this is to inform everyone that after 15 years of restoration Beech G-BKRN of Beech Restorations Bruntinthopre burst into life for the first time today wednesday 18Th May 2011
at the controls was Bob Moore with yours truly acting as chief fuel pump
the port engine was run briefly and checked for leaks and obvious signs of problems
in typical flight of the phoenix fashion we had a couple of dry runs before she caught and fired into life
we had an issue with fuel pressure which necessitated replacement of the fuel pump.
after replacing it in the pouring rain she was run again and maintained fuel pressure
All of this comes as a great relief to all of our team and particularly the 2 remaining founder members of Beech Restorations
it is hoped to fit a starter plug on saturday to the starboard engine and then run that one during the day
Sunday will be time for both engines to be run together
these engines came from the Beech 18 featured in James Bond Octopussy.
BKRN will now undergo a series of engine tests.
it is hoped that with the correct influx of cash that the aircraft can be readied for test flights before the end of 2011.
Sadly our longtime friend Barry Wright who began the electrical wiring of BKRN was not there to see the engine runs as he lost his battle with cancer just over 12 months ago
he will be remembered
I was unable to take Photographs as i was acting as co-pilot today and chief wobble pump to maintain fuel pressure
I hope to have photographs on Saturday
for anyone interested – it is proposed to form a Beech Club. Exactly how it will work is yet to be established – if you are interested, please contact me and we can work it out
anyway i guess we ought to give ourselves a bit of a pat on the back – not really used to doing that though
By: philip turland - 28th August 2013 at 16:52
only just seen the fly
By: philip turland - 28th August 2013 at 16:50
Nice pics – thanks for posting
and thanks JB for the kind words
didn’t take many myself but i was pleased with this one
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philip
By: J Boyle - 28th August 2013 at 15:52
Good to see one restored and loved. For years (decades really) they were ubiquitous, working for a living and as they say, “Rode hard and put away wet”. Last weekend I met a pilot who spent much of his career flying night mail and freight in them. He said they could still outwork many newer planes. Sadly, most I see are semi-abandoned at airports, their engines, props and cowls long goner and fitted to Stearmans.
Anyway, it’s good to see a nice one. Well done!
By: J31/32 - 28th August 2013 at 11:15
Can’t find a more recent thread. Here’s some pics from Sunday.
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May 18, 2011 at 8:06 pm