Editor of Aeroplane Monthly Ben Dunnell sat down with Peter Archer, chairman of the Duxford Aviation Society, to find out what happens behind the scenes to keep their British airliners in tip-top condition...
One of the major features of any visit to IWM Duxford is the chance to see the classic British airliner collection assembled by the Duxford Aviation Society, an organisation which has been based at IWM Duxford since 1975. It boasts the most extensive assembly of classic British airliners in public display in one single location.
After World War 2, Duxford airfield became derelict. The East Anglian Aviation Society acquired an aircraft and were the first to be based at the site, until Imperial War Museum came in and established an equal partnership. Since that time, the IWM has grown in to a large site - one of the most well-known aviation museums in Europe - and the DAS was formed directly from the East Anglian Aviation Society.