A few weeks ago I was able to take a few days off from work, and paid a visit to the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum at Flixton.
I had been aware of the museum for a year or so but finding and making the time to get a visit in seemed a lost cause.
Thankfully I managed to find time, and I am so pleased I did.
Im a sucker for museums, they give us the glimpses into the past days gone by and allow us to reflect that life does move pretty fast, and occasionally we need to stop and look around more.
The NASAM is run by a team of volunteers, and has an impressive selection on show. Indeed as you pull into the grounds of the museum you are met by an impressive F-100 Super Sabre ( pictured above) and Gloster Javelin (pictured below). Both exhibits are well maintained and look amazing.
The layout allows you to mooch about to your hearts content and get close up with the by gone legends on show.
A real highlight for me was an intact, albeit a bit battered, Argentinian Air Force Pucara from the Falklands conflict in the 1980’s.
A-528 built 1979; Served with the Argentine Air Force 3rd & 9th AB; During the Falklands War, following a nose wheel leg collapse, it acted as a decoy at Port Stanley until capture;
Further round and tucked away inside one of the hangars is a plethora of exhibits.
Sharky Wards Sea harrier from the above conflict is currently on display from IWM Duxford although plans are afoot for this to return to Duxford in exchange for a Jaguar it seems, but no firm date has been posted for this exchange.
One of the most fascinating pieces on show for me wasn’t even an aircraft…
A cutaway exhibit of a wing drogue refuelling system, used by the Raf on planes like the Victor and VC-10 had me captivated for a fair while, staring at the somewhat draconian set up but the simplicity and compactness for what is a vital part to missions, it had me reminiscing the Black Buck raid detailed in Rowland Whites book Vulcan 607, and I was looking at a part that made it possible.
The museum relies on visitors and I really encourage anyone with even a remote interest in aviation and history to go and see for yourself how excellent this little museum is. With the sad closure of the Cornwall Aviation Museum last year, we are facing uncertain times for museums so go take a look around at your local museum if you’re fortunate to have one on your doorstep before its too late.
The NASAM website with details is below