Midland Air Museum

As the football (Aston Villa v Fulham) was switched to Sunday for TV purposes, I found myself with a spare day in the Birmingham area. I visited the Midland Air Museum, located next to Coventry Airport.

They have a fantastic range of aircraft, including some old favourites and plenty of rare types as well.

Yet another Vulcan on this trip. Always an awesome sight, even if I am getting used to them on this trip.

US Cold War aircraft, also used by the Turkish Air Force, reminded me that I have kits to finish. I drove past RAF Sculthorpe yesterday, which is where many of the former French aircraft ended up, before heading to museums like this.

A couple of Soviet types, including this Mil-24 and Mig-21.

A Polish Iskra. An advanced trainer, it was also used for ground support. The Indian Air Force also used them.

The German helicopter seen in the film Where Eagles Dare was actually a post-war Bell 47G. However, the Germans did develop a prototype, and the designer ended up in the US developing helicopters for Kaman.

They also feature a wide range of exhibits indoors and numerous models. The special exhibition is about Frank Whittle and the jet engine.

After reading Pilling's book about the Disinherited Montfortians, a trip to nearby Kenilworth Castle was a must. There was an epic 172-day siege in 1266, and the defences still look impressive today.  However, the focus of the castle display is on a later owner, Dudley's wooing of Queen Elizabeth.

I finished the day in Warwick, which has no less than three regimental museums. I'll cover them in a separate post.