Open week at RAF Museum Cosford hopes to delight aviation fans

The Handley Page Hampden’s forward and rear fuselage sections will be placed in line for aviation fans to view during the behind-the-scenes week.

Since it was last viewed by the public almost 12 months ago, the forward fuselage and cockpit section have been completed, manufactured entirely from scratch by one of the museum technicians using pre-production drawings.

The new section also includes some original components from the P1344 Hampden.

Work is continuing on the aircraft fuselage section and it is hoped that it will be completed sometime in 2018.

Once complete, the aircraft at Cosford will be one of only two examples, and one nose section in existence, from a total of 1,430 built.

Other aviation treasures on show to visitors will include the Vickers Wellington – one of only two complete examples anywhere in the world.

The Westland Lysander III, the only surviving special duties variant of this aircraft, will also be on display.

It was used to ferry allied agents in and out of enemy occupied Europe.

The aircraft has undergone an in depth inspection and condition assessment over the last six months.

Work over the next few years will include replacing its fragile linen outer skin.

Another aircraft spending a short period of time in the Conservation Centre is the Hawker Siddeley Gnat T1 – the first aircraft used by the RAF Red Arrows, superseded by the current aircraft, the Hawk in 1979.

The aircraft was previously on display at Cosford and is destined to move to the museum’s London site before the end of the year.

The open week, which takes place from November 13 to 18, is a last chance for Red Arrow fans to see the aircraft in the West Midlands.

RAF Museum Conservation Centre manager, Darren Priday said: “It’s that time of the year again when the Conservation Centre opens its doors to the public.

"The open week has become a firm favourite with the aviation enthusiasts and local people who have been regular attendees over the years.

"This year we are highlighting the Westland Lysander, a Second World War aircraft that was used on SOE ops amongst other things.

"The aircraft will be in a stripped condition allowing visitors to view the usually closed up areas in detail. If you want a day out with a difference, why not come along and see what we are doing.”

Visitors will also be able to view the continuing progress on the Range Safety Launch, a project being run by a team of volunteers.

People can also see a glimpse of the Dornier Do 17 smaller objects including propellers and engines.

The First World War German LVG aircraft will be on display to visitors along with some more unusual objects, including the Skynet satellite and a missile collection, which are both being prepped ready for a move down to the museum’s London site.

Museum technicians, apprentices and volunteers will be available throughout the week to speak with visitors about their work and answer any questions they may have.

The Conservation Centre will open between 10.15am and 1pm during the open week.

Admission is £5 or free for under 16s who must be accompanied by an adult.

The museum’s other hangars will be open from 10am until 5pm and entry to the museum is free of charge.

In addition to the open week, visitors will have an opportunity to climb on board the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249 during daily tours running from November 13 to 18.

Tickets are available to buy online at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or on the day, subject to availability.

For more information, call 01902 376200.