Easter Sunday @ Duxford Air Museum

For something a little different this weekend we took the boys to Duxford Air Museum along with some of the other members of the family. I have to say that Duxford has changed a lot since I last visited and makes for an excellent day out. The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves running around all the planes plus having a few craft activities to participate in. Last night was probably the best nights sleep we have had in a long time as even Joshua slept in until nearly 7am (so he must have been knackered).

We started in Hanger 1 with the Eurofighter.

The boys were pretty amazed by the sheer size of this bomber.

The other hall in hanger 1 has a stunning array of planes on display.

There are plenty of activities in the upstairs area of Hanger 1 to teach the children about aviation and some of the history. 

Here is Brandon learning around aerodynamic shapes in a wind tunnel. He found it hilarious to let them go and watch them slap into the back of the tunnel.

Listening to some of the old war time stories.

Even a yellow plane in Hanger 1 just for Brandon. He insisted I tool pictures of all the yellow ones.

Just how big is this engine?

Brandon inside Concorde for the first time. For Joshua it was the second time as he also went on Concorde at Brooklands Air Museum some time ago.

The very impressive Lightning.

Joshua and Brandon with the yellow plane.

Within Hanger 1 there are 3 or 4 planes (including the Concorde) which you can actually climb on-board. Brandon was on a mission to get on a yellow plane which was proving to be a bit of a challenge.

This yellow plane was hung from the ceiling, but Brandon still wanted us to lift him up to get inside.

Brandon all smiles in the cargo/bomb bay of the Vulcan bomber.

Finally Brandon gets in a plane that has a bit of yellow in it.

One mean looking helicopter.

Joshua and Brandon posing with a soldier in front of a Messerschmitt.

I believe I can fly..............

Hanger 8 has a very impressive ground warfare display with everything front tanks, to armoured vehicles to bomb disposal units. The settings which have been created for the vehicles are just stunning and really add to the enjoyment of this display. Its amazing how much the children can learn from going to places like this. Even down to number learning - I had both boys reading out the numbers off of numerous aeroplanes and tanks as we walked around the various hangers.

Joshua by one of the tanks.

Then Brandon's turn.

Brandon trying on an old soldier's helmet, Its amazing just how heavy and solid these are (Hence why I am holding it on his head!).

A nice picture of Joshua getting flying lessons from his Uncle David.

After Hanger 8 we moved onto Hanger 7 which was probably my favourite of the day for several reasons. Firstly they had one of my favourite planes of all time on display - The SR-71 Blackbird, and secondly they had the arts and crafts stuff out for the kiddies to get involved with (and the parents of course). 

My favourite the SR-71 Blackbird.

The first craft activity the boys did was to make a badge each (we didn't have time for the airfix kit unfortunately). Joshua made a green badge and there are no prizes for guessing what colour Brandon picked. After the badges we moved onto the Rocket created. Basically they provided the tube, tape, scissors, straws etc for you to created your own rocket and then blast it horizontally along a 50ft wire using compressed air. The kiddies absolutely loved watching their creations blast off. 

Joshua drawing the windows on his rocket ship (assisted by Auntie Lisa).

And this was mine and Brandon's rocket ship creation.

The finished Joshua rocket proudly being displayed.

And Brandon with his finished rocket - and a big smile to go with it.

Joshua was first to load his rocket onto the launch pad. The kids then had to turn the key, press a button for 5 seconds and then hit the blast off button.

Brandon was up next and had no difficulty launching his own rocket.

Despite mine and Brandon's rocket looking better than Joshua's and Lisa's, we have to admit defeat that Joshie's did fly better than ours. They both went pretty rapid but mine and Brandon's was spinning around where as Joshua's and Lisa's was dead straight. 

Some more impressive planes in Hanger 7.

Today was a rare occasion when all 5 of the grand children were together so it was a nice opportunity to get a photo of them.

Matt, Zoe, Josh, Brandon and Amy.