RA001- The first 747 is being restored
billhexham, I'm a bit spoiled since the MoF is in my backyard - I've visited it countless times (I'm a member, and I've contributed to a few of its exhibits). Heck, we have four different aviation museums at Paine Field - just a few miles from my house (one of which I haven't even bothered to visit). I'd rank MoF fourth among aviation museums in the USA.
First on the list would be the "National Museum of the US Air Force" at Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, Ohio). Second and third on the list would be the Smithsonian museums - it being close to a toss-up between the original "Air and Space" museum in Washington DC, and the Udvar-Hazy annex near Dulles airport.
About five years ago, circumstances combined to allow me visit Wright-Patterson and both the Smithsonian museums - in three different trips - over a ~3 month period. The presentation aspect at the Smithsonian is definitely better (at Wright-Patt, you need to sign up for bus ride to a remote hangar to see some of their best aircraft - including one of my all time favorites, the only surviving XB-70). But IMHO, Wright-Patterson has the absolute best collection of vintage aircraft, anywhere.
So, you're telling me Duxford is pretty special and deserving of a dedicated visit next time I'm in the UK
... Anything in particular I should know before I get there 
First on the list would be the "National Museum of the US Air Force" at Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, Ohio). Second and third on the list would be the Smithsonian museums - it being close to a toss-up between the original "Air and Space" museum in Washington DC, and the Udvar-Hazy annex near Dulles airport.
About five years ago, circumstances combined to allow me visit Wright-Patterson and both the Smithsonian museums - in three different trips - over a ~3 month period. The presentation aspect at the Smithsonian is definitely better (at Wright-Patt, you need to sign up for bus ride to a remote hangar to see some of their best aircraft - including one of my all time favorites, the only surviving XB-70). But IMHO, Wright-Patterson has the absolute best collection of vintage aircraft, anywhere.
So, you're telling me Duxford is pretty special and deserving of a dedicated visit next time I'm in the UK
... Anything in particular I should know before I get there
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
Anything in particular I should know before I get there
Last edited by Herod; 13th Oct 2014 at 11:25. Reason: Added two museums
USA Today
Nice write-up, with photos:
The world's first Boeing 747 gets a much-needed makeover
The world's first Boeing 747 gets a much-needed makeover
But the skies finally cleared in the summer of 2012, when the museum's board green-lighted the restoration for takeoff.
The two-year project -- now nearly complete -- would become one of the largest aircraft restoration jobs ever attempted under the elements and not in the relative comfort of an indoor hangar.
Workers completed the restoration in late September, opening the jet to the public on Oct. 1.
The two-year project -- now nearly complete -- would become one of the largest aircraft restoration jobs ever attempted under the elements and not in the relative comfort of an indoor hangar.
Workers completed the restoration in late September, opening the jet to the public on Oct. 1.
