7/28/2019 The Helicopter Museum: Newsletter Vol. 6
1/8
Top right: Just one of many military visits to
The Museum over the past months. Centre
right: Trevor Egginton back in the cockpit.
Bottom right: The newest item to go on
display in The Museum; a Gypsy Major
Engine. Bottom left: Some of our re-enactorspose at the flight-sim convention held in
May. Centre Left: Just one of many models
recently donated to The Museum; This one
was made in Africa! Top Left: A Cabri G-2
pays the Museum a visit in April.
7/28/2019 The Helicopter Museum: Newsletter Vol. 6
2/8
Elfan Ap Rees
A message from the Chairman of the Trustees
As we get close to entering our Stage One bid for
Heritage Lottery Funding to further develop and expand
the museum there is an obvious need to directly appeal
to members of the Friends organisation for help to raise
at least 50,000 as their contribution towards theestimated 4 million target.
The Friends organisation currently raised relatively little
over the average year but does enjoy benefits like free
admission and shop discounts. Of course a small core of
Friends helps the museum with our events and other
volunteer work which is invaluable but with apparently at
least 200 members (we don't know the exact number for
reasons that will become clear below ) ,the Trustees
believe asking each Friend to raise and contribute a
minimum of 250 to this project is not unreasonable.
Unfortunately we have great difficulty contacting the
members directly since the museum holds no address
list, not even e mail addresses! This is already frustrating,
for example when we learn of something that needs a
rapid follow up to investigate and yet we don't have a
possible contact who could go take a look. Other
examples abound. For instance we are sure there
are professionals among the membership who could
help develop this project as matched funding ,be they
structural engineers ,ecology experts, solicitors ,fundraisers, brick layers, carpenters.....come and spend your
holiday next year with us, making this exciting project
become a reality.
One reason for the Museum to produce this newsletter
was to find a better and more reliable method of
communication with everyone interested in the museum,
hence the appearance of this appeal.
If you are or know a member of The Friends please
contact the Editor directly with your contact address.That way we can ensure you receive the official
newsletter directly. Even better if you know anyone who
you think will be interested in our news, again give us
their e mail address and we'll add them to our mailing
list.
Keep an eye out!
I do not want to sound like a nag...but...given that the
museum is getting busier every day, please keep an eye
out for irregularities up and down the site. Next time you
go down for a cup of tea or you nip to the toilet, perhaps
take a slightly different route and look out for the
following:
Moved guide ropes
Un-accompanied children
Litter
Damage to any exhibits
These are just a few problems that I can foresee
happening at the busiest periods. If you do see anything
of concern, please report the issue to the appropriate
member of staff.
Scouts and Schools...continued
The same goes for scout groups and similarly minded
organisations. The Helicopter Museum offers a great
chance to do something different whilst earning a badge
at the same time. We have had great feedback from
scouting groups that have visited us; many scout leaders
have cited the excellent nature of our guides which has
really made the visit special. So if you know a scout
master, arkala or a cub, please recommend us to them.
Fingers Crossed??
The staff and trustees are continuing to work hard on the
Heritage Lottery Bid. If successful, the money would see a
huge expansion of the museum site creating space for
more aircraft. Facilities in the existing buildings would be
considerably upgraded and our level of display
revolutionised. Check out the latest aerial plans from the
appointed architect! Let us know what you think.
Scouts and Schools
The museum is making a concerted effort to introduce
the up and coming generation to vertical flight history
and the heritage sector. Most people that volunteer atThe Museum will know either children at school, PTA
members or teachers. Why not suggest The Helicopter
Museum for their next school visit? We have the facilities
to deal with a myriad of requests and we are local.
7/28/2019 The Helicopter Museum: Newsletter Vol. 6
3/8
News
Aviation legend visits The Museum
World Helicopter Speed Record Holder Trevor Egginton
visited the museum to give a unique talk to members of
the Empire Test Pilots School in the museums lecture
facilities in April. Striking a similar pose to the photo
taken after the record attempt, Trevor was good enoughto jump into the driving seat once again over 25 years
later.
Piloting the Lynx helicopter, registered G-LYNX, he flew a
15km course across the Somerset Levels at 500 ft on a
calm hazy evening back in 1986, setting a new world
helicopter speed record of 249.1 mph (400.87 kph) and
beating the record held by a modified Mil Hind
helicopter by over 20 mph (32 kph). The record has not
been beaten since and Mr Egginton remains a true
legend of British aviation history. On a personal note, I
do not think I have met a more humble man in all my
life; thank you for taking the time to talk to me and all
the volunteers.
Upcoming events
June:
9th Open cockpit + Flights
16th Fathers day Flights
July:
14th
Open cockpit day + Flights 24th Flights
27th + 28th Stars of time Sci-Fi extravaganza +
Flights both days
News Continued...Flight-Sim Convention
The weekend of the 18th
of May saw a crowd pleaser
return to The Helicopter Museum. The annual Flight
Simulator Convention, which has now taken place at the
museum for the past 5 years, drew a mixed crowd of
dedicated enthusiasts, avid hobbyists and people who just
fancied a nose around.
Whilst the main hangars were the setting for all the
simulator element, the landing pad was used to recreate
a WW2 encampment. May I say that it was great fun
mingling with people dressed in their amazing costumes.
All were quick to answer any queries and demonstrate
the historic equipment that they brought with them.
Sad News
Dear all, it is with deepest regret that I must inform you
that restoration volunteer Ken Rixon sadly passed awayin April aged 93. Ken, a former member of the home
guard and a Westland apprentice, will be sorely missed
by all. His nimble feet were a feature at our hangar
dances, our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Interesting visitors:
Interesting groups that have visited us over the past 2
months include
Weston Cubs (Air Activities Badge completed)
Aston Martin Owners Club
Bristol Cubs (Air Activities Badge completed)
Pipster Asphalt
7/28/2019 The Helicopter Museum: Newsletter Vol. 6
4/8
Restoration News
Restoration Update on the Belvedere:
News and photos by Chris Hallewell
XG452, the fifth and final Belvedere prototype, was built
in Weston-super-Mare and first flew in early 1960.
Throughout its active life it was used for flight control
testing, radio tests and engine development trials. InJune 1960 it set up a new average speed record of
209km/h (130 m.p.h.) for a flight between Gatwick, in
England and Luqa, in Malta, while en route to RAF Idris,
in Libya, for its tropical trials. After various excursions it
became derelict but was purchased for the Helicopter
Museum in 1974, though not moved to Weston-super-
Mare until November 1975.
Whilst initially XG452 was restored to an excellent
standard, lack of facilities meant that outside storage
was the only option throughout the 80s and 90s. In
2001, after 23 years of exposure to salt-laden wind and
rain, XG452 was brought in to the Museum's RestorationHangar. By the end of 2001 all doors, seats and windows
had been removed and the process of stripping out the
cockpit fittings was well under way. A lot of severe
corrosion was found in the cockpit area, the tailplane
components and within the rear rotor pylon, but the
main structure was all in quite good condition.
Meanwhile the forward rotorhead was partially
dismantled so that some components could be replaced,
after recovery from a spare rotorhead.
A third period of restoration started in the Summer of
2004 when the team of volunteers who had completed
work on the Kamov Ka-26 'Hoodlum' helicopter, moved
across to the Belvedere. Among the jobs they have
tackled in the last nine years have been:-
Complete refurbishment of the anhedral tailplane.
Dismantling, overhaul and reassembly of the landing
gear including tyres, wheel bearings, oleos and
hydraulic disc brakes. Refurbishment of rear and forward engine bays,
including associated control equipment.
Cleaning and repaint of the cabin interior, including
troop seating.
Restoration news continued
Design and construction of a mounting frame for the
forward rotorhead, above and behind the cockpit,
required because the rotor gearbox was missing when
XG452 was acquired and no surplus gearbox was ever
found.
Installation of the rebuilt forward rotorhead on the
specially constructed frame.
Removal of the drive/sychronisation shaft, for the
rotors, and all the flying-control rods from the duct
above the fuselage to allow items and the duct to be
cleaned. Replacement of the drive shaft. Similarly the
lower duct, which carries hydraulic and fuel lines, was
cleaned and refurbished.
Repair, refurbishment and repainting of large engine
air intake screens.
Treatment of serious corrosion in the cockpitfollowed by refurbishment, with the interior painting
still in progress. Location and installation of full
complement of instruments.
Overhaul, rebuild when required and repaint, of
windows, doors and hatches.
Repair of damaged rotor blades.
Refurbishment of the oil cooler, with the a.c. and d.c.
generators and subsequent installation of these items
forward of the rear rotor pylon.
Attempts were made to install the intermediate
gearbox within the rear rotor pylon but the work has
been delayed because of the difficulties in positioning
the heavy gearbox in a very confined area.
More recently, in April/May 2013, the restoration teamhave been carrying out a detailed audit of the current
state of XG452. By the second week of May more than
200 items have already been identified as requiring
further attention. (Thanks Chris, a great article.)
7/28/2019 The Helicopter Museum: Newsletter Vol. 6
5/8
Archive News
Carpet Progress:
What a difference a bit of carpet makes! Everything is
finally back to normal in the archives after the floods of
January. After preventative building work was first
completed on the outside of the archive wall, a team of
budding volunteers helped me to re-lay my carpet tiles.A big thank you must go to Jack, Ken, Heather, Philip and
Gregg who all helped me lay and fit the carpet, I really
appreciate you taking the time to help me out.
New Items:
The laying of my carpet was made all the more timely byvast quantities of items being donated in the past few
months. John Philips donated a huge collection of
helicopter toys and magazines. The only downside to
Johns donation is that every time somebody walks into
the office it looks like I am playing with toys instead of
doing work which is of course false...most of the time!
On the very day that the archive carpet returned a large
donation of aeronautical material was donated.
Amongst the gifted items is a vast quantity of Royal
Aeronautical Society journals, a valuable resource to any
aviation enthusiast.
Two minutes with...
This month I asked restoration volunteer Robert Heath to
answer my questions. Robert is currently working in the
team restoring the Navy Wessex located in the Duke of
Edinburgh Hangar and often contributes his thoughts to
the newsletter.
How long have you been at the museum?
Upon asking this question to Robert I was told I have
absolutely no idea, I have no concept of time!Whilst
Martin S guessed at 25 years, my own records tell me that
Robert has been volunteering at The Museum since 2007.
What did you do before joining the museum?
After retiring in 2002 I volunteered at a coastwatchstation in Exmouth. Coastwatch works in conjunction with
the coastguard and has taken over a number of closed
coastguard sites around the coast to provide help with
rescues. Whilst volunteering for this organisation I was
directly involved in 3 life threatening rescues.
What has been your best experience at the museum?
The opportunity to work with aircraft and to see the
result of my input, plus to talk with like minded people
about big boys toys.
What would you like to see happen at the museum in
thefuture?
I have already commented in this newsletter about my
views towards the future of The Museum. I believe of
utmost importance it is essential that we spark the
interest of wives and children who are visiting with loved
ones.
Spotters section
April
Date, Type, Registration, Flown From:
3.4.2013, R22, G-OASH, Bristol
3.4.2013, Chinook, ?????, Odiham
16.4.2013 Chinook, ZH848, Odiham
17.4.2013, Chinook, ?????, Odiham 19.4.2013, Merlin, ?????, Odiham
19.4.2013, Lynx, ?????, Middle Wallop
21.4.2013, Gazelle, G1BNH, Dorchester
22.4.2013 Merlin, Benson
7/28/2019 The Helicopter Museum: Newsletter Vol. 6
6/8
Visitor Feedback
Here are just a few of the comments that people have
taken the time to write in our visitor book. Thank you for
your feedback.
Interesting and well presentedExcellent Museum, Made most welcome
Fantastic, out of this world
Fantastic, a great cafe!(Cheryl, what have Itold you about writing in the visitor book!)
A great day out, smashing exhibits, welldoneBrill, will come againExcellent, loads of historyExcellent, interesting and the kids loveditWhat a Collection!!!Helicopters are MassiveBrilliant, Super, Fab
Spotters section Continued
May
Date, Type, Registration, Flown From:
4.5.2013, R44, G-CHAP, Bristol
5.5.2013, R44, G-COXX, Leicester
5.5.2013, R22, G-WAGG, Leicester
5.5.2013, Cabri G-2, G-CHANG, Leicester
8.5.2013, Chinook, ?????, Odiham
12.5.2013, AS 355F Squirrel, G-OHMS, Bristol
19.5.2013, Jet Ranger, G-CSTL, Chard
24.5.2013, Squirell, ZJ253, Middle Wallop
25.5.2013, Enstrom 480B, N480BB, Henstridge
29.5.2013, Chinook, ?????, Odiham
30.5.2013, Sea King Mk5, N196, Culdrose
31.5.2013, AS55, G-BOSN, ECTB
Photograph competition
Mystery Volunteer...Revealed
Last weeks mystery volunteer was Mike Costello! Mike, a
former Royal Marine Sergeant, has been volunteering in
the archive for a year. Mike is most notable for moaning
at a certain collections officer for not constantly plying
him with coffee. (only joking Mike, thanks for the photo)
New Staff
Upon the arrival of April came the sad news that AssistantManager Sharon Webber would be leaving The Museum.
Sharon had worked at the museum for over a year before
taking the decision to leave. I can only talk for myself, but
it was a pleasure to work with such a bubbly and upbeat
character. Sharon has secured a job at a jewellers in
Weston; all at The Museum wish her the best of luck.
With the busy summer season upon us, the management
team were keen to find a person to fill the assistant
manager slot. Shaly Dee Jones was selected from a largenumber of candidates who applied for the position.
Congratulations on the job Shaly and I speak for everyone
when I say welcome to The Museum.
A more familiar face also joined the payroll in May.
Brendan Staley has been volunteering at The Museum for
numerous years now and has recently taken a paid
position in the cafe. Well deserved Brendan, remember
that I take mine with milk, two sugars!
7/28/2019 The Helicopter Museum: Newsletter Vol. 6
7/8
Hire The Museum!
Do you have a Birthday or anniversary coming up? Have you thought about Hiring your village hall for a party?
The Helicopter Museum is available for public hire and is not as expensive as you might think. We already have several
private events booked in for 2012 with groups ranging from 50-500 people. If you are interested in aviation, the
museum can provide a unique backdrop for your special day. Please contact Lee Mills or Sharon Webber for details.
Other Ways You Can Help?
There are many ways in which you can volunteer at The Helicopter Museum. Many of us have our own set duties in our
own little section of the museum; but there are many times throughout the year when volunteers can branch out and
get involved in a number of ways, raising funds being one of the main ones. If volunteers would like to play their part
and help the museum raise funds and secure its future, please have a chat with either Lee or Sharon.
The museum is always desperate for volunteers to help out at its events and you can play your part in many ways.
When was the last time you took some museum leaflets to your local pub, club or school?
Have you ever pinned up a museum event flyer on your local village notice board?
Could you give up an hour or so to help prepare for an event?
Have you given unwanted items to a charity shop recently, could they have been given to the museum to sell ontheir bric-a-brac stalls?
Please don't just leave it for other people to do, play your part and support the museum you volunteer at.
Your Museum Needs You!
How to contact us? Tel: 01934-635227,
Email:[email protected]
Website:www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk/http://www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk/http://www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk/http://www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]7/28/2019 The Helicopter Museum: Newsletter Vol. 6
8/8
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Whilst it is easy to forget, The Helicopter Museum is indeed a charity. Aircraft do not preserve themselves and a big part
of what the museum does is conservation and restoration based. The acquisition, preservation and restoration of
aircraft, some of which are the only existing examples left in the world, takes place on a daily basis at the museum so
that our aircraft can be enjoyed for generations to come. If you would like to help us in our task by contributing to therestoration budget, then please fill in the form below and send it off to us.
Your Donation
I would like to support the Helicopter Museum in their efforts to conserve and restore aircraft and educate the public
about vertical flight history and technology with a gift of:
10 20 30 50 100 Other
Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Home Address:
Postcode:
I enclose a cheque made payable to The Helicopter Museum
Help us further by using gift aid
Thanks to the gift aid scheme we can reclaim money on your donation from the government. For every pound you give
us, we can claim an extra 25p. For example, a donation of 15 becomes 18.75 with gift aid at no extra cost to you.
I am a UK taxpayer and would like The Helicopter Museum to treat all future donations from today as gift aid donations.
I understand that in the relevant tax year I must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to
the tax that the charity reclaims on my donation.
Signature:
Please return this form in an envelope to:
The Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS24 8PP