Enthusiasts flock to Wolverhampton

Hundreds of planes and classic car enthusiasts packed an aircraft heritage museum in Wolverhampton to celebrate the past.

Wartime aircraft and model tanks brought back memories of when the city made planes to protect Britain during world wars.

The Boulton Paul Association staged an open day at GE Aviation in Wobaston Road for the only the fourth time this year.

The group, which celebrates the rich history of the nation's historic aircrafts, created displays for a series of replica planes.

Many of the planes had taken years to create, and were put together using odd features from the real-life versions from decades ago.

It included a replica 1919 replica aircraft which was originally created for research purposes by the army, which included an original propella.

Also on display was a replica Defiant L7005, a bomber destroyer which was re-created in 2005 after eight long years and 50,000 man hours of work.

The Defiant L7005 was used in Dunkirk in 1940, and the version on display yesterday featured real-life tyres from an old model.

The association also displayed a replica Royal Air Force Balloil, which had real wheel trims and has taken 16 years to build.

Cyril Plimmer, chairman of the Boulton Paul Association, said: "Days like this are very important for us, because we want to show the public what we are all about.

"This is a heritage project that showcases the best vintage aircrafts, with real-life features added to replica models.

"I reckon we probably had in the region of 300 people in here, which is a good turn-out."

Displays of toy model tanks, live entertainment from singers performing songs from the 1940s and classic cars were also on show.

John Booth, aged 68, of Torvale, Wightwick, brought along his classic 1940s maroon-coloured Rover with his wife Carole.

He said: "It cost me £7,000 to buy the car, but it was worth every penny. We love the 1940s and the everyone who spots our car thinks it is amazing, they all rave about it."

Visitor Mark Williams, aged 59, of Taylor Road, Parkfield, said: "Any aircraft enthusiast find days like this fascinating - I think it's brilliant."

The Boulton Paul Association was formed in 1991 with the aim of preserving the history of the firm, now known as GE Aviation.