STEM - RAF Museum Cosford

I am currently sitting amongst a multitude of aircraft. The Victor looks over me with its menacing glare. The Vulcan's wing sticks out over the gantry, reminding us of a time when we were close to mutual destruction.

RAF Museum at Cosford, UK

I spend a lot of time at RAF Cosford, looking closer at a different plane each time I visit. There are those that never fail to astound me; I fail to understand how some of them can hang on wires as if made of cardboard and feathers.

The general look of this museum is great. When the Cold War hall was added, it created a lot of additional room to house their impressive collection. I can remember, a few years ago (add cough here), spending time at the museum, Hanger 1 still holds those memories, and, not surprisingly, it still smells the same too. A friend from my street in Shropshire was the son of one of the Museum's managers. I still reminisce about the birthday party that he held here, sitting in the cockpit of that red jet, what a joy.

A recorded memory - so cool.

I love it here, I feel at home with all the machines, the ghosts that still move around them, and the feeling of wonder that all visiting children have in their possession. The historical values that come with the Comet and the design principles that align the rare and concept builds like the TSR2 fill me with inspiration. I always admire those that spend time restoring each aircraft, those that create the stories and those that keep the museum in tip-top condition. A moment of satisfaction must fill their tanks, not unlike the early flights of their rebuilds.

Go down to Hanger 1 and look for James May sitting next to his 1:1 Model Spitfire. Look at how many aircraft, you can spot, that you may have seen fly? The roar of the Vulcan and the popping of the Hercules' propellers leave an eternal ring in my ears, more memories from being here for many of the annual air shows.

James May with his 1:1 Model Spitfire

If I was to ask for anything, I would love to see the Victor a little more clearly. It is such a demonic looking aircraft, the cockpit looks like it wants to hurt you, staring with it's small eyes and protruding spike. A chance to go into the open aircraft a little more often would be great. I would love to sit in the cockpit of one of the big aircraft, I like the thought of sitting in the Comet's seat, absorbing the miles of decision making and runways it will have looked over.

There is so much to see, you will be shocked at the vast array of units here, with other vehicles sitting at their feet. As a place for STEM learning, it has a lot of information, you may as well put the £4 in the parking meters, I'm sure you'll need it.

For school's, there is much to consider. Just the presence of these creations, the leviathans, and the twee beauties, give you a feeling you will rarely find anywhere else. The World War 2 display harbours some German and Japanese birds, taking their spot by our own heroic machines. The museum allows for you to admire the technology of our old enemies, I see this as an important lesson. We can grace our service people with the respect that they deserve, but a lot of technology, used by the other side, saw the end of so many enemy lives too. War is harsh, this place helps you with that in a way that films, TV and the classroom's whiteboard just aren't able to achieve.

A very rare Sopwith Pup

Hats off to all that are a part of this, you do an amazing job, all machinery and buildings are in fine condition. As a place for all to come, it serves as a star on the UK's landscape. Saying that, the Cold War building looks quite interesting when you ride your bike over the hills towards the back of Albrighton, a cross between an enormous satellite dish and a giant's mirror.

If you visit, let me know what you think. Do you have memories of here already? Please share them with us. For now, may you all have a safe flight!

@BeingSTEM