QUESTERS VISIT TO BOSCOMBE DOWN AIRCRAFT COLLECTION :
04 SEPTEMBER 2024
Sixteen Questers gathered at Old Sarum Airfield to view their collection; it was emphasized that it was not a museum because we were encouraged to touch the exhibits and sit in the cockpits of some exhibits. The group initially listened to a lecture from one of the managers explaining the origins of the collection which all required the provenance of being the actual planes tested at RAF Boscombe Down for aspects of aero safety, flight development or type approval for the services. This activity started at Boscombe Down airfield in 1939.
The collection started when old planes which had completed their test programmes were placed in a dumping area which was periodically cleared by scrap merchants, and this practice was stopped by a far-sighted senior officer who could see that these planes would make the basis of a unique collection. The collection is entirely maintained by volunteers who (mostly) have had many years’ experience of working at Boscombe Down either flying or maintaining/modifying some of the planes. The collection covers (mostly) the development of jet powered flight. It follows that they had a comprehensive knowledge of the collection.
Mention should also be made of the mechanical skills of some of the volunteers who have fully renovated some of the exhibits, constructed a replica WW1 era DH 2E and constructed the nose cone of a WW2 Lancaster bomber, amongst other projects. The collection also included quite a few RR engines and other component parts.
This is a gem of a collection dating from the period when British companies led the world in advanced powered flight; and really needs to be seen to be appreciated.
Norma Bryan
