World aviation museum and gate guard map

[reddfoxx]

Updated, thanks!

[Nick]

The replica Spitfire PRXI, PL904, has been removed from its plinth by the main gate. :-(

I drove past it today and it looks as if they have a Puma helicopter there now, but positioned much further back in the station, behind the Guard Room.

It's good my Dad is no longer with us or he'd be writing letters to his MP about it! 

It's been taken down for renovation on site.

RAF Benson FB page
8th May 2026 - On the 12 May 26, RAF Benson's Spitfire Gate Guard is being removed for restoration. 👀
It feels especially fitting that this takes place around the 81st anniversary of VE Day – a time to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Second World War, and the pivotal role the Spitfire played in achieving victory in Europe.
We'll share updates as this important restoration progresses

15th May 2026 - The RAF Benson Gate Guardian Spitfire has taken an important step forward in its preservation journey.
Successfully and carefully removed, this iconic aircraft will now undergo restoration—ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations!

[PR19_Kit]

15th May 2026 - The RAF Benson Gate Guardian Spitfire has taken an important step forward in its preservation journey.
Successfully and carefully removed, this iconic aircraft will now undergo restoration—ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations!

Are they 'restoring' it to be a real one? It's a fiberglass replica, with a RW PRXI serial! 

[kerick]

From Google Maps. An A-7 Corsair II in Cullom, IL. It's just a little small farm town with no airport anywhere near it so it must have been trucked in. It's a nice little surprise as you drive past.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tzM3jTp8zdxXqLpu9?g_st=in

I drove past this quite a while ago. I thought it was way past time to pass it on to you. It looks like the area around it has been improved and landscaped.
I have a couple of my own photos I'll send if I can find them.

[Nick]

From Google Maps. An A-7 Corsair II in Cullom, IL. It's just a little small farm town with no airport anywhere near it so it must have been trucked in. It's a nice little surprise as you drive past.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tzM3jTp8zdxXqLpu9?g_st=in

I drove past this quite a while ago. I thought it was way past time to pass it on to you. It looks like the area around it has been improved and landscaped.
I have a couple of my own photos I'll send if I can find them.

A little history here. This is looked after by the local American Legion Post while on loan from the USAF Museum.
https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=239303

[kerick]

Thanks for the additional information!

[reddfoxx]

Restored the RAF Benson Spitfire, with a note.

The Collum A-7 is on the map already, but yes please, photos would be great!

[Rheged]

Have you come across these people:-https://www.abct.org.uk/airfield-marker-programme/  .  Their whole site is worth exploring.

[reddfoxx]

Bookmarked, thanks!  I have some of their markers on the map.  I've been slowly going back through sites to make sure display planes are still there, etc., since it's been ten years now.  Also on the to-do list is adding more markers; I have some other marker lists bookmarked and will go through their site too!

[The Rat]

Engineless HS-748 at the Pickle Lake airport in Ontario, Google street view still shows it there as of July 2024

51.448322019979216, -90.21672180350109

[perttime]

A very minor thing:
The Military Museum of Finland (Sotamuseo, literally War Museum) has a Saab Draken cockpit in their Maneesi / Manege / Riding Hall building.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ttgaqTMfGvyMAZnK8

The museum is located on an island that used to be a fortress just off Helsinki. To access it, you need to cross a little water on a ferry or "water bus" https://suomenlinna.fi/en/explore/arriving/

You cannot view this attachment.

[reddfoxx]

HS 748 added, thanks, Rat!

Military Museum added.  Is that their only aviation exhibit?

[perttime]

Military Museum added.  Is that their only aviation exhibit?

Not much. Some ww2 time photos and some largish models of ww2 time aircraft.