Thursday 8th June 2017
The weather forecast for Thursday was 100% correct – low cloud and lots of rain. We had a late breakfast and I had the Full Welsh Breakfast but skipped the laverbread.
There would definitely be no flying today, so we set off planning to call at RAF Cosford on our way back. The roads were kind to us as we left and were clear.
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
As we passed through Welshpool Steve noticed to our right a tank engine belching steam. This was at the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. A quick spin around the roundabout and we were parked by the station and grabbing pictures as the tank engine moved to pick up the coaches.
RAF Cosford
Before reaching Cosford, we slowed so that I could get a shot of this caravan on my iPhone.
Our visit to Cosford was only a few days before their air show and out on the tarmac Jaguars and Tornados were being marshalled for static displays. In the car park there were lots of MG cars, there for a private function in one of the halls.
Every time I visit, the museum has changed exhibits in the halls. This time was no different. After passing through my favourite hall (with the TSR2) we went into the historic aircraft hall.
that now had WW2 German bombers and fighters as well as RAF exhibits.
This Mosquito was now repainted in the colours of my boyhood here, Guy Gibson, the squadron leader of 617 squadron. He lost his life later in the war using a Mosquito to mark where a bomb group should drop their bombs.
I stood under an Avro Lincoln for the first time.
The Messerschmitt Me 262, that I had seen tweets about the week before, was still in pieces waiting to be assembled (next visit!)
We spent more time in the Cold War Museum. This hall alone could take up a whole day to look at all the exhibits.
Journey home
We had sandwiches in the cafe in the entrance hall of the museum and left for home.
What to take the next time
- Stout walking boots or Muck boots
- Walking poles
- Hats or caps
- Suncream (and use it)
- Clothes to add multiple layers to keep warmth in and wind out
- Gloves
- Pop up tent BUT with extra tent pegs that preferably are notched or screw in, or ground sheet to sit on
- Phones not on Vodafone (mine never had a signal the whole three days)
- A military radio scanner
- Waterproof trousers
- Vacuum flask for hot drinks or for cold drinks depending on the weather
- Energy bars etc (no good back in Cross Foxes’ bedrooms where ours were)
- Chemical heat pads for hands when its really cold
And after we’d left
On Friday a flight of F15 Strike Eagles came through the Loop. Their images on Instagram from CAD West are spectacular.
The luck of the draw on weather and aircraft scheduling had worked against us this visit.