Saturday, Imperial War Museum/Duxford

Hello!

Wow, what an amazing day!  We had never been to the Imperial War Museum/Duxford, which is about an hour’s drive south from Watlington.  Arrived there around 11 am and were astounded that the place was absolutely HUGE.  I believe it was an airfield during WWII, and literally, it extends almost as far as the eye can see.  (Just looked at the brochure, and Duxford was built in 1917 and used as a training station for the Royal Air Force, and whose fighter base played a major role in the Battle of Britain during WWII.  It was also home to the American 78^th Fighter Group during the war.) 

Here are Philippa and I in the first hangar

So many planes! Concorde on the left!

There were about eight different hangers or buildings – some extremely contemporary, like the one holding the American Air Museum, and others more traditional and hangar-like.  It is still used as an airport for many different kinds of craft, including private aviation.

Entered in AirSpace, and seriously, thought we might not make it out of the hangar, there was so much to see and do!  Someone working at the Museum definitely knows education, because the exhibits were phenomenal.  There were things to touch, and things to pick up, things to do, and videos to watch.  Amazing presentation, starting with the Wright brothers, and incorporating English and European aviation history as well. 

There were things to do if you thought you might want to be a pilot – lots of eye/hand coordination. 

I finally got on a Concorde!

Leo (l) and Hugh learning Morse code!

Robert did brilliantly there; I did not.  Eye charts, and color identification, and it went on and on.  I don’t think we have ever been to any museum anywhere that was as people-friendly/interesting/well done as Duxford.  We are now regretting not having gone to the Imperial War Museum in London, which goes back on the list for “next time.”  There were also many personal stories and histories, from pilots who had flown certain aircraft, to riveters who worked on airplanes over the years.  This hangar also included a Concorde, and it was possible to board the plane and walk through it.  Having never been – but always wanting to – be inside that aircraft, it was really fascinating.  Still sorry that it has been taken out of service!

Hugh, 3 1/2 -- seriously cute little boy!

After AirSpace, Philippa and Dan had prepared a good picnic lunch, and we were able to find an inside space to eat, as it was really brisk outside.  (I did bring my ear muffs, but not my scarf … bad decision!)  Very enjoyable!

Then, we headed outside and to the American Air Museum, which is close to (but not quite) the end of the property. 

Sally B, B17 Flying Fortress

(We are talking airport size here!)  On the way, we stopped at the hangar labeled Flying Aircraft.  This is a place where aircraft are stored that are being or going to be worked on for restoration.  We saw Sally B, a WWII B-17 American bomber, the Flying Fortress which was huge, alongside many others. 

Finally got to the American Air Museum, and one word:  WOW! 

American Hangar

Incredible collection!

Front of a B-17, Bombadiers position

They had everything from an SR-71 – what we used to call a Habu in Okinawa (and the particular plane had lived at Kadena AFB on Okinawa!) – to a U-2, the type of airplane in which Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union in the cold war.  Special exhibits about the aircraft included really excellent information and analysis.  Very, very enjoyable, and truthfully, we did not want to leave.  However, it was getting on for 4 pm and I think we were all getting a bit tired.  We would definitely give Duxford ***** and we will definitely be back.  As Robert says, it’s not really a place that can be covered in a day or even two.  It really needs thoughtful time to see everything and absorb all that was on offer.  Simply incredible; SO glad we went!

Dinner last night was make-your-own-pizzas and salad, which was great fun!  And such a neat idea!  Lots of fun toppings, including ham, which I’ve discovered is really great on a pizza!  Definitely something to do at home!

Up to bed around 9:30 pm and probably asleep by 9:31 pm.  Really tired, but truly, such an amazing day!

More later!

m

xxx