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Aircraft Restoration on Show to Visitors

10.15am to 1.00pm

FREE Admission

One of Shropshire’s hidden gems, the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre (MBCC) at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be opening its doors to visitors in March for one special week.  From Monday 15th to Saturday 20th March 2010 a range of aircraft in various states of restoration will be on display, including the Centre’s latest arrival, the Percival Prentice.

Opened in May 2002 by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham, the MBCC is regarded as one of the world’s foremost centres of excellence in aircraft conservation and restoration. Its skilled technicians undertake careful, extensive work to prepare aircraft and other projects for display at both of the Museum’s sites in Cosford and London with the MBCC team responsible for the conservation and routine maintenance of some 300 aircraft.

Restoration and conservation projects that will be on view to the public include the Percival Prentice, one of only 17 left in the world. Other aircraft on view will include on-going refurbishments such as the Handley Page Hampden TB1, Farman F.141 and Range Safety Launch.  This may also be the last opportunity to view the conservation efforts on the Fairey Battle and the Mk1 Sopwith Dolphin which is progressing well.

Manager of the Conservation Centre, Tim Wallis says:

“The Open Weeks have become a mutually beneficial event for aircraft enthusiasts and interested members of the public alike, be they young or old.  My staff have become accustomed to the needs of our inquisitive visitors and we are always delighted at the interest shown throughout.  Most are surprised by our work when they enter the hangar and hopefully all are delighted by the experience.  We look forward to the exchange of information and hope that many accept our invitation to this brief, but rare insight into the preservation of aviation heritage”. 

Admission to the Conservation Centre will be FREE and from 10.15am to 1.00pm each day during Open Week.  Cosford’s main Museum will open daily from 10am – 6pm (last admission 5pm).  Admission is FREE of charge.  A second Open Week is planned for 15-20 November 2010.

For further information, please contact the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org