A note on the rebuild of an original Beardmore engine drew me to “The Vintage Aviator” website, where I found some interesting details:
“The FE.2b is an iconic RFC observation aircraft. Factory drawings have been located, and some original parts collected – but the problem, as always, was the engine. However, three years ago, word reached New Zealand that an original Beardmore 160hp engine had been located in Uruquay. There had been some FE.2b’s in South America, with one recorded as crashed in Argentina, in 1920. When the engine was inspected in the dusty corner of a small farm shed, the surrounding pile of debris was found to contain a radiator, oil tank, exhaust, and many other useful metal parts from an FE.2b. The engine was soon on it’s way to Wellington, NZ.”
http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/projects/beardmore-engine/beardmore-engine-build
Apart from the obvious restoration interest, it seems strange that at least one FE2b would fly in Uruguay post-war. Does anyone know the story of this? Were they used by the military, or was it a civilian effort?
Any further details appreciated.
By: flyernzl - 22nd November 2008 at 20:08
Well, one only – G-EAHC from 14/7/19 until it crashed prior to 10/1/23.
But yes, that is a possibility.
By: John Aeroclub - 22nd November 2008 at 19:26
There was even some civilian use of the FE.2b in the UK, so it is not surprising that some should turn up in South America.
John
By: flyernzl - 22nd November 2008 at 18:44
Most British Government gift aircraft and Airdisco aircraft that emigrated at the time were more modern eg DH4/DH9, SE5A, F2B etc.
I would have thought that the poor old FE2b were even then a bit dated for military use and hardly suitable for civilian use.
Still, stranger things have happened.
By: OHOPE - 21st November 2008 at 18:17
At the end of WW1 there were huge numbers of military aircraft that were surplus . I believe many were gifted to governments all over the world .
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November 21, 2008 at 10:23 am