IWM Duxford

[Britman]

I received the latest Aeroplane magazine today. I have to say that from the report inside regarding changes to the displays suggest to me that lunatics are now in control of our priceless and irreplaceable gems. The Sunderland,York, Comet and Dove are to be rolled outside into the elements and certain serious deterioration. The reason apparently is to create space for a cold war collection ( Sunderland and York at the forefront in Berlin of course) including items from the doomed to close Land warfare museum at the other end of the airfield. Words fail me.

 

Keith 

[Julien]

Just seen that Duxford are looking to move the Sunderland and potentially other airframes outside so they can have a cold war display inside. Im all for remembering the Cold War but not at the expense to exhibits like the Sunderland.

 

Petition here to stop it, though I suspect it wont make a difference.

 

https://www.change.org/p/save-the-sunderland-and-other-airframes?recruiter=248569711&recruited_by_id=7b0fd550-c76f-11e4-a2a4-31ee55709a6f&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=copylink

[Smudge]

Signed. 

 

Thanks for bringing it to attention.

[hairystick]

Also signed.

 

The protection of artefacts such as this, is vital.

[stevehnz]

Signed & shared.

Steve.

[spruecutter96]

Signed. 

 

This is a DREADFUL idea. They might as well drag the Sunderland out and just scrap it on the spot - outside storage will result in the same situation. The British Winter will soon finish it off. 

 

It's a disgraceful way to destroy a genuine, rare piece of history - utter, utter madness. 

 

What Dunder-Head  came up with this idea?

 

Also, why a Cold War exhibition? Are they not aware of the excellent, purpose-built Cold War hangar at Cosford?  There is no way Duxford can put on anything to rival the Midlands display. 

 

Chris. 

[Paul821]

You could argue that the cold war is outside the IWM remit

 

https://www.iwm.org.uk/about

 

As it was a "war" of ideas rather than an armed conflict. If they want a new themed display then the Falklands would be more appropriate. As to the Sunderland, these played a major part in the Berlin Airlift so, along with the York, are key elements of the cold war story.

 

I have a feeling that the Sunderland is a Chinese whisper, nothing has been confirmed by the IWM and it might find a new home attack Duxford when the land warfare areais redeveloped. To me the loss of that collection is a bigger issue than the Sunderland.

[Fukuryu]

Signed.

[Julien]

9 hours ago, spruecutter96 said:

 

 

What Dunder-Head  came up with this idea?

 

Probably a Qualified museum manager with a degree in it but no real knowledge of what they are doing

[Sabrejet]

Large, rare aircraft should never be displayed outside if there is indoor space for them. With the warbird community gradually pillaging the world of historic airframes I trust museums to be the real custodians of our heritage. But this is a worrying development, which I hope is temporary.

[Jonny]

(copied from the post I inadvertently entered to duplicate this thead!)

 

I have finally got round to reading the October issue (618) of 'Aeroplane' magazine.

 

I was saddened to read that IWM Duxford's latest plans seem to be to move 3 '4 engined' aeroplanes out of the Airspace hangar - the Sunderland (which belongs to the IWM), and the Comet and York (which belong to the Duxford Aviation Society, DAS) - the Sunderland  to an outside location, namely between Hangars 3 an4, the Comet to join the other DAS airliners, and the York to somewhere between 'two of the other Hangars'..  The Tiger Moth currently suspended in Airspace is to be 'disposed of'.  The Sunderland's starboard float and wingtip are to swapped with Kermit Weeks's damaged Sunderland.  All aeroplanes currently suspended from the Airspace roof will be relocated and Airspace will become a 'Cold War' exhibition.

 

I can't help thinking of the awful state of the Victor before it was brought in from the cold and after years of work left in the end of Airspace - there were rumours that it would eventually be relocated next to the Vulcan!.    How long before the Comet, York and Sunderland suffer from the elements I wonder?

[PatG]

Signed & shared.

 

Pat.

[Britman]

On 9/30/2024 at 10:27 PM, Jonny said:

(copied from the post I inadvertently entered to duplicate this thead!)

 

I have finally got round to reading the October issue (618) of 'Aeroplane' magazine.

 

I was saddened to read that IWM Duxford's latest plans seem to be to move 3 '4 engined' aeroplanes out of the Airspace hangar - the Sunderland (which belongs to the IWM), and the Comet and York (which belong to the Duxford Aviation Society, DAS) - the Sunderland  to an outside location, namely between Hangars 3 an4, the Comet to join the other DAS airliners, and the York to somewhere between 'two of the other Hangars'..  The Tiger Moth currently suspended in Airspace is to be 'disposed of'.  The Sunderland's starboard float and wingtip are to swapped with Kermit Weeks's damaged Sunderland.  All aeroplanes currently suspended from the Airspace roof will be relocated and Airspace will become a 'Cold War' exhibition.

 

I can't help thinking of the awful state of the Victor before it was brought in from the cold and after years of work left in the end of Airspace - there were rumours that it would eventually be relocated next to the Vulcan!.    How long before the Comet, York and Sunderland suffer from the elements I wonder?

The display in the super hanger at present is one of the best in the country and does not require or need such a violation as apparently proposed. I was at the RAF Museum at Hendon yesterday and although a good "experience" lacked direction as to photographic requirements and a lot of wasted space that could either allow better display of the aircraft or get some of the exhibits off the ceiling. Of our group of four, not one of us noticed the Mew Gull hanging above the main hall entrance until I casually looked up after we had passed under it for the second time!

 

Keith 

[Flt Sgt FishCat]

I've seen so many pictures of rare historical aircraft like these totally ruined by outdoor storage within weeks. I had no idea they were doing this but I agree with everyone else here - they should either be stored properly at Duxford or moved to another facility where they can be treated correctly.