Hunter Warbirds Attraction Scone update July 2021

Much progress is being made on the new Hunter Warbirds museum at Scone Airport NSW. Since our last news article “Warbird Aviation Attraction Scone NSW “in January 2021, the progress has been substantial, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The groundworks and layout of utilities was conducted to facilitate the laying of the huge slab to take place which was completed in June.  In the past month the complex and extensive steel structural framework and roof has been erected and now illustrates the large size of the building to good effect with the exhibition area being 100 by 90 metres allowing for the display of 16 aircraft plus all of the other displays and attractions. The building has been designed to open on the longer side to allow for the easy removal and replacement of the airworthy aircraft. The next phase in the building process will see the external cladding take place and then the detailed internal fit out.

This new Museum is the largest Aviation museum constructed in the southern hemisphere in the past 3 decades. The construction has been facilitated through funding by Local, State and Federal governments. The facility is being constructed by and will be administered through the Upper Hunter Shire Council with support from Pays Aviation, Vintage Fighter Restorations and Hunter Fighter Collection Inc. who will provide aircraft exhibits and display content.

The design firm completing the interior design for the building, Freeman Ryan Design (FRD), has been working very hard preparing the concept designs and layout for the building and the display materials for the Audio Visual presentations. The content is being researched in line with local Hunter Valley connections.

Hunter Warbirds, as it is now named, will be an Aviation Museum of the highest standards. The design team having previously worked around the world including the Australian War Memorial, Norsk Luftfarts Museum (Norwegian Aviation Museum), Anzac Memorial Hyde Park Sydney and the Carolinas Aviation Museum (including the Scully memorial) to name just a few.

The atmosphere of the attraction will immerse the visitor in a total Aviation experience, themed along a concept of Australian military Fighters and Trainers from the beginning of Australian military Aviation to the present day. Particular reference is made to the people of the Upper Hunter who have of served in the Australian Military, particularly the AFC and RAAF as well as the citizens of the district who donated aircraft during WW1 and those who served on the home front. In all of our nation’s conflicts and in times of need, the Hunter people have been generous giving people who have backed the Services throughout our country’s history.

All exhibition content has been designed to transform the Attraction building into an engaging visitor experience. High-end multimedia technologies, theatrical lighting and audio-visual displays are used to enhance the aircraft, and spatial planning is carefully managed to ensure seamless flow of visitors between aircraft and artefacts. Two very advanced aircraft simulators will also be deployed to provide high end experiences of flying Fighter aircraft of the first and second world wars.

The Hunter Warbirds attraction will present as a very sophisticated cultural and educational experience of superior quality seldom delivered in a regional setting. The aircraft presented in the attraction are an excellent representation of Fighter and Training aircraft flown in Australian Service or by Australians overseas from WW1 to the present day. The vast majority of the aircraft on display are airworthy and regularly flown.

Not only are most of the aircraft airworthy so there will also be an opportunity for visitors to experience flights in a variety of classic warbirds.  This includes a North American T-6 Harvard, CAC Winjeel, DH Tiger Moth, Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX two seater, Curtiss P40E Kittyhawk 2 seater and a Boeing Stearman. The two WWII 2 seat Fighters are currently under restoration and will provide a unique experience in Australia as they join the fleet in the next year or so.

In addition, there will be 2 or 3 aircraft dioramas to illustrate important historic aviation moments in Australia’s Military Aviation History. Included in the building will be a gift shop and Café for the convenience of patrons as well as audio visual presentations. There will also an elevated viewing platform within the complex and a function room for hire.

Warbirds Online will continue to monitor the progress of the Hunter Warbirds at Scone NSW with further updates as it proceeds. It is anticipated that the new Warbird Museum will open around December 2021 with a large 2 day Airshow, ‘Warbirds Over Scone’, to be held in March 2022 to mark the occasion.

Upper Hunter Shire Council will soon commence advertising for the position of the Hunter Warbirds Facilities Coordinator.  For further information on the position, please refer to Upper Hunter Shire Council website or contact Kristian Enevoldson on 02 6540 1100.

© John Parker 2021