Duxford: Beautiful technology from Hell

Infernal machines that seem out of a pre-nuclear war disaster movie, next to some of the most intricate and amazing creations ever invented, all of them able to make one of the oldest mankind dreams possible: flying.

The Imperial War Museum Duxford (or IWM Duxford) near Cambridge in UK may not be exactly Disneyworld. However, a visit is worth not only to see a key part of recent history itself, but also beyond any other consideration, to leave your imagination... fly.

A phantom from the past. Neither from Starwars nor Firefox: these Blackbirds served as a fast reconnaissance aircraft in the Cold War era. Image by Amy Lloyd

American Air Museum. Five huge hangars are hosting one of the largest and finest collections of airplanes and other vehicles -from tanks to submarines- in the world. Image by Nick Garrod

Skyfall. From inside, some hangars look like the place where all James Bond artifacts have been kept. Image by Nick Garrod

Toy Box. The plan of the AirSpace pavilion at the left, and the American Air Museum at the right. Do you recognize these figures? Do you know which one is the mythical Concorde?

Up and down. A double view inside the American collection.
Image by Andrew Stawarz

The spiritual home of the Spitfire. These legendary planes not only helped Britain to resist Hitler's mighty Luftwaffe, they are also beautiful flying machines. Image by Dave Miles

Superior design. Basically, the Spitfire's characteristic shape, with its elliptical wings, gave to the Royal Air Force the top speed necessary to escape to fight another day the larger German squadrons when things got nasty.
Image by Andy Leonard

Better times. Nowadays they go out to play with their American friends, the Mustangs.
Image by Andy Leonard

Flying Fortress. The original bomber used in the film Memphis Belle is one of the stars of Duxford. Some historic aircrafts can be rented for film or television work. Image by Andy Leonard

Swastikas. It's a fact that any story talking about Nazis or Hitler becomes more popular, so here we go. Image by Amy Lloyd

Crashed and caught. The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is displayed as it was captured after a force landing in the Battle of Britain exhibition.
Image by David Merrett

Flying legends. Not only museum pieces, many planes are maintained and prepared for flight.
Image by Dean Searle

Air shows. Duxford has a regular calendar of top events where you can see these airplanes in action.
Image by Andy Leonard

Choose one.
Image by Banerias

Top Gun. Of course, also modern fighters like this F-16 participate in the shows.
Image by Andy Leonard

Desert Fox. You may encounter some entertainers, not exactly like Mickey Mouse.

Airfix for grownups. Don't miss out the many hangars and workshops where the industrious restoration work takes place. Some more spray and it will be airworthy again.

Eye for detail. Duxford can also be a source of inspiration for artists and designers. As it could be for the creator of R2-D2. Image by Clifton Beard, Fras1977, David Bailey and Andrew Stawarz

Airporn. Quite hardcore for the forties.
Image by Andy Leonard