NEWARK AIR MUSEUM visit, September 2023

[viscount]

NEWARK AIR MUSEUM

Found the well kept, indeed immaculate, open space of Newark a refreshing experience compared to the limited space in a number of the collections visited so far. A fair number of aircraft to be found in two large hangars, and a number at various locations around the grounds. Much to see and appreciate. Glad I was a little earlier than intended (due to lack of activity at RAF Coningsby) and sorry I had to leave when politely informed that closing time was approaching.

One of the larger aviation collections in the UK, with an emphasis on post WWII British military aircraft. Surprised at the lack of an early mark Lightning, any RAF Harrier variant, neither role of the Tornado, Hawk, Tucano aircraft or Scout and Wasp helicopters given that so many of contemporary types are displayed. A incredibly minor point, but it would be nice if the Dove and Heron were displayed next to each other (and a civilian early HS.125 too?) and as covered in the photo captions the Javelin and Jindivik. Dream on .. but I do hope that Newark have the 'missing types' on an acquisitions 'shopping list'.

NB. This table of exhibits will distort on anything other than a 5:3 ratio, widescreen monitor

NEWARK AIR MUSEUM, Friday 1st September 2023.

													
	     AIRCRAFT EXHIBITS KEPT OUTSIDE                                         AIRCRAFT IN HANGAR 1 (continued)                                           												
													
G-ANXB       DH.114 Heron 1	      BEA, early '60s red square scheme	(G-BJAD)    FRED srs 2.	                all yellow, no serial applied	
G-BFTZ	     MS.880B Rallye Club					(G-MAZY)    DH.82A Tiger Moth	        complete, composite aircraft	
4X-ARI	     DH.104 Dove	        formerly G-AHRI			G-MBUE	    MBA Tiger Cub 440		suspended from roof	
(VZ634)	     G. Meteor T.7	        towards end of a full repaint	G-MJDW	    Eipper Quiksilver MX	microlight	
TG517	     HP. Hastings T.5						VH-UTH	    ST.12 Monospar				
(WB491)	     Avro Ashton 2		fuselage only		        R5726/WS:J  Lancaster B.1		Section of Lancaster rear fuselage.
WH791	     EE. Canberra PR.7						VL348	    Avro C.19 srs 2		RAF, yellow T-bands, (one time G-AVVO)	
WH904/K	     EE. Canberra T.19		85 Sqdn			        VR249/FA:EL P.40 Prentice T.1		RAF, yellow T-bands	
WR977/B	     Avro Shackleton MR.3	about to commence a repaint	VZ728	    Desford RS.4 Bobsleigh	[a '60s visitor to Speke as G-AGOS)	
WS739	     G. Meteor NF.14		25 Sqdn			        WM913/456:J H. Sea Hawk FB.3				
WV789	     EE. Canberra B(I)8mod	all black, A&AEE	        WT933	    B.171 Sycamore 3		all silver (once G-ALSW)	
XJ560/02:H   DH.110 Sea Vixen FAW.2	RN				WV606/P:B   P.56 Provost T.1		yellow T-banks, coded 'F' on cowling	
XL605/86     H. Hunter T.7		TWU				WW217	    DH.112 Sea Venom FAW.22	RN	
XM594	     Avro Vulcan B.2		44 Sqdn				WX905	    DH.112 Venom NF.3				
XN964/630:LM Buccaneer S.1		RN				XD593	    DH.115 Vampire T.11		CFS	
XP226	     F. Gannet AEW.3		RN, 849 Sqdn.			XL764/J	    Saro Skeeter AOP.12				
XS417/DZ     EE Lightning T.5		LTF, camouflaged		XM685/513:PO  WS-55 Whirlwind HAS.7 	RN, dark blue/red cols (once G-AYZJ)	
XV728/A	     WS-58 Wessex HC.2		72 Sqdn				(XS238)	    Auster AOP.9		Army, fuselage only	
XW208	     Westland Puma HC.1		33 Sqdn, no rotors		XT200/F	    Westland-Bell 47G Sioux AH.1  Army	
XX467	     H. Hunter T.7		Royal Jordanian AF		XW276	    SA.341 Gazelle AH.1		Army (ex F-ZWRI)	
XX829/GZ     SEPECAT Jaguar T.2		54 Sqdn				(XX753)	    SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1		NOSE, section only.  16 Sqdn	
ZA717	     Chinook HC.1	        mainly fuselage, crash damaged	321	    Saab 91B Safir		R.Norwegian AF (once G-BKPY)	
A92-703	     Fairey Jindavik 103	target drone			AR-107	    Saab S.35XD Draken		R.Danish AF.	
QP-31	     Westland Lynx 28	        composite of parts. No rotors									
0-63008/LT   NA F-100C Super Sabre	USAFE					    AIRCRAFT HALL No.2				
82127/G-APNJ Cessna 310		        USAF, blue scheme of a U-3A a/c.									
91007/TR-007 Lockheed T-33A		USAF				(G-BKPG)    Luscombe P.3 Rattler				
83/8-MS	     Dassault Mystère IVA	French Air Force		(G-CCLT)    Powerchute Kestral		powered flying wing	
	     Mikoyan Mig-23M 'Flogger'	all grey, no marks-for repaint?	(G-MBBZ)    Volmer VJ-24W		body, no wings fitted	
71 red	     Mikoyan Mig 27K 'Flogger'	Soviet colours - recent repaint (G-MBVE)    Highway Sky-Trike		body, no wings fitted	
								        (G-MNRT)    Aviasud Sirocco				
	     NOSE SECTIONS:						VZ608/-	    G.Meteor FR.9		RAF, all silver.  RB.108 test bed a/c.	
								        WB624/-	    DHC.1 Chipmunk T.10		RAF, red/white training scheme	
WH863	     EE. Canberra T.17		360 Sqdn			WF369/F	    V. Varsity T.1		RAF, red/white training scheme	
XR757	     EE. Lightning F.6		grey scheme (11 Sqdn)		WK277/N	    S. Swift FR.5		2 Sqdn	
(XV490)	     F-4M Phantom FGR.2		54 Sqdn				WS692/C	    G. Meteor NF.12		72 Sqdn	
(XX899)	     Buccaneer S.2B		Camouflaged, 12 Sqdn		WT651/C	    H. Hunter F.1				
 - -	     EE. Canberra PR.9		never fitted to an aircraft     (XB261)     B. Beverley C.1		Flight deck ONLY.	
								        XH992/P	    G. Javelin FAW.9				
	     AIRCRAFT HALL No.1						XM383/90:CF H. Jet Provost T.3A	        mid white	
								       (XN573)/E    H. Jet Provost T.3A	        NOSE ONLY	
 - -	     Lee-Richards Annular biplane  Replica, 360º wing    	XR534/65    F. Gnat T.1		        RAF, 4 FTS	
	     Flying Flea		(BAPC 43)			XS726/T	    HS.125 Dominie T.1	        RAF	
	     Ward Gnome							XX492/A	    HP.137 Jetstream T.1	45 Sqdn	
BAPC.183     Zurdwski ZP.1		small helicopter design		XX634/T	    SA.121 Bulldog T.1		RAFC blue band	
G-APRT	     Taylorcraft JT.1 Monoplane	(a Speke visitor, early '60s)	ZA176/126:R Sea Harrier FA.2    	RN	
G-ASNY	     Benson B-8.		gyrocopter	        	37918/57    Saab AJ-37 Viggen		Swedish Air Force

[viscount]

NEWARK AIR MUSEUM - AIRCRAFT EXHIBITED EXTERNALLY



A condrum of all museums is how to protect their largest exhibits. Large buildings are an expensive answer and only possible for a few museums. Newark have the space outside to spread out their large exhibits, nor do they seem phased when it comes time to tackle conservation and repaints. The Vulcan has received attention in recent years, the Shackleton MR.3 is just entering the process. Vulcan B.2 XM594 is immaculately presented in its 44 Squadron markings.



Avro Shackleton MR.3 WR977/B of 42 Sqdn, with freshly erected scaffolding platforms as the long tedious job of preparation and applying new paint starts.



TG517 Handley Page Hastings T.5.



On a smaller scale Gloster Meteor T.7 in fresh grey with yellow T-bands awaits application of national and unit markings, together with registration marks.



Gloster Meteor NF(T).14 WS739 in 25 Squadron marks while still a night fighter.



Hawker Hunter T.7 XX467/86 in weather worn RAF camouflage. Also has worn markings XL605 while in RAF service, and subsequently 70-617 with R.Saudi A.F., 836 R.Jordanian A.F., G-TVII and XX467 before preservation.



Line-up of 4: Jaguar T.2, Lightning F.6, Hunter T.7 and Meteor NF.14.



XN964/630 Blackburn Buccaneer S.1



While, clearly I would wish for whole aircraft to be preserved, I will admit that being easier to store, transport, work on and display, cockpit sections do have their place. An impressive line-up of the 'business end' of 5 'cold-war jets' beside Aircraft Hall 2.



This Dassault Mystère IVA has been with Newark since the early days of the collection.



As has this North American F-100D Super Sabre also formerly with the French Air Force. Now painted to represent a Super Sabre from one of the Lakenheath based units, the 494th TFS.



This Lockheed T-33A also is ex French Air Force, but now presented as a colourful machine from 36th FBG, USAF.



Two 'Floggers', both acquired from the Hawarden 'cache'. Impressive 'Red 71' in Russian marks is a Mig-27K, while the other aircraft, a Mig-23M, which used to be Polish 458, is now in a pale colour overall, without markings. Presumably an interrupted repaint.



Painted as a previous identity for this aircraft 4X-ARI, a DH Dove 1, it was once G-AHRI with Iraq Petroleum and overhauled at Speke in the mid '50s by Airwork.



Good to find a Heron 1B, G-ANXB, in preservation in early '60s BEA markings. Although the repaint looks good and solid on the other side, this side needs a bit of bit of a touch-up.



Rallye Club G-BFTZ is a departure from the principle military theme to the exhibits. One of several Rallyes that I've come across in British Museums and their place in preservation is justified.



Cessna 310 G-APNJ one of the earliest of this all metal twin Cessna type to be imported into the UK. An aircraft that was based at Liverpool May 1963 until November 1968 when sold to Southend Air Taxis. Well worthy of preservation, however the USAF 'blue canoe' colours of a Cessna U-3E, while catching just don't look right. I have a photo of G-APNJ at Speke in 1963, which I have posted further down this thread along with some Ashton shots.



A bit of a 'Cinderella' in the collection, that is never likely to become a princess, is the Avro Ashton fuselage. Full marks to Newark for taking on its preservation and display. I feel it could do with greater interpretation and illustrations of G-AJJW/WB491 in its prime pushing forward the boundaries of British Aviation and propulsion in to the new dawn for aviation, the jet age.



The Fairey Jindivik pilotless aircraft was well before its time. I can recall seeing these flying (and more excitingly) landing at RAE Llanbedr. Well worthy of preservation and display, but for me should be displayed near the Javelin or an early Lightning to better interpret its role in air-to-air missile development and fighter pilot advanced live-fire tactics training.



Good to encounter a 72 Squadron Wessex HC.2 XV728/A. I well recall these passing occasionally through Speke from and to Northern Ireland during the 'troubles' where they were very much a workhorse for the UK Army.



From these 3 helicopters outside Hangar 1, it would appear that Newark are ensuring its collection of British military helicopters is brought upto date. Although still rotorless this Westland Puma HC.1 XW208 in 33 Sqdn markings will well represent the type.



Chinook HC.1 ZA717 suffered a crash 25.7.89 and arrived at Newark in 2018. Difficult to see how this could ever be restored - but could make a 'walk-through' exhibit. Interesting to see what Newark do with the airframe.



Another helicopter project. Based on a Westland Lynx used by the Qatar Police, it is clearly becoming a composite airframe as pieces from Royal Navy and Army Lynx are added to it. I wonder how long before a comprehensive re-spray will make the aircraft look presentable again?



I just love an organisation that is able to evoke a little humour into its every day activity. Brilliant spoof!!

[viscount]

NEWARK AIR MUSEUM - DISPLAY HALL No.1

Have seen several examples of Avro 19 Ansons in Museums during my 'road trip', this though is the first to seen complete, not undergoing protracted restoration rebuild. VL348 has been with MAM since 1972 and at stage was briefly G-AVVO. Positioned under the wings are two single seat diminutive aircraft, an unflown Ward Gnome and G-APRT Taylor monoplane that I have a note of having first seen it at Speke in October 1961.



This bright yellow Clutton FRED srs 2 is an unflown homebuild, registered G-BJAD.



Percival P.56 Provost T.1 WV606/P:B, with additional code F on the engine cowl.

done

Another, although far less successful Percival design, a Prentice T.1 VR249/FA:EL.



While the vast majority of exhibits are post WW II in origin, a fascinating corner of the hangar contains this relic - an original section of Lancaster rear fuselage, which owes it survival as it became a garden shed in Gainsborough. When found the 9 Squadron code WS:J could still be traced. Oddly while checking facts find the the Museum's interpretation board state the aircraft as R5726, while W&R 28 states W4964!



Royal Navy WS-55 Whirlwind HAS.7 XM685/513:PO and Army Saro Sketeer AOP.12, XL764.



Hawker Sea Hawk FB.3 WM913/456:J in 897 Sqdn colours



Bristol 171 Sycamore 3 WT933, Benson B-8 Autogyro G-ASNY, unflown Zurowski ZP.1 helicopter and XT200/F Westland-Bell 47G Sioux AH.1



Looked forward to catching up with this quite recent arrival, the Reid & Sigrist RS.4 Bobsleigh VZ728 developed in the final years of WWII as an advanced trainer, it was used as prone-pilot test bed. Later civilianised as a R&S Desford registered G-AGOS, I recall seeing this active at Speke several times in the period 1964-1968 while used for survey work by Kemps Aerial Surveys. For many years in store and then rebuild to flying status, it is good to now see it on public display.



DH.82A Tiger Moth G-MAZY finished so as to expose her construction.



Another aircraft I was keen to see, is this GAL Monospar from the mid '30s, VH-UTH



A WTHII (what the heck is it?) moment when faced by this oddity. The answer is a Lee-Richards Annular, a replica built for the 'Those Magnificient Men in their Flying Machines' movie. Apparently been with Newark since 1975, I cannot recall noticing it before.

INSIDE DISPLAY HALL NO.2

Gloster Meteor FR.9 VZ608, modified as a test-bed for the RB.108 engine



WK277/N V-S Swift FR.5 in 2 Squadron colours. A short-lived type in RAF service, good to find this Swift is being looked after and indoors.



While there are a fair number of Gloster Javelins preserved around Britain, this one, XH992/P in 85 Sqdn colours looks pristine.



As I walked around this created another WTHII moment (what the heck is it?). The display board provided the answer, it is a Luscombe Rattler Strike, registered G-BKPG in the early '80s. Strange beastie.



Alongside it are several other microlight designs. This being G-MNRT, an Aviasud Sirocco 377GB of the early 1980s.



Gloster Meteor NF.12 WS692/C in 72 Sqdn colours



Really pleased to find a Vickers Varsity T.1 indoors. WF369/F in the colours of its final unit, 6FTS at Finingley.



One end of the hangar is devoted to British training aircraft, including a Folland Gnat T.1 XR534/65 in the final, attractive red and white scheme and 4 FTS colours from RAF Valley.



Good to see that recently retired typed are not only included, but are already inside out of the British weather. Not only HP Jetstream T.1 XX492/A of RAFC/45 Sqdn pictured here, but HS.125 Dominie T.1 XS726/T is on display nearby too.



Another retired type is SA Bulldog T.1 XX634/T in RAF College colours.

[crumb]

The Lee Annular was still at Shoreham into the early 90s.

[viscount]

NEWARK AIR MUSEUM VISIT - FOLLOW UP

'Crumb', that would make sense. I'm going by a comment in W&R 28 of 2022 which also states that the machine was previously at Shoreham and before that at Winthorpe (aka Newark). Looking back at W&R 6 of 1978 it is indeed listed then as at Newark - along with 10 other aircraft which are still part of the collection and a couple of others that moved on. Looks as though we are both right, acquired 1975 at Winthorpe, subsequently displayed at Shoreham for many years and now back at Newark and it neatly explains why I could not recall it from Newark visits back in '90s and '00s.

I've become fascinated by the Ashton 2 fuselage, once WB941. In the Don Stephen's photo collection I find just two images of Avro Ashtons. Must admit I never realised there were actually 6 constructed, using redundant Avro Tudor airframes. They were each powered by 4 Nene engines, mounted in paired nacelles. Ashton 2, WB291 was used for engine development with an extra single engine underneath, aiding development of both the RR Avon and Conway engines (used in the Comet and Boeing 707 amongst other types). The Wikipedia type entry is fairly short and weak on images. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Ashton





The upper image was badly marked. I've cleaned the worst marks off both to make them presentable. The one on the ground is captioned Farnborough 10th September 1954, the flypast could well be either 1954 or 1955. Which of the 5 Ashtons with tricycle undercarriage they are, is not captioned, but the upper photo could well be Ashton 3, WB492 (the large font registration looks like 942 just above the flaps, under the last of the windows). It is a surprisingly good looking aircraft. Interesting (with the power of hindsight) that Avro got it right in fitting round windows in a pressure-hulled aircraft, while on the contemporary Comet 1 de Havilland got it wrong.

To quote from Wikipedia: "Despite being one of the (world's) first jet-engined air transports, the Ashton was engaged in primarily experimental work and was soon eclipsed in technology by the first of the full-scale production airliners, the de Havilland Comet."



There is a photo earlier of Cessna 310 G-APNJ in a fancy USAF colour scheme. The aircraft never served with the USAF, but was a resident aircraft at Liverpool/Speke between May 1963 and November 1968 owned by motor dealership Dougherty's of Liverpool. This picture shows the aircraft in the static park of the Liverpool Air Display at Speke on 1st June 1963. Quite remarkable that 60 years on it is on display in a museum! Who would ever have thought of that back in 1963?

[planemike]

Viscount...... Thank you for an excellent report on the Newark Museum.... Just shows what can be done by volunteers. No doubt at a fraction of the cost of certain well known National museums. Of course Newark sets out to be an aircraft museum, not a "theme park".