> -----Original Message-----
> From: spitfires-owner@autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-
>
> Next month, I'll finally be fulfulling a 10+ year goal and that is to fly
> out to London.
>
> Any car-related things i could/should do? Wouldn't mind getting a snapshot
> of a RHD Spitfire for fun.
Spitfire 1500s are still fairly common, but whether you see one in central
London would be pot luck. You might want to get in touch with some of the
Triumph clubs to find out if there are any meetings at the time you're in
London. I don't think there are any rallies until May, but you might find a
social meeting.
> Is the Spitfire Graveyard open to customers? I'd love to take a tour if a
> train to Sheffield isn't too much $$$(er, pounds)
Sheffield is a fair run from London, while our train prices can be a bit
stiff. There are plenty of Triumph breakers throughout the country, but bear
in mind that scrapyards are generally run by the same kinds of people
throughout the world.........
> Also, I wouldn't mind picking up a Spitfire scale model at a toy shop. If
> USA hobby shops have nothing but American hot rod cars, I'm hoping UK
> hobby
> shops have nothing but LBC models.
You'll probably be disappointed by the general toyshops - there are some
nice 1:18 scale Spitfires and GT6s, but I've only ever seen them with
specialists at car events. I don't have any specific contacts in mind, but
try searching online for model shops in London. If you're a big kid you
ought to visit Hamleys toyshop. Not sure what diecasts they'll have, but the
shop is something else.
>
> That reminds me, gotta find the BMW MINI plant and take snapshots of where
> they take the cars out to test drive.
The plant is easily found as it's alongside the A4142 Oxford bypass at
Cowley in Oxfordshire, new Minis can be seen through the windows as they
trundle along the production line.
While in London be sure to check out the Science Museum and Natural History
Museum, but be aware that they are both large and well stocked, a good day
out at each. If you like aircraft then get out to the RAF Museum at Hendon.
London has some of the finest museums in the world, it all depends on what
you want to see.
Other places further afield would include the BMIHT Museum at Gaydon and the
Museum of British Road Transport in Coventry, both of these have a number of
Triumphs in their collections. Andy is right about the Cathedral too, one of
the eeriest places you will ever go, and just up the road from the Museum of
British Road Transport.
Cheers,
Bill.
Rarebits4classics
.......just what you've been looking for
PO Box 1232
Calne
Wiltshire
SN11 8WA
United Kingdom
http://www.rarebits4classics.co.uk
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