WIX Archives
Swap? Not likely, and for what?
Posted by James Kightly on Mon Jun 30, 2003 06:14:06 PM
In reply top Can those in charge of RAF and RAAF Museum please read posted by My Little Eye on Mon Jun 30, 2003 08:02:52 AM
Having seen all three Walri and the Seagull in the last year, I think the three museum aircraft are in the right place. Remember that the RAAF Museum's Walrus is a historic airframe for Australian history; having been used (briefly) in Antarctica. I can't see the RAF Museum giving up as rare an airframe as their pre-war Seagull V (and built in Britain).
It's also important to remember that aviation is, and should be global and shared - the two Shorthorns from Point Cook, VIC - one's still in Point Cook, the other in the Canadian National Aviation Museum. Each museum should have some foreign airframes on show - it's a good antidote to the 'our aircraft are the best and only' jingoism that can otherwise creep in.
If a swap were on, after massive cost the RAAF and RAF Museums would end up with basically the same type on display - H'm, can't see it happening on a cost-benefit analysis.
If we want to do something worthwile on the Walrus front, let's buy Dick Melton's and put it into the air. It just needs money - lots...
PS I'm working on a Walrus history book, so anyone with an interest please drop me a line.
JDK