FAA Museum , Yeovilton UK 2013 report

[setter1]

Hi All
As part of an ongoing theme here is my website post on my trip to Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton UK recently
I love this place so many great aircraft and done so well - the Museum is mooted to have a do over soon. One issue is that so many good aircraft are stored away and not on display, hopefully this will be rectified if a redevelopment does take place
For Harrier fans they have an excellent number scattered all over the place.
www.warbirdsonline.com.au/2013/11/08/fleet-air-arm-museum-uk-warbird-collection/
Enjoy
John

[nuuumannn]

Nice, although a little brief considering the size of the place. Just a few points, the hall with the Concorde is named "The Leading Edge and covers advances in aircraft technology; both the Concorde and BAC.221 (ogival winged Fairey Delta 2) are on loan from the Science Museum. The Concorde, the first British example completed was relocated to Yeovilton because a senior councillor in Bristol wanted a Concorde based at or near Filton where they were built, this was before the aircraft had been retired; Filton now has one of its own. Since the FAA museum was the nearest aviation museum the Concorde was sent there despite not fitting in with the collection. It could also be stored indoors. The Bristol Scout in the same hall was built by Great War aviation enthusiast and publisher of WW1 Aero magazine Leo Opdyke.

The Short 184 is on loan from IWM and was complete until badly damaged in an air raid in WW2. It was the first aircraft in which aerial reconnaissance of an enemy fleet was carried out; flown by Frederick Rutland prior to the Battle of Jutland on 31st May 1916, his observer spotted movements of the German High Seas Fleet prior to the engagement. He was thereafter known as 'Rutland of Jutland'.

Just a wee point about the Wildcat. it is, in fact a Grumman Martlett I, not an F4F Wildcat. The FAA's first examples differed from the F4F and did not have an American equivalent. That particular aircraft was one of the first FAA Martletts from a production order (not recieved under Lend Lease) and arrived in the UK in late 1940/early 1941. Likewise with the Corsair; it is not an F4U, but a Corsair IV; the British examples differed externally from American ones by their clipped wingtips, which enabled them to be housed below decks in British carriers, which had lower ceilings than the American carriers.

I know this sounds pedantic, but the FAA aircraft did differ from their American operated counterparts.

[setter1]

Hi
Yes noted all details - corrections being adjusted
Thanks for your input and glad you liked it - we always appreciate constructive comments such as yours and value your contribution
I take your point about the size but it is one of a number of trip reports and by their nature they are of this size - That's why I always give links to the home museum site for more detail
Kindest regards
John

[corsair5517]

Is the Wyvern still on display??

[nuuumannn]

Hi John, no worries, I'm a bit fussy with stuff like that, but its not a criticism at all; I do enjoy reading your commentaries and do understand that brevity is necessary; I guess its because I know that collection and its aircraft fairly well, so I expect a bit more. Not your fault at all, my man; me just being pushy. Oh, I've noticed something; I spelt 'Martlet" wrong, it should have only two 'Ts', not three.

The Wyvern used to be on display in the Leading Edge exhibition with its cowls open so you could see the RR Eagle. John? Still there?

[chinapilot]

Yes...even 'pedants' make mistakes...

Great museum just 20 minutes from my place in the UK - also has a great 'Air Day' usually in July.

[setter1]

nuuumannn - no worries and as I said thanks for the alterations much appreciated
china pilot - yes I just missed the Air Day - bugger I hear it was excellent
John

[airshowconsultants]

The Fleet Air Arm Museum is absolutely splendid - but I missed the Wyvern as it was in 'reserve'  when I visited.

Here is a shot of their Walrus.



shortfinals.wordpress.com/2013/10/22/the-vickers-supermarine-walrus-an-ugly-duckling-but-a-stout-performer/