Museum Visits – Boulton Paul Heritage Project Open Day 19 April 2009

Boulton Paul Aircraft Heritage Project, GE Aviation, Wobaston Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton WV9 5EW

Telephone 01902-397700

Museum Open Day, Sunday 19 April 2009

Boulton Paul had moved from Norwich to Wolverhampton in 1934 and set up a purpose made factory to produce aircraft. The Defiant aircraft produced during WW2 was unique in that it was single engineed but with a turret in the fuselage behind the pilot. The company was also famous for producing many of the turrets used in WW2 bombers such as the Halifax.  Over the years, the company changed hands and is now owned by the American GE Aviation. One chap today told me that when they bought the company from Smith’s Aerospace in 2007, they didn’t know about the museum but had a very pleasant surprise. Now they are very supportive and are proud to have part of the company’s history on their site.  

The museum itself isn’t open to the public very often, which is a great shame, since it has a wonderful atmosphere to it. It’s like a private club of enthusiasts who are really enthusiastic about there interests and are more than happy to share it with you, which makes you feel really at home and welcomed. In addition to the Defiant, I was amazed to find a Jet Provost, a Balliiol trainers, a 1919 P6 Biplane, a number of Slingsby training gliders used by the ATC (Air Traning Corps) along with cockpits of a Hawker Hunter, Avro Anson, Canberra and a turret from a Halifax bomber. In addition to the open day was a working display of 1/6 scale – Action Man size ! – radio controlled model tanks, complete with loud engine noise by the UK Tank Club. It was also nice to see a number of classic cars on display which added to the atmosphere. While I was there, I saw a Sunbeam Alpine, a Model T Ford and a local Willys MB Jeep. Truly an amazing afternoon and one I would highly recommend. I can’t wait until the next one ! For further details visit their website at www.boultonpaul.com 

Random Images From Collection
Eastern Front Collection 1501
Eastern Front Collection 1501
Eastern Front Collection 89
Eastern Front Collection 89
Eastern Front Collection 650
Eastern Front Collection 650
Eastern Front Collection 1471
Eastern Front Collection 1471
Humber Heavy Utility (RBD 883)
Humber Heavy Utility (RBD 883)
Eastern Front Collection 871
Eastern Front Collection 871
Austin K3 3Ton 4x2 GS (GSK 611)
Austin K3 3Ton 4x2 GS (GSK 611)
Normandy 1944 Collection 844
Normandy 1944 Collection 844
Staffordshire Regt Museum - Ford T16 Universal Carrier - Engine Bay
Staffordshire Regt Museum - Ford T1
Eastern Front Collection 1100
Eastern Front Collection 1100
Hotchkiss M201 Jeep (CSL 781)
Hotchkiss M201 Jeep (CSL 781)
Eastern Front Collection 449
Eastern Front Collection 449
Eastern Front Collection 1011
Eastern Front Collection 1011
Bedford MJ 4 Ton Cargo (01 KH 72)
Bedford MJ 4 Ton Cargo (01 KH 72)
Seddon Atkinson 17.38 TC Strato Tractor (NP 12 AA)(Copyright of JE Peckmore)
Seddon Atkinson 17.38 TC Strato Tra
Dodge Commando G13 Wadham Stringer Vanguard Body Coach (80 KF 39)
Dodge Commando G13 Wadham Stringer
AEC 0860 Militant Mk1 10Ton Cargo (RVS 414)
AEC 0860 Militant Mk1 10Ton Cargo (
Leyland Martian 10Ton Heavy Recovery (49 BM 43)
Leyland Martian 10Ton Heavy Recover
Normandy 1944 Collection 784
Normandy 1944 Collection 784
Normandy 1944 Collection 285
Normandy 1944 Collection 285