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Post by slackie on Jul 8, 2012 15:41:58 GMT 12
Just a quick question... taking the family up to MOTAT tomorrow... is there any way mere mortals like my son and I (both aviation fanatics) can get a look inside the Lancaster?? We've been there many times and on one occasion we saw someone inside it.
Is there a special tour available?? Obviously happy to pay the extra to get inside such a significant aircraft. Any info gratefully received.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 8, 2012 16:29:49 GMT 12
Usually Wednesday is the day for that Mike, as the Bomber Command Association veterans meet every Wednesday and are around that day to give tours and answer queries. Also the monthly Live Day is good for that, but that doesn't happen on a Monday either.
You picked a bad week because Peter Wheeler (of the NZBCA and this forum) and Phil Furner (also a forum member and very connected with the Lancaster) are both out of the country. Your only hope is to ask someone when you get there and see if they have the ability to help. Check at the Sunderland to see if Mac Bettjeman is around, he's a super chap, a WWII Sunderland veteran, and he might be able to give you a Sundy tour, and maybe find the Lanc keys, if he's there. His tour of the Sundy is well worth it.
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Post by slackie on Jul 8, 2012 18:43:40 GMT 12
Thanks Dave, was a last minute thing, but will definitely go back again in the not too distant future, and make it a Wednesday!! I'll see if MacB is around, cos the Sundy would also be a highlight!
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Post by slackie on Jul 9, 2012 8:51:31 GMT 12
It's kinda like a car or motorbike shop... you feel compelled to sit on/in everything... [and make brrrrm brrrm noises!] Funnily enough, the one seat I'd like to try out in the Lanc would be the tail gunner turret... I have soooo much respect for that lone chappie sitting back there quite removed from the rest of the crew.... hell, I actually have so much respect for ALL of the guys. At boarding school back in the 70's I had an English/Latin teacher who'd been a nav in Lancasters (I think), and had broken his back bailing out over enemy territory... most thought he was a grumpy old p...k, but in my last year there I got to know him a little better and he relayed a couple of his experiences, quite an extraordinary gentleman. Wish I'd paid more attention in class and to his stories - 'cos I can't remember much now (either Latin or his stories!!).
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Post by John L on Jul 9, 2012 17:11:42 GMT 12
I'm 6 ft, and, without wearing flight gear, it's cramped!
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Post by slackie on Jul 9, 2012 18:42:55 GMT 12
Had a great visit there today... first time I've seen the new addition to the display hall... very impressive... shame the Solent has been pushed outside, but I guess it's getting some TLC? Would be nice to see another hangar to house the Solent, Sundy, etc that are out in the elements... but I guess it's all $$$!
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Post by dazz on Jul 9, 2012 21:13:05 GMT 12
You didn't go to Huntly in Marton by any chance did you Slackie?
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Post by slackie on Jul 10, 2012 20:31:46 GMT 12
Yip... and it's spelt Huntley School, hence not located in the Waikato! ;-)
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Post by skyhawkdon on Jul 11, 2012 15:20:25 GMT 12
I just popped in to MOTAT for a quick look at lunch time as I'm up here with work for a couple of days. What an amazing building that is and the BCA displays are world class.
I was also pleased to see they are cleaning up the Skyhawk and it is now looking very good.
The Avenger progress is also great to see.
They said their Macchi is arriving this month hopefully, so another aircraft to add to the collection.
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