Dave, on behalf of Tim, Peter, myself (the SwanMog lot) & Martin thanks for a fascinating visit. Have to agree with Stuart about the lack of drink facility though.

It's a shame that RR dont make more of their collection, it's almost of national importance.

Must mention the brilliant guides, they made the day.

I think that the history contained within those buildings is of National importance. The photograph of Mitchell and Royce together just before they died deserves a better place than on a corridor wall, and I wish I'd taken a photo of that photo...........

We found a Starbucks on the A38 and spent a Kings ransom on coffee.

Absolutely agree Dave, I wonder if your SiL could get a copy of the Photo for us.

I stood and stared at it a bit on the way out.

Without their vision we would not have had the Spitfire or the Merlin Engine but they never got to see them used in anger.

I remember one of the final scenes from the film "First of the Few" where David Niven, I think playing Squadron Leader Geoffrey Crisp, having been in a dog fight looks up to the sky and exclaims something along the lines of "they can't take the Spitfire Mitch" Lump in throat time.

What would have happened to the Hurricane, Mosquito, Lancaster etc. Or indeed the Mustang without the Merlin?

I'll ask SiL if he can get a pic of it Bob. Those two men were fundamental to the outcome of the war in the air, and that photo is remarkable!!

Thanks Stewart.

There's something haunting about that picture when I think "What If"

That looks like a caption competition waiting to happen.

I will start "you're going to lose"

Thanks Stewart. I hoped somebody had bothered.........

Actually that's my caption.
Royce says to Mitchell "I hoped somebody had bothered".

Had it not been for Rolls, who was a rich kid early flyer, Royce may not have gone into aviation, so Rolls was equally influential. There must have been a film made about Rolls and Royce but a new drama documentary would be amazing.

The company keep a Spitfire PRXIX locally to impress VIP guests.

Thanks for a great set of pictures Dave, we heard and saw lots of Merlin's airborne at Revival and it's the one event of the year I won't ever miss having had 10 consecutive years of joy from them.

You boys and girls must have had a good visit.