I arrived at FHC just after their 10am opening time and discovered that I had been pipped at the post by three German enthusiasts. However, given the amount of German hardware, it was an obvious choice for them. Going from memory, there is a 109, two 190s, a Komet, V-1, V-2, a self-propelled anti-tank gun, an aircraft tractor and three Flak 88s!
Stepping into the first hall, it was hard to know where to look first. A P-51D on my right, a Zero on my left and a B-25 straight ahead! Also, straight ahead was a group of docents, just starting their shift. After chatting with them for a while, one of them asked if I would like a guided tour. He was extremely knowledgeable and I learnt a lot more about the collection than I would have going round on my own. Thanks, Jon.
The exhibits are immaculate - probably better than they were when they left their factories. Drip trays under most of them, which is always a good sign in an aircraft museum. I was surprised to learn that FHC only does maintenance. All restoration work is farmed out to specialists all over the world. A couple of years ago in Ardmore, I saw the fuselage of FHC's future Mosquito.
Here's my selection.
Polikarpov I-16:
Next to it, another Polikarpov - the PO-2:
Bf-109 E3 - an "Emil":
Messerschmitt 163B Komet:
This one does NOT fly. I wonder why?
An Fw 190 D-13 - a "Dora":
Definitely worth two photos - my favourite in the whole museum. The only one flying in the world. I want to go back and see her flying.
An Fw 190 A5:
Ilyushin Li-2M3 Sturmovik:
Again, the only one flying in the world. Much bigger than I expected. Note the really heavy duty gear legs.
A nice surprise at the end of my tour - a uniform worn by James Mason as Rommel in "The Desert Fox" and a uniform worn by George C. Scott in "Patton":
http://www.flyingheritage.com/