Mirage 211 – How one mans dream became a groups dream

What started out as the South African Airforce Museum Photography Club chairmain’s dream has become the dream of the members of the club. Chris could tell you in detail how he struggled to get the shell of the Mirage F1-CZ (Tail 211) in the museum hanger – and that story will be told on another day. And I say shell with a tear in my eye, as that is what it was. Parts that were removed were not disconnected, but wires were cut. Hydraulic lines were cut. Parts were stripped off. And last but not least, burnt until it was pink by the sun. It was sad to see. 

Luckily that sadness is coming to an end. As the (we cannot call her an old lady, as she does not have too many hours on the clock) lady is almost clean. And this is where the club’s dream can be seen. In every person who sanded, got dirty, washed away grease, sat on a cold floor scrubbing a part. Ladies and gents….all jumped in and worked. The dream could be seen there, in the effort, but also with the smiles that came with the work. And the result is that the lady of the house is almost ready to be dressed again. With all the colors she deserves, and all the bling that is appropriate. 

Chris, your dream is our dream, and I guarantee you that when the big day arrives to reveal her to the world…..you will not be the only one to wipe away a tear.