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Post by stemai on Nov 1, 2011 11:41:36 GMT 1
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Post by viscount on Nov 1, 2011 13:34:35 GMT 1
Amazing how much healthier the Avro 748 looks for the application of plastic and industrial strength sticky tape. Compare this photo above with the one on page 2 of the 'Sisyphus saved' thread.
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Post by baldyman26 on Nov 8, 2011 13:56:35 GMT 1
I've got to say, from an enthusiasts point of view it is great that the aircraft are being restored, however who owns the land behind the hotel. I am just concerned that while progress is slowly being made, how long it would be before they became an eyesore. I can't see any hotel chain wanting guests looking out at half restored aircraft for years to come. Whilst I'm no engineer, I'm sure there are willing volunteers to help move things along.
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Post by northwestern on Nov 9, 2011 18:01:42 GMT 1
From what I have been told in the past, the land is owned by the hotel and everything that goes on is with their full blessing.
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Post by danairamb on Nov 9, 2011 18:32:29 GMT 1
As a recent guest of the hotel, I have to say that the staff of the hotel are very enthusiastic to share information regarding the heritage of the property with anyone who is interested, and this includes knowledge of the aircraft being restored. I am sure that a significant portion of guests come to the property because of its heritage and of course having these aircraft adds to the hotel's appeal. Even to guests that have no interest in the aircraft, most hotels have much less interesting outlooks than the what the Crowne Plaza provides, so I dont think the aircraft will ever become an issue or detrimental to the appeal of the hotel.
My concern is for ongoing maintenance of these aircraft, even after they are fully restored exposure to the elements is not going to help the condition and upkeep of the planes.
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Post by thepaperplane on Nov 10, 2011 9:55:08 GMT 1
Interesting comments, guys - thank you.
New members at SAHG are always welcome - especially those with skills and determination to carry out a variety of unusual tasks.
Much of the work that is done at Speke is carried out in primitive conditions and limited space. It is mostly weather-dependant and many weeks (or even months) of work is sometimes required on parts before they can finally be fitted, which can give the impression of somewhat slow progress.
There are a limited number of willing (and able) volunteers at Speke giving all they can of their time and expertise and it can be a source of irritation when the "armchair enthusiasts" (of which there are many) seemingly offer criticism of their efforts.
Whilst there are, no-doubt, a few hotel guests who may find the sight of tha aeroplanes an eyesore there are many who do not and take the time to visit the collection and see the airframes at close quarters. It will be obvious, on closer inspection, that these aircraft are cared for and their restoration is in hand.
It was a bold step to save the aircraft that now adorn the Speke apron (itself a listed "structure"), indeed, at least two of the types that are there are absent from any other UK museum and would have been destroyed were it not for the timely and committed efforts of a very undersung Few.
SAHG would be pleased to expand the ranks of active members. It's easy to turn up and talk big - talk is cheap - but it takes real committment and dedication to make things happen. Old aeroplanes are unique: they do corrode, they are (often) difficult to repair, they are hard (if not impossible) to find parts for - but this is part of the fun.
For those who would like to know more about what goes in to the work and see what is going on, please do come down and visit us at Speke. We'll make you a cup of tea and show you in and around the aircraft. That way you may have more of an understanding of the tasks at hand and the achievements that await. Saturday is the day.
We look forward to seeing and meeting you!
tpp
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