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
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.
It is what I thought.
Thank you.
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.
Thanks Rob. That's a well hidden gem.
One wonders why these exhibits are not on public display for a wider audience to appreciate.
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 (http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/aeronautics/1984-249.aspx?keywords=constellation).
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.
Quote from: G4UMW on May 03, 2015, 10:56:34 AM
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?
Quote from: G4UMW on May 03, 2015, 10:56:34 AM
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 (http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/aeronautics/1984-249.aspx?keywords=constellation).
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
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
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 (http://www.modelairplanenews.com/blog/2011/08/06/world%E2%80%99s-largest-rc-aircraft-c-17-globemaster-iii/).
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.
Quote from: G4UMW on May 04, 2015, 12:33:22 PM
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.
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.
Quote from: G4UMW on May 04, 2015, 03:11:28 PM
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.
I did say "in any new location"! ;D
Good Day All,
Just had confirmation from Wroughton that I shall be able to visit on 8th July which is the next available appointment. Only one visitor per week. All visits are on a wednesday. I shall be allowed one hour and I shall not be able to board the aircraft!! Hopefully I shall see other airframes as well.
Regarding the Boeing Stratocruiser I have located some in USA. Mostly freighters. I shall consider going to Rantoul which is some 120 miles south of Chicago. Trying to turn it into some kind of holiday (including the wife). The frustrating thing is before I retired I must have visited Chicago 20 times when sailing as a shipmaster.
Thank you for everyones help it is very much appreciated and I shall let you know how the visit goes.
I should call you Sir then - I was a Sparks!
Don't mention ships on this site - the Boss doesn't like it!
Good Day,
Can confirm that I visited Wroughton as arranged.
I was very well received and had ample time to look at the Lockheed and other frames. Such a shame these are no longer open to the general public, some interesting stuff.
It was worth the effort.
Best Regards
Any pictures to follow the trip.. ??
Morning,
Here some pics. I went to see the Lockheed Coni. It was surrounded by other exhibits.
[Attachment deleted by Admin to save file space]
Thanks for sharing.
When I was a youngster it inspired my interest in flying. Love that aircraft.
I share that Love. The CONI was the prettiest '3-engined' ever. ;)
It was seeing a Coni at Heathrow in 1958 on a school trip that gave me my love of aviation.
Regards Mike
It was the one aircraft that suited all the airline livery's of the day.....
Like Air Ceylon and Flying Tigers to name just a couple............
Pleased you enjoyed the few pics.
Still looking for a Boeing Stratocruiser within reasonable distance.
Rgds/