Solent Sky museum was built around Sandringham flying boat

The Solent Sky complex in Albert Road South is home to a large number of historic aircraft, including a Sandringham flying boat that was used by a Hollywood actress.

In 1984 the huge exhibit - Beachcomber - was moved to the partly-built attraction, which was completed once she was in position.

The director, Alan Jones, was commanding officer of 424 Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) at the time of the museum’s opening and was in charge of transporting the plane to Solent Sky.

The flying boat was kept in a warehouse at Southampton Docks before being towed to the Solent Sky museum (Image: Solent Sky)

Mr Jones said: "The Sandringham is the largest aircraft in the museum and people often ask how we got her in.

"The aircraft was transported to Southampton docks by the army on a Mexeflote landing craft. Then came the task of getting the component parts to the museum a mile away.

"The wings, engines, and other parts went by lorry but the fuselage was a different matter - 20ft high, 90ft long, and weighing in at 12 tonnes."

READ MORE: Aircraft towed through the streets of Southampton on its way to Solent Sky museum

It was decided to tow the fuselage using an ATC Land Rover, with a second vehicle attached to the tail and acting as a brake.

Mr Jones telephoned Southampton police station and spoke to the senior officer, who sent two patrol cars to block the road in both directions.

The flying boat arrives at Solent Sky museum after leaving Southampton Docks (Image: Solent Sky)

The operation went like clockwork. Once the nose of the aircraft was aligned with an opening in the side of the museum, the plane was winched into position.

Mr Jones said: "Beachcomber filled the entire opening with only two inches to spare on either side. The last two or three feet Beachcomber did on her own, gently rolling on to the chocks. Mission accomplished."

The plane was originally built as a Sunderland III in 1943 and converted into a Sandringham four years later.

In 1974 it was sold to Captain Charles Blair, of Antilles Air Boats, who was the husband of Forties film star Maureen O'Hara. The couple logged many hours in the aircraft, with Maureen occupying an extra seat installed on the flight deck for her benefit.

The flying boat is winched inside the Solent Sky museum, which was then built around the aircraft (Image: Solent Sky)

A museum spokesperson: "It's more than apt that the aircraft is displayed here as Southampton was the only UK port from which flying boats operated.

"Beachcomber is very much the pride of the museum's collection and like, all of the aircraft on display here, has been immaculately restored both inside and out.

"It's possible to gain access to the passenger area, galley, and cockpit."