warbird1 wrote:
2) The old RAF Cosford's Ki-100, which was a sole survivor with an extremely rare engine. Though static, the engine was run up on occasion.
3) The old RAF Cosford's Me 410, which was one of 2 survivor's of the model with extremely rare engines. Though static, the engine was run up on occasion.
4) The old RAF Cosford's Fw 190F-8/U1, which is the only survivor of it's type and being unique in that it is a two seat trainer version. Though static, the engine was run up on occasion.
I was there, and it was St Athan, Wales when they were engine run. It was a blast. (The Fw 190 and Ki100 are now in Hendon, the Me410 at Cosford.)
Note the Welsh weather.
A bit more of the picture. In each case a number of compromises to originality were made, including, I was informed by another ex-RAF engineering officer of relevant experience, parts from the local hardware store including tubing etc. The Me410 had the prop blades cropped shorter; a non-reversible change, and difficult to justify in hindsight on such a rare aircraft.
A good idea? I can see and have seen some of the benefits - bdk's outlined the cost issues. There is, albeit a small one, a risk issue with running an un-airworthy aircraft with 60 year old parts. A split pipe, ignition, and you can have a totally consumed aircraft in seconds.
Like most things there's no easy 'right' answer, but trade off as to benefits, cost, safety and so forth.