Thinking Biggles on a flight of a fancy at wartime airfield

Daily Record

Details   Museum of Flight  Website  Museum of Flight  East Fortune  North Berwick  East Lothian  EH39 5LF    01620 880308    Get a Map    Get Directions So, Jez, what brought you to the Museum of Flight? I really enjoy looking at these old planes. I used to make Airfix model kits when I was a boy and I loved reading Biggles' stories. It is great to come here and be able to take a look at some full sized Spitfires and Messerschmitts. Where are the planes stored?    The collection is kept in two huge hangars at East Fortune Airfield. This was used as an airbase in World War II and all the Nissen huts and prefab huts are still standing. It is a huge area and has a real wartime feeling about it. Is there a lot to see? The main hangar has planes from the early years of flight, including sections of the R34 - the airship which made the first ever return trip across the Atlantic from this airfield in 1919. It's a pretty colourful display, with hang-gliders hanging from the ceiling and a model of Scottish aviation pioneer Perky Pincher poised to take off in his Hawk flying machine. They have a lovely blue Tiger Moth, which was owned by TV comedian Dick Emery, who liked to arrive at outdoor parties in it. Some of the models are a bit shabby, but I think that adds to the charm of the place in a way. In any case the planes are the real stars. What is in the other hangar? The smaller hangar contains jets, missiles and the exhibition about space flight. It is well worth looking at but is only open by arrangement during the winter. If you come at the weekend the museum staff are usually happy to open it up for you. It is a good idea to ring and let them know in advance. Are the staff helpful? As you can imagine, a lot of the people who work here are enthusiasts so you can learn a lot by talking to them. Is Jack into planes? Jack has never flown although we are planning a trip to Dublin this year. He was quite surprised to climb onboard the Comet 4c passenger jet and discover how much space there was inside. He enjoyed taking a look inside the cockpit and getting his hands on the controls.

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