Cosford's Sea Balliol

There are numerous versions of this, and most of them rude.

I have seen “weapons and fuel users”, whilst the other ends in “Useless”. I am sure the fish-heads will tell us more.

Circa 1980, I collected a Balliol from Henlow and took it to Cosford and reassembled it beside the TSR2. I am certain it was not a WAFU machine, but maybe the experts can correct me.

There is only one Balliol in the UK – this one WL732, so that would be it. BTW, what is WAFU? :confused:

Last RAF Balliol

Circa 1980, I collected a Balliol from Henlow and took it to Cosford and reassembled it beside the TSR2. I am certain it was not a WAFU machine, but maybe the experts can correct me.

Well, as as speak this is the closest we’ll get to seeing the Sea Balliol – Found in the model section between the two museum hangars.

Martin

Saw this myself Martin.

Very impressive I thought in about 1/24th scale..
Whilst I was leering at it,cousin Edgeler,knowning about my love of FAA
machinery,mumbled something like”I’m watching you,you’d love to get your hands on that”:D

Mark

:confused:Hello, there’s a post missing:confused:

Colin, it has to be said that the Balliol rebuild/recreation looks fantastic, as does the Overstrand, are you involved with them?

I was quite involved with the BP Association until a few years ago when changes in work & other commitments put paid to that.I assisted with a few jobs on the Defiant & Balliol replicas in the early stages,but can’t claim any major contributions.Still a member but unfortunately only an occasional visitor
these days.

Colin.

:confused:Hello, there’s a post missing:confused:

Colin, it has to be said that the Balliol rebuild/recreation looks fantastic, as does the Overstrand, are you involved with them?

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/collections/aircraft/aircraft_histories/69-A-626%20Sea%20Balliol%20WL732.pdf

Pls click on above for history of Sea Balliol WL732 at Cosford and if anyone is
considering visiting the Boulton Paul Heritage Centre ,please check on
www.boultonpaul.com for up to date opening times and visiting arrangements.

Rgds,Colin.

1968…

Ah, the FAA Sea Balliol at the RAFs 50th anniversary at Abingdon, if only the RAF had demonstrated this pride when allowing all their own Balliols to be axed!

Well, as as speak this is the closest we’ll get to seeing the Sea Balliol – Found in the model section between the two museum hangars.

Martin

Sorry about that, my jet recognition at times is failing – it was small and had one seat and therefore I came to the wrong conclusion. Will try better next time! 🙂

Martin

.. but now remember that the single-seat Folland Midge was there instead of my quest!!

Wash your mouth out Martin, it’s a Gnat not a Midge :diablo:

.

I have always thought that the reason for it being at Cosford being that they were produced in Wolverhampton as being extremely tenous, as this is a national RAF museum I can’t help wondering that the real reason was that the RAF never kept back one of its Balliols for display.
I think a far better local Balliol connection is this one, http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Links/bpa/bpa2.htm & http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/museums/boulton-paul-aircraft-heritage-project.htm at the former factory at Wolverhampton with their superb complete Balliol project and cockpit sections (aswel as Defiant and Overstrand recreation projects).

Colin,

Thanks for letting me know. Such a shame that she wasnt on view. I wonder what the reasoning is behind her being out of the way as she’s the last full survivor in the UK and a rather rare machine? Hopefully one day she will be back where she belongs.

Best wishes,

Martin

It’s currently in the storage hangar on the other side of the airfield,and yes wouldn’t it
be good to have it on display for local interest.But I suppose if space is required it is easy to squeeze into the storage hangar with it’s folding wings and it is at the RAF museum with ROYAL NAVY boldly painted on the fuselage.Rumours of a move to Yeovilton have come and gone many times over the last twenty years.
Rgds,Colin P.

Good question, the last time I saw it was in 08 when it was well displayed by itself near the Bristol 188, I didn’t see it at all in 09, not even behind the Lincoln.

I keep hoping that someone would see sense one day and the BP Sea Balliol ends up at FAAM Yeovilton with their VS.517 joining the experimentals at Cosford

Jon,

Thanks for the quick reply. I had walked passed the Lincoln and for a moment thought I had missed the Balliol, but now remember that the single-seat Folland Midge was there instead my quest!!

Martin

Whilst I doubt it is of much use – pictures on the net seem to indicate it was tucked in behind the Lincoln, with wing folded and facing the hangar doors.

http://www.demobbed.org.uk/image_view.php?s=wl732.jpg

Jon