New building for RAFM..??

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Member for

21 years

Posts: 2,108

In the current issue of the magezine of the Insistution of Structural Engineers, there is a small article about a new building for the Royal Airforce Museum, presumably Hendon, although it didn't say, the archtects visual looked like the old hangers in the background at any rate. It mentioned about this new building being themed around the Cold War, so presume the likes of the Vulcan, Valient, Lightning, Harrier etc will be housed in it..??

BUT........ without going to much into the structural technicalities here, it said the roof loading has been designed for the hanging of aircraft ........ :mad: :mad:

Original post

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 6,968

I've a feeling it may be Cosford they are talking about. There is a plan to completely enclose the area between the top and bottom hangars, I think it was suggested that a lot of glass be used to allow in natural light? I know there was talk of the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant being reunited at cosford.

Regards,

kev35

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24 years 2 months

Posts: 433

The obvious answer as to why move the Valiant to Cosford would be to free up more space at Hendon. Not wishing any disrespect to the Valiant but there are many exhibits which would benifit from an better display at Hendon. I have not visited Hendon for sometime now so things may well have changed, but Jaguar and Buccaneer both should be present alongside the Tornado and Phantom. The Vampire could be shown next to the Meteor, F-86, Swift and Hunter. WW2 exhibits P-40, P-47 and P-51 all in RAF markings along side the Tempest, Typhoon, Spitfire and Hurricane. The WW1 and interwar period has some gaps and new projects are under way. Something not covered very well is flight training, examples being Gnat, Hawk, Piston Povost, Chipmunk.

So a somewhat longwinded way of agreeing with the removal of the Valiant. Off course they need to find the money to build the hangar at Cosford first.

DOUGHNUT

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24 years 2 months

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I agree-and have said here before-that the Valiant would be better off at Cossy, with the resultant space being very useful in the getting-crowded Bomber Hall.

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IMHO it would be a good idea to move the Valiant to Cosford as it would mean displaying complete examples of all three V-Bombers in one place.I know there's a Victor cockpit at Hendon but that's not quite the same.
Who knows,if they moved the Valiant perhaps they'd have room to accomodate a certain Beverley?? I know they chopped up the last one,but with a roof over it's head it's future would be secure. I can't see any other museum being able to house it.

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24 years 2 months

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I don't see what would be gained by moving the Valiant out. The building was designed for her and the cost of moving her by outside contractors would be absolutely huge. Why not move the B-17 up to Cosford and park her next to the B-24.

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21 years

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Well the design isn't like the one on the Cosford website anymore....which did at least seem in keeping with the surrounding hangers......

The new design is a pyramid shaped monstrosity……..typical trendy architectural mess in my opinion, I would scan it in for you all, but my scanner is kaput.
If you think the superhanger and AAM look out of place at Duxford.........:mad:

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24 years 2 months

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On balance I think I would be in favour of re-uniting the three V-bombers at Cosford. The space in the Bomber Command Hall could be taken by the Hampden (if it's restored properly!) and the Canberra, which in itself would free up more space in the main hall for other fighters - e.g. Javelin, which always seems to get a raw deal.

As for the Beverley, I am sure that none of the Hendon galleries are high enough for it.

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24 years 2 months

Posts: 433

Good point Steve I had forgotten the Javlin. I would like to see both a single seat Meteor (f4/f8) and nightfigther Meteors together at Hendon but I know that some will say that is wasted duplication.
I really can not see the reason for placing the Eh101 at Hendon, it is not even service aircraft, as a trials/prototype it should have been retired to Cosford, its a big airframe and will take up valuable space.
As for the Beverly, Hendon is too small to house her, a transport such as a C-47 would be more relevant.

DOUGHNUT