Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum, with added Whirlwind.

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Member for

16 years 6 months

Posts: 2,322

Following on from peppermint jam's visit earlier in the year, I visited today and firstly must thank Richard Mason, my very personal guide and a knowledgeable person, this is a small, but well stocked museum, well worth a visit should you be in the area, one nice thing I noted was that although it has a lot of exhibits, it is not crowded, well layed out in my opinion !
So as I am a photo man, on with the show !!!!

The Lightning seems to have changed little, but is still there.
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0001.jpg

The Shackleton, still wrapped to keep the heat out ? but to be added to ?
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0010.jpg

Jet Provost, soon to be under cover !!
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0003.jpg

Vampire, being restored by the local Air Training Corps.
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0036.jpg

So to the Whirlwind replica, I do not know the name of the person who built this, I am sure someone does ? but a few of my many views .... although I must say the lighting was not the best for photography, so the colours may be suspect ????
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0081.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0082.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0083.jpg

I was amazed at this prop, stored 'out back' with so many other interesting items, so bent and corroded, recovered as so many of their exhibits are, from the wash, but still has yellow paint at the tip ?
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0051.jpg

A very nice looking Jet Provost Systems Trainer.
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0111.jpg

And a very nice display of various undercarriage parts, I have blanked out the details from the plaque as i can see a small 'what undercarriage' thing here ?????
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_006001.jpg

Original post

Member for

15 years 9 months

Posts: 478

I fear alot of the items outside will turn to dust if something is'nt done with them soon :mad: and as for the Lightning please someone give her some tlc that she deserves:diablo:, apart from that this is a great little museum with alot of local artifacts inside and friendly people;)

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 159

Following on from peppermint jam's visit earlier in the year, I visited today and firstly must thank Richard Mason, my very personal guide and a knowledgeable person, ........................
So to the Whirlwind replica, I do not know the name of the person who built this, I am sure someone does ? but a few of my many views ....

Thanks Keith for posting the photos of the replica Whirlwind cockpit section at the Fenland Museum.

The person who spent some 18 months or so constructing this cockpit in the garage of his home in the small village of Weeting, just NW of Thetford, is Ray Wood. He is a long-time buddy of mine; we were both closely associated in the 1960s/70s with the preservation of Lanc. NX611 (now 'Just Jane' @ East Kirkby) so he has a long proven interest in historic aircraft.

Ray moved from Holbeach, Lincs. in 2007 and soon decided he needed to start some sort of 'project', something a bit different to his other passion, that of 'aviation art', Over the years he had managed to accumulated a large quantity of (surplus) wooden kitchen doors and other wood remnants (I won't say from what!) and always thought "they'd come in handy sometime".

Not long after moving into his new home he was set upon the idea of trying to create a replica of his long-time favourite WW2 aircraft, the twin engined Westland Whirlwind, using his stock of wood and other bits and pieces of material he had in his garage (the car had no chance of getting in there !!!).

Over the course of the next 18 months Ray toiled undauntedly away inside his garage and you now know the handsome result of his efforts. He sent me a few of his photos during that period which showed some of the stages in the cockpit's construction. I was never really amazed by the many unlikely bits of wood, plastic etc. that he managed to utilise in making the various pieces of equipment, guns, etc as he was able to transform everything into realistic replicas of the originals.

Here's a few of those shots - I'm sure Ray won't mind me sharing with you as they're a testament to his skill :

Enjoy.

Richard

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Member for

15 years 3 months

Posts: 125

I've a bit of an interest in cockpits keithnewsome did you happen to get a shot of the Mig 29?

Member for

16 years 6 months

Posts: 2,322

R J A Taylor, Thank you for the information and photos, I had read about this project elsewhere, but could not remember Ray Wood's name.

Quid 41, Yes I have these photos of the Mig 29 cockpit, although they are in display cabinets in a tight corner and not the easiest to photograph ! Hope they help in some way ?

Keith.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0115.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0116.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0117.jpg

Member for

15 years 3 months

Posts: 125

wow thanks Keith

Member for

16 years 6 months

Posts: 2,322

No problem Quid 41, Whilst looking for those photos I remembered these, a very nicely sectioned Rolls Royce Avon 200 series powerplant !

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0096.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0097.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0098.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0099.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0100.jpg

Member for

16 years 7 months

Posts: 1,404

And a very nice display of various undercarriage parts, I have blanked out the details from the plaque as i can see a small 'what undercarriage' thing here ?????
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_006001.jpg

Well Number 5 is Stirling rear undercarriage.;)

Member for

17 years 3 months

Posts: 1,705

Thanks Keith for posting the photos of the replica Whirlwind cockpit section at the Fenland Museum.

The person who spent some 18 months or so constructing this cockpit in the garage of his home in the small village of Weeting, just NW of Thetford, is Ray Wood. He is a long-time buddy of mine; we were both closely associated in the 1960s/70s with the preservation of Lanc. NX611 (now 'Just Jane' @ East Kirkby) so he has a long proven interest in historic aircraft.

Ray moved from Holbeach, Lincs. in 2007 and soon decided he needed to start some sort of 'project', something a bit different to his other passion, that of 'aviation art', Over the years he had managed to accumulated a large quantity of (surplus) wooden kitchen doors and other wood remnants (I won't say from what!) and always thought "they'd come in handy sometime".

Not long after moving into his new home he was set upon the idea of trying to create a replica of his long-time favourite WW2 aircraft, the twin engined Westland Whirlwind, using his stock of wood and other bits and pieces of material he had in his garage (the car had no chance of getting in there !!!).

Over the course of the next 18 months Ray toiled undauntedly away inside his garage and you now know the handsome result of his efforts. He sent me a few of his photos during that period which showed some of the stages in the cockpit's construction. I was never really amazed by the many unlikely bits of wood, plastic etc. that he managed to utilise in making the various pieces of equipment, guns, etc as he was able to transform everything into realistic replicas of the originals.

Here's a few of those shots - I'm sure Ray won't mind me sharing with you as they're a testament to his skill :

Enjoy.

Richard

Wow a whirlwind I didnt think there was anything of this aircraft type around, do you know where he got the drawings?:)

Member for

18 years 2 months

Posts: 409

Keith.

a good set of pictures there mate! I'd agree with your comments about the size, whilst there is alot of exhibits, they don't seem crowded in. They also have some very rare and interesting exhibits. It's a purely donation run place, and all of the folk that work there do it for the love and nothing more. They are a great bunch of people. I turned up on a day when they weren't even open but they still offered to show me around.

I'd like to see the Lightning get a little TLC, I believe there is something on the cards.

It's only 25 mins up the road from me so I intend to go back this summer at some point.

Member for

16 years 6 months

Posts: 2,322

peppermint jam. Thank you for your comments, I was told they are to have another 'poly tunnel' like the one the Vampire is in, which will contain the Shack parts and the Jet Provost, but I think the Lightning may be too tall ????

hindenburg. Yes of course, I just knew you would get that one (of a pair) !

Thanks to all for your interest.

Keith. Oh and yet another random photo !

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0035.jpg

Member for

17 years 5 months

Posts: 66

You don't need millions to make !!

Thank you for your kind words on the Fenland museum it is much appreciated ,as Richard Mason may have told you we are trying to raise fifteen thousand to but the land, hence my building the Whirlwind to bring in more punters. I am working on the 2nd stage at the moment, and will do a thread on the whole build. Cost so far about £400.

Member for

16 years 6 months

Posts: 2,322

shed man. Welcome to the forum, I am sure your input here will be appreciated by the many Whirlwind lovers !!!! An account of your present project will be very interesting I am sure.
Am so pleased to help with a little free publicity here for a very well run and enjoyable museum.

Another random photo !

Keith Newsome.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0053.jpg

Member for

17 years 5 months

Posts: 66

When I get the hang of it

Hello Keith, as I'm not a "Pooter" person you may have to wait acouple of days before I do a thread without crashing the Forum, That bit of undercart on the last photo was off an american bomber ,but cannot remember which type. A "B" something. I know it burnt for 3 days or so as it was made of Mag Alloy.

Member for

16 years 11 months

Posts: 1,951

Hello Keith, as I'm not a "Pooter" person you may have to wait acouple of days before I do a thread without crashing the Forum, That bit of undercart on the last photo was off an american bomber ,but cannot remember which type. A "B" something. I know it burnt for 3 days or so as it was made of Mag Alloy.

that'd be the B29 we dug (I was keeper of aircraft with Murray Flint for a while) back in the early 90s. IIRC it made the national press as we found the personal effects of the crew and groundcrew including some trousers still on a hanger :)

John

Member for

17 years 5 months

Posts: 66

Back to the Whirlwind

Re Grahams question of where I got the drawings . I started by copying from Aeroplane mag scale drawings. and blew them up, and then kept double checking ( and Fourble ) the measurements before starting . The first month was 75% checking and 25% doing. then I Got the Kookaburra publication on E bay by Bruce Robertson. which was ideal for drawings. Then I got Pilots Notes from Waterstones which is good but awkward for seeing the bits in the dark corners. Then the FlyPast from a few months ago gave a bit more info.
Although the main cockpit photo was of the transition from serial P6983 to 6984. where they put dials in strange places to see how they went. If you have the Mag in question you will notice dials on the floor with cracked glass.

Also while I'm here Hello Mr RJ Taylor Dicky Boy. I thought you had got lost on the Wolds ??? Thanks for your input.

Has anyone out there got a Sutton Harness they don't want or drawings for the use of ?? Also a control column would be handy.

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 2,835

Keith - would you mind posting the IDs of all the tailwheel legs? So far Martin has only pointed out the Stirling one. Thanks!

Member for

16 years 6 months

Posts: 2,322

Elliot. No problem, sorry I forgot about that small challenge, below is a photo of the museums IDs .. No 1 is obviously the furthest left (with no number showing) I rather hope they are all correct ! If not I am sure someone here will put them right ??

Keith.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/keithnewsome/fen%20museum/DSC_0062.jpg

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 2,835

Thanks Keith - wondered if that was a Wimpy tailwheel

Member for

17 years 5 months

Posts: 66

I keep forgetting to mention that the Fenland museum is now open on Wed's afternoons 1.30 till' 4.30. This is an experiment to gauge vistior numbers. In regard to the Whirlwind. I have made the seat and harness fixings, and the only major parts to make are the canopy sliders ,plus the canopy ( should be fun ) Also the fillet from wing stub to fuselage.

Member for

17 years 5 months

Posts: 66

HELP

How do I put photos on this page ??????????????