Day out involving planes

[heisthegaffer]

Hi all, for fathers day I want to do something interesting for my dad although it doesn't have to be on Fathers day. He loves planes, trams and trolley buses so if there is anything combining all three it would be a bonus. We are based in Herts but willing to travel pretty much any distance.

He is into planes from WW1, WW2 and cold war (especially the Vulcan).

I've taken him to Bruntingford to see XH558 and we've seen her fly last year and also been to Wellesbourne to see 655.

Does anyone know if ex-V bomber pilots/air crew would have lunch with me and my dad to tell a few stories? Obviously we'd pay for lunch etc etc

Any suggestions would be welcome!!! Thanks

[eharding]

It's a long shot, but you might be able to register yourselves as a ground-crew helper for Project Propellor (http://www.projectpropeller.co.uk), which is aimed at organising flying events for WWII veteran air-crew. Whilst they predominantly need people with suitable aircraft types to fly the veterans to the meeting, they also need people who can help out with the organisation on the ground - and I'm sure they would be more than happy to sit and chat with your father at the event. You'd need to get in touch with the organisers (via the website) for the exact details though - I've offered the Yak for the Project in the past, but they've regretfully declined on the grounds most of the veterans are a bit too frail for the clambering about required to get into the thing.

[Mr_B]

This is quite unique. Wouldn't mind doing it myself.
http://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/popup.cfm?p_n=48322...

[mybrainhurts]

I nominate Duxford...

[eccles]

Shuttleworth looks a good day out especially if you go to one of their flying displays.

[Eric Mc]

Britain has more air museums per square mile than any other country in the world. You are spoiled for choice.

The biggest are -

Duxford
RAF Museum Hendon
RAF Museum Cosford
Shuttleworth Museum
Helicopter Museum - Weston Super Mare
Midlands Air Museum - Coverntry
Science Museum - London

There are dozens of other smaller museums and aircraft colections throughout the country.

[spitfire-ian]

If you want to take him Vulcan hunting here's a little map I threw together of all the remaining airframes in the UK

http://www.tinyurl.com/vulcanscramble

[andy400]

Doesn't Hendon have a Valiant? Pretty rare I think. Great museum.

[spitfire-ian]

andy400 said:

Doesn't Hendon have a Valiant? Pretty rare I think. Great museum.

There is only one complete one and Cosford has it now

[andy400]

spitfire-ian said:

andy400 said:

Doesn't Hendon have a Valiant? Pretty rare I think. Great museum.

There is only one complete one and Cosford has it now

Was it previously at Hendon, or is my memory failing again? I've been to both, but I thought I could remember what I saw at which.

[spitfire-ian]

andy400 said:

spitfire-ian said:

andy400 said:

Doesn't Hendon have a Valiant? Pretty rare I think. Great museum.

There is only one complete one and Cosford has it now

Was it previously at Hendon, or is my memory failing again? I've been to both, but I thought I could remember what I saw at which.

I think you're right. I believe it was at Hendon before being moved to Cosford

[Eric Mc]

spitfire-ian said:

andy400 said:

spitfire-ian said:

andy400 said:

Doesn't Hendon have a Valiant? Pretty rare I think. Great museum.

There is only one complete one and Cosford has it now

Was it previously at Hendon, or is my memory failing again? I've been to both, but I thought I could remember what I saw at which.

I think you're right. I believe it was at Hendon before being moved to Cosford

Yes, it's the same one. It was moved to Cosford to be part of their Cold War Exhibition.

[eccles]

I've got a spanner for a Valiant. 'Nose wheel axle nut spanner'

So if any of you suddenly come across a Valiant with a flat nosewheel tyre and need to get the wheel off, give me a shout and I'll let you borrow my spanner!

[heisthegaffer]

Thanks for all the help guys, got some great ideas!