Solent Sky

[Gully]

Spent a few days over Christmas down at my parents' in Hampshire, so took the opportunity to visit Solent Sky (formerly Southampton Hall of Aviation) for the first time in years. Foolishly, I didn't have my camera with me, but Gill and I did take our new camcorder with us which incorporates a 7MP camera, so I've a few images to share. Sorry they're a bit grainy - it's pretty dark in the museum, particularly as the sun begins to set!

Solent Sky is actually 3 museums in one, as they incorporate the RJ Mitchell museum and the ATC museum.

Mk XXIV Spitfire




Supermarine S6 (converted to S6b standard as reserve Schneider Trophy racer)


Two of Supermarine's (and Mitchell's) finest


The hall is dominated by this beauty - a Sandringham flying boat (commercial conversion of a Sunderland)




Lovely example of a Sea Vixen




Ex-Swiss Vampire


Top right of the picture you may notice a real rarity - the only survivor (from the 3 prototypes) of a Saunders-Roe SRA1 jet powered fighter flying boat. Powered by the the UK's first axial flow turbojet, the Metrovic Beryl, which also powered Donald Campbell's 'Bluebird'.

Folland Gnat F1 - one of only 6 fighter variants built for the UK


Saunders-Roe SR177 wind tunnel model


Nod to Avro who had a technical office at Hamble...


Lunar landing suit


They've loads of other stuff too, but time and limited photographic equipment meant I didn't get all the piccies I would have liked.

Cheers,

Gully

[Xplumberlives]

Thanks Gully, nice shots when all things are considered!

[Thumper]

Cool photos looks like a really interesting place to visit!

[Saracenman]

blimey Gully - i never knew the place existed!

must ask my bro if he's been - he's just around the corner

never knew a Sandringham existed anywhere either, or even the Supermarine S6

well THAT'S on the list of places to visit me finks

sm

[RLN]

Interesting place. Love the Sunderland.

[Stevieboy]

Nice pics Gully.

'tis an excellent little museum and well worth a visit if any of you are in the area.

[Gully]

Thanks for the comments.

The Sandringham is open to visitors and accompanied cockpit tours are offered as well. Interesting to see the panels added to the wings when the Sunderland conversion was undertaken to cover the bomb racks access...

Solent Sky also owns one of only three complete Supermarine Scimitars still in existence. Unfortunately, they've not yet managed to shoe-horn it in, so it's stored (sadly, in the open I believe) somewhere north of Romsey. For the record, the other 2 are on the USS Intrepid and at FAAM Yeovilton.

Gully