© RAF Museum, Cosford
The Michael Beetham Conservation Centre (MBCC) at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is to open its doors to the general public for the first time.
Named after Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael James Beetham, a former World War II bomber pilot and current RAF Museum president, the centre is regarded as one of the finest aircraft conservation centres in the world.
MBCC skilled technicians undertake extensive work to prepare aircraft and other objects for display at the RAF Museum.
Current projects include the restoration of the Handley Page Hampden bomber; Lindbergh’s Miles Mohawk and the Sopwith Dolphin, and visitors to the museum will gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to these aircraft conservation projects and the daily work of the centre.
“The conservation team at the MBCC are justifiably proud of the work they do towards preserving our aviation heritage,” said Conservation Centre Manager, Tim Wallis. “We welcome this opportunity to allow the public a degree of access towards finding out more about the painstaking and skilled work that aircraft conservation entails.”
© RAF Museum, Cosford
“The MBCC is a very busy place however," he continued, "and it will remain a working domain throughout. Come along and experience this fascinating work with us, I’m sure you’ll not be disappointed.”
The first open week will run from Monday January 28 to Friday February 1 2008. The second will be from November 24 to 28 2008. The Conservation Centre will be open each day from 11.00am – 3.00pm.
