Only 3 members arrived at the Farmers arms to go on this trip as several members had to cry off at the last minute due to illness and injury. So Dave Frank and Richard set off for an uneventful drive down the M6 and M54 to RAF Cosford where we started the day with coffee tea and cakes. Then on the exhibits. It is amazing how many aircraft they have managed to squeeze into the big new hangar. All three giant “V” bombers are in there with many other historic aircraft superbly restored and presented. A nice little activity area has been made for children to experiment and investigate Aerodynamics and flight controls. It took a couple of hours to do justice to the big hangar so we returned to the cafe for soup, sandwiches and a tea before setting off to the second hangar. This hangar seemed to have all the experimental aircraft developed by the industry over the last 70 years to push the flight envelope out to where it is today. Amazing experimental aircraft like the meteor with two pilots, one in recumbent position testing whether this was a solution to hi “G” levels and the Fairey Delta high speed delta wing research aircraft. So many memories of youth and working life for me in that hangar. Also in this hangar were the mementos of the wars and equipment used by the aircrew and many many engines of all types, piston and jet showing the development of the powerplants used over the last 100 years.
At about 3.45pm we decided we had done the exhibition justice and headed for home. A smooth ride back and pint in the farmers arms concluded a very interesting and relaxed day, well worth the effort. Thanks to Frank who had the job of taxi driver.
