Airframes
Benevolens Magister
Great pics Gary and Glider. Looks like a few changes since I was there last.
Seeing all those little etched B17's and P51's on the glass monoliths of the Wall of Honour certainly brings a lump to the throat. I believe the museum, being designed as a tribute to the US Forces operating from the region during WW2, (and not far awayfrom the US Cemetery at Cambridge) was built in the shape of a traditional hangar, but partly 'sunk' into the ground at the rear end, symbolising a memorial 'tomb' for those lost. At the time of its design and construction, it was thought that some of the exhibits would remain in the 'Superhangar', then the largest (new) building on the airfield, with the main exhibits in the US Museum being centred around the WW2 and larger, more modern aircraft. Since then, of course, the B24 and some others have been acquired and added, the thinking being to have them all safely under one roof. Before, many, such as the B52, were displayed outside, and most of the sub-exhibitions, such as weapons, uniforms, fliying kit etc, were displayed inside a number of former crew rooms, workshops etc. Bear in mind that the airfield was eventually the 'home' of the 78th FG, 8th USAAF, and many famous 'names' flew from here.
For anyone visiting the UK who has even a remote interest in aircraft, Duxford is a must - but allow at least two days to see it all - and that's not including the 'live', working parts of the airfield and its various collections.
Thanks again for the great pics guys.
Seeing all those little etched B17's and P51's on the glass monoliths of the Wall of Honour certainly brings a lump to the throat. I believe the museum, being designed as a tribute to the US Forces operating from the region during WW2, (and not far awayfrom the US Cemetery at Cambridge) was built in the shape of a traditional hangar, but partly 'sunk' into the ground at the rear end, symbolising a memorial 'tomb' for those lost. At the time of its design and construction, it was thought that some of the exhibits would remain in the 'Superhangar', then the largest (new) building on the airfield, with the main exhibits in the US Museum being centred around the WW2 and larger, more modern aircraft. Since then, of course, the B24 and some others have been acquired and added, the thinking being to have them all safely under one roof. Before, many, such as the B52, were displayed outside, and most of the sub-exhibitions, such as weapons, uniforms, fliying kit etc, were displayed inside a number of former crew rooms, workshops etc. Bear in mind that the airfield was eventually the 'home' of the 78th FG, 8th USAAF, and many famous 'names' flew from here.
For anyone visiting the UK who has even a remote interest in aircraft, Duxford is a must - but allow at least two days to see it all - and that's not including the 'live', working parts of the airfield and its various collections.
Thanks again for the great pics guys.
