And to continue, and the Grand Slam as promised, along with part of the unique Air Gunner's exhibition.
PIC 1. If you thought 'Tall Boy' was big, then look at this! This is just the warhead section of 'Grand Slam' - with the tail fitted, it was 25 feet long!
PIC 2. This is part of the 'Air Gunners Display' room, believed to be the only exhibition of its type in the world, and displays a collection of different gun turrets, weapons, flying clothing and other articles, describing the equipment, training and techniques of the RAF Air Gunners, 20,000 of whom were lost during WW2.
PIC 3. A close-up shot of one of the restored turrets, in this case from a Halifax MkII.
PICS 4 and 5. Many Air Gunners had the duel role of 'WOP/AG' - Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, and this cameo shows a typical Sergeant at his radio desk.
PICS 6 to 8. Of possible interest to modellers and artists is this fairly comprehensive display of flying clothing and equipment.
PICS 9 and 10. An attraction which kept us busy for some time was this Air Gunnery simulator, seen here with Karl 'having a go' at a Me110. A lot of time and cash was spent here during our little 'competition'! We found that keeping the early-pattern reflector sight on target, whilst allowing for 'lead', was a bit tricky. Whether it was a parallax problem, or mis-aligned sight, or just our ineptitude is still open to debate! During our second visit, in his first attempt, my older brother scored 65 hits - but then he does go clay shooting twice a week!
Thanks again for your interest, and I hope you continue to enjoy the 'tour', with more still to come.