Bristol Aero Engines collection

I presume that HMS Alacrity is still in dry dock.

…. and HMS Accuracy was the one with the charts – taken from HMS Astute.

Ah, yes. Wasn’t HMS Accessibility the submarine that the MoD built in order to comply with the Disabilty Discrimation Act 1995?

alacrity, accuracy and accessibility.
Ed

Aren’t they Royal Navy submarines ???

All well worth a visit via the Filton RRHT. Nick

Nick, thank you for reporting, Ed

A big thumbs up to the Science Museum!

I must concur that an enquiry launched from the antipodes to the Science Museum was responded to with alacrity, accuracy and accessibility. AAA.
Ed

Three of us visited on Tuesday. Our guide was Paul, a most knowledgeable, enthusiastic retired RR gas turbine engineer, who gave us a 2 hours plus tour. The collection is housed in one of the Fifties buildings by the engine test stands, and is 50/50 reciprocating and gas turbines. The piston engine side starts with 1914-18 RR engines built under licence and progresses through to the Hercules. Their Centaurus is under restoration at the moment and not on display. There is a Cherub on display. Gas turbines start with Whittle 2700, and then on to the Theseus, Proteus, Olympus, Pegasus and up to the RJ400 and a most interesting technology-demonstrator engine.
All well worth a visit via the Filton RRHT.
Nick

And to quote Diana Ross – I’m still waiting! But it’s academic because, on review, I now realise that, mocktudor, you’re off to the RRHT at Filton on Monday, whereas I’ve made enquiry of the Science Museum concerning what it might have in store at Wroughton. Doh ….. !

A big thumbs up to the Science Museum! Not only has it supplied me with a list of engines and other items relevant to my research, but it has done so with a degree of detail that must have taken significant time and effort and the list it has provided details what it holds at all of its sites and those other sites at which its loan items currently are. Its approach contrasts markedly to that of the Shuttleworth Trust.

Some of the engines are indeed at Derby and they have an open day in September I believe

With apologies for the tardiness, reply now sent.

AA………………

You have a PM from PM……..!!!

Visit to RRHT at Filton due tomorrow, Tuesday. AvionAncien – I am afraid that I will not be taking photos at RRHT. However good luck with Wroughton Science Museum, you’ll need it. They do not seem to know what they have in the collection – I went there to search for various DB motors – they told me that they did not have what I was looking for on their inventory. On entering the hangar, I found them inside 5 minutes. (Sigh !)

Power & Passion : have not forgotten your Jupiter requests…
Nick

Ken,

The Midland Air Museum has the Brabazon main wheel set because they were designed and built by Dunlop in Coventry. It was part of a substantial collection of Dunlop display material passed over to the MAM 30 – 35 years ago. When I went on a visit to Dunlop Aero Tyres’ factory at Fort Dunlop, Birmingham a few years ago I saw ago that they, too, have another set – although on display outside.

Roger Smith.

sorry for thread drift.

I’ve done the tour of the reserve collection and, although there were many interesting things there (including a main-wheel from the Bristol Brabazon).

The Midland Air Museum at Coventry also have one for some reason……..

Ken

And to quote Diana Ross – I’m still waiting! But it’s academic because, on review, I now realise that, mocktudor, you’re off to the RRHT at Filton on Monday, whereas I’ve made enquiry of the Science Museum concerning what it might have in store at Wroughton. Doh ….. !

I am trying to find out where I can see those engines today : are they in the ‘L Shed’ which is the Museum’s reserve store?

I’ve done the tour of the reserve collection and, although there were many interesting things there (including a main-wheel from the Bristol Brabazon), there were no aero-engines that I can remember. There was a rather lovely sectioned and motorised Bristol Pegasus in the ‘M Shed’, but I’m sure you saw that one.

Nick,

I’m still awaiting a reply from the Science Museum on my specific enquiry. But if I get that before 19 April and dependent on the nature of that reply, would you be willing to take some photographs for me? If so, I’ll send you a PM when I get a reply from the Science Museum and if that arrives before 19 April.

AA

Nick, thank you. Bristol Aeroplane, and I suspect Bristol Engines, would have had their own material specifications. These would be prefaced BACA, certainly in the 60’s; perhaps under different nomenclature in the 30’s. I cannot believe that Sir Roy Fedden would condescend to rely on British Standards or Directorate of Technical Development Standards. Rolls Royce had their proprietory metallurgical confections, the RR alloys, eg RR56, which played a big part in aero engine development. If you find ANY material standards in your peregrinations through the archives I would be incredibly grateful to be connected to the appropriate librarian; if attractive and female then this would additionally elevate my interest. Thanking you, Ed

Dear Power and P : yes, sure will, visit fixed for 1.30 Tues 19th April.
Nick

Nick, while you visit can you ask if drawings and material specifications for the Bristol Jupiter still exist and are accessible? Thanks, Ed