Rare First World War plane being restored at RAF Cosford
Tuesday 15th March 2011, 11:00AM GMT.
This is the restoration work taking place at a Shropshire airbase on one of the rarest planes in the world.
The Sopwith Dolphin single seat fighter plane was used by British pilots towards the end of the First World War.
Restoration teams at RAF Museum Cosford have been working tirelessly on the old plane for months and RAF bosses say a piece of aviation history has been rescued from the scrapheap.
Conservation manager Tim Wallis said the museum was holding a behind the scenes open week, which started yesterday and runs until Saturday, giving visitors the chance to see the Dolphin up close.
He said it could be the last chance for enthusiasts to view the plane before it is moved to London in May.
Mr Wallis said: “Craftsmen Ian Osborne and Andy Woods have been taking the lead on restoring the Dolphin and have been doing a great job.
“This Dolphin has been built using the original parts of two old planes which makes it probably the only Dolphin left in the world constructed out of the original components.
“This will be the last chance for people in the area to see the Dolphin before it is moved in May to our sister museum in London. The Dolphin came into service during the First World War.
“I believe there were 2,072 originally built but we are down to the last one now. That is what makes this such a special project.”
The Sopwith Dolphin during the first World War
Most Commented
- Clampdown on Shrewsbury chuggers
- Bishop's gay marriage views do nothing to support bible teachings
- Letter: Alcohol price plans annoy me
- Planners ordered to stay on Newport visit bus
- Letter: Angered by close encounter of the furred kind
- Letter: No sense in overseas job adverts
- The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff doesn't raise a smile
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
“This will be the last chance for people in the area to see the Dolphin before it is moved in May to our sister museum in London”
That’s what the MoD would like us to think – if this works they’ll be robbing the aircraft museums for replacements for the Harriers and Tornados…..
Report abuse