and archaeological work. After three years of planning, the Museum came within 40 minutes of success when a sudden increase in winds around the Goodwin Sands area made the sea too choppy to complete the lift. Regrettably, and with the safety of the crew and the aircraft in mind, the lift was called off.

With success within grasp, the Royal Air Force Museum has been hugely encouraged by the support received from across the globe. Not only has this taken the form of messages of goodwill, but the Museum has received substantial additional funding from private individuals and organisations in Europe and America determined to see this historic project brought to a successful conclusion.

The forecast now suggests two weather windows this week when we can return to the wreck site and complete the lift. These are Monday 10th June between 1530 – 1800hrs and early Tuesday morning between 03.30 – 06.30hrs.

If this proves to be the case, and we know how erratic the weather has been this year, we will raise the Dornier early this week for transfer to our conservation facility at Cosford.

Despite the exceptionally poor weather over the past month, which has required the salvage team to return to port on at least four occasions, everything is now set for the aircraft to be successfully lifted from the seabed where it has lain for over seventy years.

Because of the weather difficulties and strict deadline to save the aircraft, the Museum has instructed the dive company SeaTech to alter their methodology of assembling a lifting frame around aircraft to ensure the operation is complete within the given boundaries.

The new method which is more delicate in nature, involves attaching lifting equipment to specific points on the aircraft that the Museum have identified as the strongest parts of the airframe. An attempt will still be made to raise it complete, and in a single lift.

Once the aircraft has been laid on onto the support barge it will be transported directly to Ramsgate Harbour where it will be dismantled for travel to the Museum’s Conservation Centre at Cosford.

Peter Dye Director General, Royal Air Force Museum “We have adapted the lifting frame design to minimise the loads on the airframe during the lift while allowing the recovery to occur within the limited time remaining. The RAF Museum has worked extremely closely with SeaTech throughout this process and both organisations remain determined to complete this challenging task and see the Dornier safely recovered as planned and delivered to the Museum’s Conservation Centre for preservation and public exhibition.”

Dornier Project – A recap

The Royal Air Force Museum is undertaking an exciting, challenging and historically fascinating project to remove a German bomber, the last remaining Dornier 17, from the sea-bed off Kent right now. The project was made possible with funding by The National Heritage Memorial Fund.

The complex project has not been entered into lightly and has used a number of ground-breaking techniques for underwater recovery and conservation. It has been undertaken with an impressive group of experts ranging from chemists and physicists from Imperial College London who advised on the conservation and structural integrity of the aircraft, to SeaTech who are managing the actual lift.

The project has stimulated a huge amount of interest across the world and events are being followed closely by millions around the world.

This is not the first time the Museum salvaged an aircraft wreck, as a visit shows, other examples have been found and reassembled before. Should the weather provide additional challenges to the actual integrity of the aircraft, the Museum is committed to salvaging the parts it can in order to treat, examine and exhibit this incredible part of aviation history.

www.rafmuseum.org

Museum Celebrates Armed Forces Day

Dakota Flypast - Armed Forces Day

Saturday 29th June 2013

11.00am – 2.40pm

Veterans and their guests must pre-register

Dakota flypast 2:35pm (weather permitting)

On Saturday 29th June, events across the country will celebrate the contributions made by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. The annual Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to our heroes past and present, including current serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets.

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will once again participate in this annual event by hosting veterans young and old from all three services. During this special reunion, hosted by Museum staff, all Veterans will be treated to a full day’s programme. There will be free refreshments for guests on arrival at 11.00am followed by guided tours around the Museum’s Conservation Centre. For lunch, veterans will have the unique opportunity to dine with other guests amongst the aircraft and artefacts on display in the Museum’s Hangar 1. During the afternoon, guests will then be treated to a 1940’s Home Front Cabaret Show performed by Rebecca Grace lasting approximately one hour.

A highlight for Armed Forces Day guests and visitors to the Museum will be a spectacular flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, scheduled for 2:35pm (weather permitting). All-in-all this promises to be an exciting day which will enable Veterans to meet up with old friends, reminisce over shared experiences, and enjoy themselves in the authentic atmosphere and setting of the Royal Air Force Museum.

Event organiser, Nina Mitchell says:

“With former Service Men and Women joining in from across Shropshire and the West Midlands, Armed Forces Day is set to be a truly memorable and sentimental gathering for Veterans and their guests to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming new faces as well as regular attendees to the event”

Attendance to the event is free of charge and by advance registration only. Any Veterans who would like to attend the event, are asked to book their place now by calling 01902 376 252 or for more information visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Parking for Armed Forces Day guests is also free.