De Havilland Vampire T.11 WZ590 at Duxford on March 15, after what must surely be the most detailed conservation/restoration project ever undertaken on the type.

At Duxford, Cambridgeshire, on March 13 the Imperial War Museum’s (IWM) de Havilland Vampire T.11, WZ590, was rolled out following four years of restoration/conservation work. It is now resplendent in the markings it originally wore in the early 1960s at No 5 Flying Training School, RAF Oakington, Cambridgeshire.

The 13-strong team of volunteers on the Vampire was led by Andy Robinson and Andrew Marriott of the IWM. Chris Knapp, Duxford’s conservation manager, says: “We are particularly proud of this aeroplane, as it has involved more detailed conservation than we are usually able to undertake. Many components within the aircraft are still in the original paint and condition that they were in during the aircraft’s time in service.”

The IWM is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its entire collection, the first phase focusing on aircraft and vehicles. Fifteen aircraft have been considered for disposal, seven of which have now been provisionally allocated to other museums. The IWM’s Board of Trustees has approved these transfers. In mid-March the remaining eight aircraft on the list had not yet been allocated to recipients. Among the aircraft understood to be on the list are the French-built Junkers Ju 52 (AAC.1) and Fieseler Fi 156 Storch (Morane-Saulnier MS.500), de Havilland Sea Venom FAW.21, Sea Vampire T.22, Vickers Varsity and Grumman TBM-3 Avenger.