RAF Museum, Hendon, LONDON – part one
Raining all day here in London so I paid a visit to the RAF Museum, which has something of a visit to an old friend about it. This post focuses on WW1 for those Wing nuts out there. I've highlighted some of my favourites with some random photos tagged on at the end.
Absolute best in show for me was this beautiful Fokker. The natural wood finish has to be seen to be believed, just gorgeous.
I've never been a Bi-guy (that didnt come out right, you know I meant Bi-plane?) but seeing these birds in person got me straight onto eBay...
And so the stash grew today by two. Who would have thought it?
It can't be helped, you know. I read an article that scientifically proved that scale model building (well, stash collecting, really) was harder to quit than heroin. Well, I didn't really, but you know it's true.
There must be an algorithm that works out your build speed multiplied by your life expectancy and gives you a number where you need to stop buying any more damned kits.
But you know, Fokk that...
[pic [14]
So, it's going to be onto a steep learning curve with rigging, wood effect painting, and paying silly money for Wingnut kits. Who said you can't teach old dogs new tricks? Woof.
I think I can bury this information here (if my wife ever saw this post she'd have finished reading long ago), but I also bought a beautiful print of three Me 262s in flight signed by Adolf Galland.
I'll finish with the legendary Sopwith Camel...
Beautiful pics, David...looking forward to Part II - 🙂
Thanks, Craig,
The museum is terrific but they are working on renovations in the Battle of Britain hall, which is a pain as they have beautiful (and original) Ju 87's, He 111's and even an Uhu.
Anyway, I'll stick up a post this evening of the post WW1 stuff.
Hope you are well!
Looks like you had a good day, even if it turned out a little expensive, I think it's called retail therapy... hope the rain has stopped now.
George, I don't want to say how much the Galland print cost (on the grounds that anything I do say may incriminate me at a later date). But it was definitely a therapeutic day.
Hendon is certainly one of the best museums of its type. We used to have club exhibitions there (with dozens of other clubs) every summer, with displays laid out in and amongst the actual museum displays. Two years ago they had a change of management and the host club was required to take on all H&S controls for the event, rather than the museum itself (so we were advised), the result of which was that everyone stood down. Shame, really.
Rob, you are right that it's a real shame the bureaucrats put and end to your club's shows. Classic example of shooting yourself in the foot; those clubs would have brought community interest and forged much needed links to keep the museum dynamic and active.
I thought about volunteering in the museum's 'Airfix Make and Take' programme but you would not believe the hoops you need to jump through just to offer your own time and experience.
At the moment there's a major refurbishment going on at the RAF museum and if early indications are anything to go by, it has to be said they are making a great job of it.
Thanks for sharing these great pics David. I've visited many museums in the UK, but this one is still on the to-do list. Must go there definitively.
Ferry, if you get the chance then please go - just make sure they have the 'Battle of Britain' hall operational before you do, its stunning.
Nice Photos David - I think the new WW I exhibition is very good , must go over and check it out again
Thanks, David. Before yesterday I wasn't too sold on WW1 aircraft but seeing them in person has really turned a corner for me. I tracked down (wasn't easy) a Wingnut Wing Fokker DV Albatross and can't wait to get started on it (although it'll be in a queue); it's a beautiful bird and I think (like life itself) getting out of your comfort zone is never a bad thing.
it is dangerously close to Hannants too...
Oh, I probably didn't mention those US Navy figures I bought from Hannants. Damn, that was an expensive day.
Good stuff David. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Anthony. It was a great day and even better to share it with the good people of iModeler.
Simply awesome!
As are you, Robert...as are you.
Wow ! Amazing... simply amazing. These are some stellar photos and fine examples of early aircraft. I'd be like a kid in a candy store ...