Post by keefyboy on Jul 24, 2020 17:22:03 GMT
Just a shout out folks for the good guys that run the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection. Link below:-
www.boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk/Index.htm
They've recently reopened, and to give support to one of my local museums, my grandson and I visited on Wednesday. Quite a few changes since my first visit some 5 or 6 years ago and the collection is much expanded with several new frames. It's a unique experience because of the rarity of many of the trials aircraft/cockpits present - on par with Cosford in that respect.
Despite COVID, many of the cockpits are open to sit in and my grandson budding RAF pilot had a ball especially when the former Chief Test Pilot from Boscombe plonked him in the cockpit of a Tornado F2. Anyhow the guys that run this place just love interacting with their visitors - they have such fantastic stories to tell and equally want to know about our own interest in aviation. I cannot fault them one iota! They are currently building the forward section of a Lanc but all the bits to be fitted are originals and come from PD130. They've also completed a BE2 replica - the really interesting bit about this exhibit is the wing on the wall behind - it's from an original BE2 that was stored in a Barn in France for nearly 100 years.
This is an expanding collection of aircraft that now covers both hangars - some superb collections of model aircraft donated by various people - many ex RAF over the years - display cabinets every where along with a healthy number of aero engines and drones, bombs and missiles. If you want to get up front and close to aircraft cockpits - then this is the place for you. They also have an amazing library of books and journals up on the first floor.
I sensed that they are crying out for customers and probably have a major cash flow problem so any support you guys can give by visiting would be most welcome.
My biggest surprise was to see that the airfield was still active - well for the couple of Cessnas that drop the parachutists at least. Evidently the guy that owns the place threw his toys out the pram over light aircraft owners but gave a dispensation for the more financially lucrative parachute school. All hangar doors were closed and probably empty of aircraft though there were a couple of lights behind the control tower to the western end that I didn't bother checking.
In short - if you guys are in the area and fancy a good bit of aviation nostalgia - then I'd recommend this place as I think they need visitors and cash!
Cheers
Keith
www.boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk/Index.htm
They've recently reopened, and to give support to one of my local museums, my grandson and I visited on Wednesday. Quite a few changes since my first visit some 5 or 6 years ago and the collection is much expanded with several new frames. It's a unique experience because of the rarity of many of the trials aircraft/cockpits present - on par with Cosford in that respect.
Despite COVID, many of the cockpits are open to sit in and my grandson budding RAF pilot had a ball especially when the former Chief Test Pilot from Boscombe plonked him in the cockpit of a Tornado F2. Anyhow the guys that run this place just love interacting with their visitors - they have such fantastic stories to tell and equally want to know about our own interest in aviation. I cannot fault them one iota! They are currently building the forward section of a Lanc but all the bits to be fitted are originals and come from PD130. They've also completed a BE2 replica - the really interesting bit about this exhibit is the wing on the wall behind - it's from an original BE2 that was stored in a Barn in France for nearly 100 years.
This is an expanding collection of aircraft that now covers both hangars - some superb collections of model aircraft donated by various people - many ex RAF over the years - display cabinets every where along with a healthy number of aero engines and drones, bombs and missiles. If you want to get up front and close to aircraft cockpits - then this is the place for you. They also have an amazing library of books and journals up on the first floor.
I sensed that they are crying out for customers and probably have a major cash flow problem so any support you guys can give by visiting would be most welcome.
My biggest surprise was to see that the airfield was still active - well for the couple of Cessnas that drop the parachutists at least. Evidently the guy that owns the place threw his toys out the pram over light aircraft owners but gave a dispensation for the more financially lucrative parachute school. All hangar doors were closed and probably empty of aircraft though there were a couple of lights behind the control tower to the western end that I didn't bother checking.
In short - if you guys are in the area and fancy a good bit of aviation nostalgia - then I'd recommend this place as I think they need visitors and cash!
Cheers
Keith
