Duxford Uncovered April 2019

[Alpha Delta 210]

Hi

 

I spent an interesting hour this morning at Duxford for the Duxford Uncovered, Historic Site Tour.

 

I had some time to explore Hangar 2 (the flying aircraft hangar) before the tour started. This to me was the real "uncovered", as I love to see these wonderful machines with panels off!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now onto the tour of the North Camp, all pictures taken from the small electric vehicle.

 

View from parade ground towards 1933 T-type barrack block

 

View from parade ground towards rear of 1932 Sergeants' Mess

 

View from the rear of a 1933 "T-type" barrack block across the parade ground towards another "T-type" barrack block

 

View from the rear of a 1933 "T-type" barrack block across the parade ground towards the Sick Bay (centre), the rear of the Sergeants' Mess (left) and another "T-type" barrack block (right)

 

1939 Gas Decontamination Building

 

View of Corporals' and Airmens' Dining Hall (left) and unknown building (right)

 

View of 1938 Central Heating Station (right) with unknown building (left)

 

View of Stand By Set House. (Generators were stored in this building as stand by power in case of mains electrical failure.)

 

Original De Havilland Aircraft Company Office from the Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgware

 

Sole survivor of four Barrack Block Type 8/84 "H-Blocks"

 

Single Officers' Quarters, which is the only surviving building from 1917 on the domestic site

 

Thanks for looking.

 

 

 

 

[Pete in Lincs]

Lovely pictures, I had a good look around there a couple of years ago.

Thanks for posting.

[Eric Mc]

I was there last Tuesday so those images look very current to me.

[modelling minion]

Very nice pics, didn't know there was a Fiar CR-42 at Duxford, is it the one from Hendon? If so is there actually anything left at Hendon?

[Troy Smith]

32 minutes ago, modelling minion said:

If so is there actually anything left at Hendon?

loads.  the main bit and Bomber Command hall have not had the 'makeover'  as yet, and are still pretty much what I liked about Hendon.  Planes, not much else.  And you can now get very close to Hurricane and bf109E  

 

The Typhoon now has a full rocket load, and has acquired some Tempest wheels.....

But in one room you have a Hind, Hurricane, Typhoon and Tempest V AND Tempest II.... plus a Hunter,  so they nearly have  the Camm Hall back,  what did they do with that Sea Fury .... 

 Cosford now has the Ju-88, Defiant, from the Bob hall, maybe the Blenheim? 

 

The BoB hall has been replaced or remodelled, and is now the entrance.   That is not very interesting,  and has the hand of a curator and is all touchy feely and inclusive...  

Just hope they leave the main bit 'as is' 

 

Didn't get round to the WWI bit in time,  the other nit that was the history of flight is now a cold war/modern bit,  I liked the Gulf War Buccaneer,  as it's preserved in an 'as is' state.  

Cheers

T

[Jonny]

I agree absolutely about RAFM Hendon.  The  new 'Entrance' is rubbish - even the shop is poor, and I'm glad Hannants was open when I went to Hendon last month.  I dread the thought of any further 'makeover' of the remaing halls.

 

The Graham White / WW1 display is still OK although when I went I couldn't find the way to the 1st floor obsevation gallery.  I found the ligthting was poorly positioned if one wanted to take photos of the suspended aeroplanes.

 

I was told by a well-meaning attrendant that the Museum has been 'improved'.  Frankly I find it difficult to see how - more outside picnic areas might appeal but  if I visit I simply want to see the aeroplanes, not sit on grass with a Thermos and sandwich!  What they've done to the Sunderland (i.e. cut short the float struts to prevent some idiot walking into the floats, removing access to the interior) is diabolical.  Ho hum.

 

I'm becoming more and more of the view that Museums such as Newark, YAM,.Norfolk and Suffolk, Bentwaters Cold War Museum, and others, offer much more interesting and worthwhile visiting opportunities  than the likes of IWM Duxford and the RAFM Hendon variety. The independents are run by real enthusiasts who CARE, not by people who see them as money  generators, no more.  I emailed ARCo at Duxford about a particular aeroplanre and received a detailed explanation by return.  Contrast that with a simple request to IWM (I'm a Member at the moment) regarding the open cockpit evenings that used to be arranged by Friends of Duxford, and a reply some time later to the effect that none are planned ... but I must remember my 'Membership' includes  opportunities to  visit IWM North (hugely expensive to reach)  HMS Belfast, the War Rooms (both expensive to reach),  blah blah.

 

Rant mode OFF'

 

Jonny

[Alpha Delta 210]

Thanks for the replies about Duxford gentlemen, I'm pleased that you enjoyed the images.

 

I'm afraid that I can't help with information about the Fiat because there was no signage displayed. 

[Paul J]

The FIAT is not the Hendon one! The Fighter Collection have this one restored to airworthy state. It's another airframe!

Troy, the Hendon Sea Fury went to the TFC years ago!

[Troffa]

That poor Beaufighter, must have been in that spot for 20 years.  No suitable engines to be found. 

[Calum]

Are the period buildings in the OP's images still used? If so what for.

[Alpha Delta 210]

1 hour ago, Calum said:

Are the period buildings in the OP's images still used? If so what for.

Thanks for the comments and likes, gentlemen.

 

Calum, the tour guide told us that most of the buildings are used to store IWM artefacts, or provide office space for IWM staff while the Officers' Mess houses a business centre and cafe.