Sywell Aviation Museum
Contents
[ hide ]
Key Facts
| Location: | Sywell Airfield, Northamptonshire |
| SatNav: | NN6 0BN |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Date Opened: | ? |
| Aircraft Exhibits: | 9 |
What’s Here
Officially opened on 21st July 2001, the Sywell Aviation Museum aims to preserve the history of Sywell Aerodrome and Northamptonshire’s rich aviation heritage from the early days of aviation to the Second World War and beyond. There is a large collection of memorabilia photographs, artefacts, models and uniforms on display which charts the history of the area. Aviation Archaeology – the recovery of crashed aeroplanes – is a core aspect of the displays. One of the larger exhibits is a Bristol Hercules engine recovered from the wreck of the Vickers Wellington bomber which crashed tragically at Hardwick, now carefully cleaned and preserved. Other displays include the History of Sywell from 1928; Brooklands Aviation etc; RAF memorabilia; USAAF Display hall (concentrating on the USAAF at Chelveston); RAF/USAAF ordnance including a 1943 Mercury Bomb Tractor, period C Type Bomb Trolley and inert 1000 lb bomb, Norden Bomb sight, mock up B17 Cheek Position etc. The museum building comprises three linked together Second World War Nissen huts, previously located at the now closed RAF Bentwaters and moved by S.A.M. members.
Directions
At Sywell aerodrome, off the A43 north east of Northampton, just before the village of Sywell, Northamptonshire. See this location on Microsoft Live Search Maps
Visiting
Opening Hours:
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, Easter to the end of September. All other times by prior appointment.
Admission:
Entrance to the Museum is free (donations welcome).
Amenities:
Free Car Park; adjacent to Aviator hotel with overnight accomodation, WCs, Bar, restaurant; fixed wing, helicopter, microlight pleasure flights and aircraft hire; hangarage etc; Public airfield viewing area; Conference centre (Hangar One).
List of Aircraft Exhibits
| Displayed I.D. | Aircraft Type | Real Identity | Condition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G-AIJZ | Auster J/1 | G-AIJZ | Cockpit frame | Stored |
| ? | De Havilland Tiger Moth | - | Complete | Displayed |
| XD599 | De Havilland Vampire T.11 | XD599 | Cockpit | Displayed |
| WG419 | De Havilland Canada Chipmunk T.10 | WG419 | Cockpit | Displayed |
| G-AKIN | Miles Messenger 2A | G-AKIN | Complete | Displayed |
| 472773 | North American P-51D Mustang | G-SUSY | Complete | Displayed |
| - | RAF BE.2c | G-AWYI/N1914B | Reproduction | Displayed |
| WZ820 | Slingsby Grasshopper TX.1 | WZ820 | Complete | Stored |
| ‘A1452′ | Vickers Gunbus | - | Reproduction | Displayed |
Note: The Auster and Grasshopper are currently in store, and the other types are held elsewhere until more display space is available.
More Information
Sywell Aviation Museum, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. Chairman, Richard Watts Tel: 01604 811582. Group Secretary, Ben Brown Tel: 0796 8061708. e-mail: Ben Brown Web: Sywell Aviation Museum
Tags: Museum, Northamptonshire, Sywell
Main, Museums | admin | Posted 
27 March 2010 10:51 am | Last Updated 1 August 2010 9:15 am |
1 Comment
Other Links to this Post
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Subscribe
By Debra Otten Banks, 16 August 2010 @ 4:07 pm
Is the Rick Watts associated with your museum, the Rick Watts from East Cowes Isle of Wight? I am trying to locate that Richard Watts and would be grateful if you would let me know and pass this on to him if it is! Thanx, Debi Banks