PLEASE HELP DONATIONS NEEDED !
You have probably seen elsewhere that IWM are starting further work on their ‘Transforming Duxford’ project. This phase will run from February through to June and involves lowering the aircraft down from the ceiling in Airspace in preparation to later turn the hangar into a new Cold War and contemporary conflict exhibit. As part of this revamp IWM have decided our Dove, Comet and York will be moving permanently outside for display. This is where we need your help in the shape of a donation. Just click on the ‘Support Us’ button at the top of the home page and you will find all the info you need to help us.
Why do we need donations now? As part of our plan to try and keep these additional outside aircraft in tip top condition we have arranged for an aircraft valet company, who specialise in executive jets, to polish our planes with a hi-tech (and expensive) ceramic polish. This product is said to prevent UV rays and help keep off dirt for three years before it needs a further polish. We are also having UV filters in the shape of vinyl masks fitted to the cabin windows to try and prevent the Perspex windows from crazing and clouding over, this will also protect the interior fabrics. These preventative measures are very costly (which is why need your help) but will hopefully prevent the need for regular repaints. At the moment with seven aircraft outside we manage to re-paint one a year, but this can cost many thousands of pounds if fixed scaffolding is required. With ten aircraft outside it would mean they would only get repainted once every 10 years and the paintwork will soon start to badly deteriorate.
So that’s the background as to why we need help, here is an update with progress to date. The plan is for the Comet and Dove to be fitted into airliner row with the York being positioned outside hangar 3 in front of the gun butts. To make room for the Comet we have already moved the Trislander to the western end of the row next to the BAC 1-11 and the BAe146 has been moved onto the old hangar base between hangars 3 and 4. To make the available space freed up by these moves large enough to fit in the Comet ,other aircraft have been jacked up and had their axle stands removed before being lowered back to the ground and shuffled along a bit.
As I write the Comet has already come out of the hangar next week with the Dove following shortly after. The Dove will be squeezed in at the eastern end of airliner row next to the Ambassador. One good thing to come about because of these moves, is the first chance in many decades (indeed maybe first time ever) to see the only two British built jets operated by BOAC side by side, a good one for you photographers.
As you can see these moves, that have been forced upon us, are costing a lot of time/work and money, so PLEASE help us if you can by clicking that ’ Support Us’ button and making a donation., Thank you.
Registered Charity No. 285809