Mosquito prototype back in one piece

Split screen is so much prettier than the flat screen.
She is looking stunning, hats off to all who have put so much effort in and of course DCW for attending the museum and sharing the gorgeous images of a beautiful aeroplane.

Hi All,
Many thanks from an at present armchair enthusiast for all the photos and updated threads W4050 looks really fantastic in her new/old colours. :eagerness:

Geoff.

I certainly will be.

😀

David, I think you will need to make regular visits this year. Both the FB6 and the prototype will change significantly before the year is out.

I was able to view progress yesterday; my first proper visit for nearly five years (where did that time go!!). The work is first class, and will result in a world class display.

Bruce

The Museum opened on Sunday after the winter break. The progress on the Mosquito prototype makes an early visit essential.

In terms of the very first example of a type, yes. Although – there is Hawker Tempest II prototype LA602 with Kermit Weeks and D-IAKO, the V10 prototype of the Bf109B-0, exists as a wreck under very long term restoration in Munich.

Spitfire trainer prototype?

Anyway, good to see the Mossie coming together again. I would really love to go down there someday!

Blimey, how many more of us are there? I helped push RR299 at Elvington on the occasion of Tony Agar’s Mosquito official unveiling!

I’ve been roped in to helping push HJ711 a couple of times. Such a chore that is!!!

Yes it is – though the Meteor might be pushing it a bit as a significant WW2 aircraft.

The second Mustang survives in the USA.

There are no Mosquito T3 aircraft left in the UK now. The three that we had until the mid nineties were:

RR299 – lost at Barton, 1996

TW117 – Formerly displayed at Hendon, now in Norway (see Mark12’s thread elsewhere)

TV959 – ex IWM, Fighter Collection, now under restoration in New Zealand to fly, with Flying Heritage.

Bruce

Thanks for the update. I hadn’t realised TV959 was now I NZ.

….And regarding “significant” prototypes, don’t forget the FAAM vampire!

Is this the only surviving prototype of a significant service WW2 aircraft other than Meteor DG202?

In terms of the very first example of a type, yes. Although – there is Hawker Tempest II prototype LA602 with Kermit Weeks and D-IAKO, the V10 prototype of the Bf109B-0, exists as a wreck under very long term restoration in Munich.

Yes it is – though the Meteor might be pushing it a bit as a significant WW2 aircraft.

The second Mustang survives in the USA.

There are no Mosquito T3 aircraft left in the UK now. The three that we had until the mid nineties were:

RR299 – lost at Barton, 1996

TW117 – Formerly displayed at Hendon, now in Norway (see Mark12’s thread elsewhere)

TV959 – ex IWM, Fighter Collection, now under restoration in New Zealand to fly, with Flying Heritage.

Bruce

HENDON?

Where’s there a trainer Mosquito? I must have overlooked it but I cant think where.
Point taken though, we’re extremely lucky. Is this the only surviving prototype of a significant service WW2 aircraft other than Meteor DG202?

There’s a short walk round video of the reunited W4050 airframe on their FaceBook page.

I’ve just watched their video on facebook. Great stuff.

It brings to mind that we are well represented in the UK with various marks of the type:

Prototype
Bomber
Fighter Bomber
Night fighter
Trainer
Target Tug

To see the PR versions, one only has to get on a plane!

There’s a short walk round video of the reunited W4050 airframe on their FaceBook page.

Bob Glasby reports from the de Havilland museum, that the Mosquito prototype, W4050, is now back in one piece, with the fuselage and wing reunited.

Very impressive, Bob and team.

Although I’m sure there is still much to do, they have really “motored” through this one.

They have clearly had a big shuffle round to get the three Mosquito’s under one roof. Is the old robin hanger coming down, or being refurbished in preparation for proposed development?

No, it didn’t have to be. There was no reason for that.

Should the serial W4050 be followed by the suffix G for an indication that the airframe was to be under gaurd at all times? Or does the P marking include that instruction?

Yes, that’s the plan.

The Merlins that were in 4050 for so many years have swapped aeroplanes, and are in TA122. Rather more appropriate. The propellers too.

4050 has been configured to take two stage engines for many years, and with long nacelles, long tailplane and other detail differences it is more appropriate that she carries them once again. I believe that is still the plan.

I see no reason to risk 4050’s airframe by fitting running engines. Of course, I don’t speak for the museum any more, so my thoughts are my own.

Bruce

Looks like brown on top of the wing to me.

Returning it to this scheme perhaps………?

Thanks for the update Bruce! They all look great together. TA122 looks great and like she has come a long way as well…any more pics of her (and W4050 of course)?

Cheers
Anthony