A Young Mans Dream - Mr Revill
I have been really quiet recently possibly my personal choice, but with a few projects in the pipeline with some people who inspire me, I have been very reluctant to explore somewhat. My focus has been on a new job, possible house move and all these little projects for next year, aswel as the holiday season and travels to family new an old, exploring has simply been on the backfoot an has been for awhile.
Having spent some time in this area a month or so ago, I decided to track down these lovely beasts, I have never really been one for abandoned cars, planes, tanks or anything along that lines, my love remains with the buildings itself, but these are a fraction of history. So having done some research and over a few days, became rather friendly with the owner, I decided to pay him a visit an dust off my camera.
Mr Revill is a small gent, who seems to spend a lot of his time in the outdoors, running the farm rather than cosy next to a fire, but having spoke to him for awhile, I soon began to learn a lot more about his fascination, especially with these planes.
As I stood admiring his mini museum he began telling stories, saying how as a young boy he would watch many planes fly over, he spoke about seeing a few up close in his younger days and always wanting to possibly own one, infact it was his dream to own one! not a few aircrafts
As he went deeper into conversation he soon began pointing at these flying beasts, "this one is from wales" - "that one over there is from up near Lincolnshire" - Oh where are you from?
So as a young lad he had always wanted to have a few planes for himself, I never asked him if he had ever sat inside them, but as he saw me taking a few pictures, he said if any are open I was welcome to sit inside, granted I would not say no, he then walked towards me an said he should really tidy up around them, having got them in an auction, an with some people asking for his permission to view them/photograph them he did say its not the best ground to enjoy them.
This was Mr Revills Collection:
Hunting Jet Provost T.3 XN632 (wears XN623)
Gloster Meteor T.7 WH166
De Havilland Vampire T.11 WZ425
De Havilland Vampire T.11 XE979 – cockpit section rotted away
Hawker Hunter F.6 XF526
Hawker Seahawk FB.5 WF299 (wears WF105)
As previously stated DH Vampire XE979’s cockpit is now entirely missing and the aircraft has been removed.
The remaining airframes are not in a great state, but could probably be renovated if they were to be removed, stored or covered from the elements in the very near future.
The sole complete DH Vampire and the Gloster Meteor are probably in most danger of falling apart, the lid on the Meteor is often open due to often being visited by ex aircrew who once flew her, as it is not easy to open and close after all these years of little use.
The Seahawk was once on display at Flambards amusement park near Helston, hence its ‘Flambards pink’ colour, and within a stones throw of its former Fleet Air Arm base at RNAS Culdrose. The aircraft is rusting somewhat with a covering of moss starting to appear, but appears to be in not too bad a condition, considering it has spent the last 30 odd years outside with little protection
So Mr Revill got his dream in a mini museum you can tell he has the fondness for them still, but maybe not so much as when he got them.
Anyway if you fancy a look, track him down have a chat, and see what he tells you, charming gent and didn't mind me spending a fair amount of time on his land
On with the pictures
Thanks for looking everyone