Visit to the Imperial War Museum, Duxford...Part 2

[petermcleland]

...On a rather dull day.

Part Two (Inside).











































































Thanks for looking

[511Flyer]

During my four years on a Hastings squadron, I never saw that entrance used. It's 528, which was a 24 squadron aircraft, so I've looked down through that particular window many times. The bay is accessed through a trapdoor in the cockpit. Used by an aimer, but for dropping things other than bombs.

Thanks for posting Peter.

Den.

[petermcleland]

During my four years on a Hastings squadron, I never saw that entrance used. It's 528, which was a 24 squadron aircraft, so I've looked down through that particular window many times. The bay is accessed through a trapdoor in the cockpit. Used by an aimer, but for dropping things other than bombs.

Den, I took that picture because I have a couple of amusing stories that I can tell about that entrance...The first occurred on Operation Longtrek in which we (266 Rhodesia Squadron) flew 12 Venom FB1s from Wunstorf in Germany to Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia for the Rhodes Centenary celebrations and air displays...We had a Hastings following us down with our equipment and airmen etc. Anyway, at Livingstone, we the pilots got on board the Hastings to have a look at Vic Falls from the air...Just after we got airborne and headed for the falls I found that hatch in the flightdeck and opened it...I thought it would be fun to see the falls from in there, so I got down into it and closed the hatch behind me. I lay prone on some leather upholdered padding and gazed out through the transparency at the approaching Victoria Falls...Needless to say, the pilot flew very low and through all the spray coming up...It was very exciting to see the falls from there and as the aircraft headed back to land, I thought I had better return to my seat. However, I could not open the hatch because a bunch of giggling 266 Sqn pilots were standing on it. So I had to stay where I was and enjoy the landing in the prone position. Well it was fun anyway and a great flight.

The second story...Well I'll save that one for later

[Trev Clark]

Great photos Peter, was planning a trip there myself, but have just read that the US exhibition hall reopens in March next year, so might wait a few months. Still looks very impressive.

[petermcleland]

Yes I heard that Trev...It was a bit more vague though like "Spring" as they are doing a lot of work in there.

[cstorey]

Lovely stuff, Peter . Wasn't the TSR2 a beauty ? and when you see it near the Lancaster you realise the size of it

[Dev One]

Superb photos Peter, thanks for sharing.
Keith

[Dev One]

Wasn't the TSR2 a beauty ?

Having had a part in its creation, it still brings a tear to my eyes!
Keith

[Airspeed]

That would have been a tough day for you, Peter!
Excellent photos, thank you.

[Nigel H-J]

Wonderful photographs Peter, I really enjoyed looking at them. Have not been down to Duxford for quite a few years now and would like to get down there one day when it is not too busy as have to use a motability scooter to get around for any length of distance.

Remember Duxford when stationed at RAF Stradishall as it was also the married quarters for Stradishall and used to drive the shuttle bus quite frequently and once or twice when I had a bit of time to myself never thought at that time it would have bee turned into a museum but very glad it did.

Regards
Nigel.