Museums

[Mariner]

Good Day All,

Does any member know of a UK museum that has either a Boeing Stratocruiser or Lockheed Constellation?

Just fancy having a look!

Thank you

[Anmer]

From what I can find, unfortunately the answer is "No".

There are some "local" Connies in France and Germany but I can't find any Stratocruisers left anywhere.  I think there are some Stratofreighters around but none in the UK.  There were nearly 10 times as many Stratofreighters built.

But someone may know different.

[Mariner]

It is what I thought.

Thank you.

[G4UMW]

There is a Constellation in the UK. The Science Museum at Wroughton, near Swindon holds L-749A N7777G/G-CONI, painted in TWA colours. The site is not open to the public but a limited number of visits for genuine researchers are available. Details from http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/wroughton.

[Anmer]

Thanks Rob.  That's a well hidden gem.

One wonders why these exhibits are not on public display for a wider audience to appreciate.

[G4UMW]

I suspect it's 'elf 'n' safety. Wroughton is a conservation site and not geared up to handle a large number of visitors. It would be nice to see the Connie on display in South Kensington but I doubt there is room without major alterations to the building.

More information on N7777G here.

[Mariner]

Thank you everyone. I have already followed up the Wroughton info passing an email to the person in charge and requesting a visit. I'll keep you updated.

Thanks again.

[Anmer]

Wroughton is a conservation site and not geared up to handle a large number of visitors.

Maybe some of the exhibits could be placed elsewhere?  Perhaps on loan to other museums who have the space and interest in them?

[Smudger98]

I suspect it's 'elf 'n' safety. Wroughton is a conservation site and not geared up to handle a large number of visitors. It would be nice to see the Connie on display in South Kensington but I doubt there is room without major alterations to the building.

More information on N7777G here.

The whole  site was open when it played host the PFA rally a few times a number of years back - including the museum hanger.. an excellent site..

1990/93-ish    http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=38757

[Anmer]

I suspect the cost of opening it to the public on a permanent basis doesn't stack up.  It's a bit off the beaten track (I used to live nearby) and access is poor.

Maybe the Museum should "rent" a car boot plot at Duxford and rotate exhibits.  It would publicise other sites in the group:

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/about_us/smg.aspx

[G4UMW]

Wroughton also featured on a Discovery Channel series a few years ago. The programs followed a group of model makers who built and flew a large scale model of a C-17 Globemaster III. The test flying was done at Wroughton. More info here.

The civil airliner exhibits at Duxford are owned by the Duxford Aviation Society who are independent of the IWM. If moved there the Connie would most probably have to stand in the open, with all the attendant degradation issues. At least she's hangared at Wroughton.

I'd forgotten that the PFA rallies were held there. I used to be a regular visitor when they were at Cranfield, which is just down the road from me.

[Anmer]

The civil airliner exhibits at Duxford are owned by the Duxford Aviation Society who are independent of the IWM. If moved there the Connie would most probably have to stand in the open, with all the attendant degradation issues. At least she's hangared at Wroughton.

To be seen by a handful of visitors who pre-book a Friday visit.

I still think the exhibits deserve more exposure.

[G4UMW]

Agreed, but...

Too many historically-important aircraft have been lost because they were displayed outside and exposed to the elements without the necessary expertise or funding to properly protect and preserve them. Unless and until all necessary provisions are met to ensure the aircraft's long-term conservation in any new location, I'd rather she remained where she is.

[Anmer]

Agreed, but...

I'm not proposing the Connie be exhibited in the open.  Just suggesting it should be on regular public display - somewhere.

Clearly Wroughton doesn't fit the bill.

[G4UMW]

I did say "in any new location"!