Steve , do you have any recent photos of the progress on the Beaufighter , when the MoF up here in Scotland bought their Beau from South Africa I was well chuffed , unfortunately I’ve still never seen her !! , she’s still in the restoration hangar (unless Merlin has any photos !!) and as understand restoration has been halted to allow more research into here past and budgetary constraints.I have seen Plane Crazy umpteen times with Tim Moore talking about the Beau and Viscount etc and am itching to find out how she is progressing now !!!
By: ageorge - 23rd October 2002 at 20:05
RE: Beaufighter !!
I think its more of a case of not enough hands , there are 4 full timers working on the Spit and only volunteers working on all the other airframes , and I may be wrong , the volunteers can only get working on Wednesdays and some Sundays.I think the Beau was only bought as they are rarely available so they took the chance to buy one while they could . Once the Spit is gone it will leave more space for the other projects ( or they could put the Bolingbroke and Beaufighters tails up on budgie perches !!!!!)
By: Bluebird Mike - 23rd October 2002 at 19:38
RE: Beaufighter !!
Regarding the Bollingbroke ‘Blenheim’ that needs a set of perspex, surely to goodness they can buy a set/borrow the moulds or whatever from ARCO at Duxford?
By: Ant.H - 23rd October 2002 at 18:54
RE: Beaufighter !!
Excellent website FiltonFlyer!Keep up the good work mate 🙂
By: FiltonFlyer - 23rd October 2002 at 11:32
RE: Beaufighter !!
If you are looking for photos of MoF’s Beaufighter, I have several on my website in the Bristol Aircraft Worldwide Survey section at http://www.filton.flyer.co.uk – The direct link to the Beau’s page is http://www.filton.flyer.co.uk/bristol/survb156rd220.htm .
As far as the Bolingbroke restoration goes, work as halted on that for the time being, as they have done most of what they can do at the moment. There are are several things required before work can proceed, including the acquisition of perspex windows and engine cowlings.
I was there end of August, and the Spitfire looked complete. Apparently it will be a while before it is transferred to the Glasgow Museum of Transport, as the building from which it will hang from the ceiling has not not been built yet. Shame all that detailed restoration work will be out of site high above peoples heads.
cheers,
Andy
Filton Airfield Enthusiasts Website
Bristol Aircraft Worldwide Survey
http://www.filton.flyer.co.uk
By: Merlin3945 - 23rd October 2002 at 00:39
RE: Beaufighter !!
Sorry Alastair
I dont have any pics but if you email Grant Newman at the museum maybe he could oblige with a few.
Not much has happend recently. They started to strip and treat/ or paint some of the fuselage. And other bits and pieces but after a great start a great big grinding halt.
Steve I am not sure if the Museum Voulanteer are doing this or if its a private venture as with the spit but I know the spit was funded by the Scottish Exec. And is private run. I think the museum is doing the Beau themselves which means no more work unti funding. Personally I think they should leave the beau in storage and get the Blenheim and Anson finished then they could have some time and space to work on the beau also they could put everyone on the beaufighter and not work over three different aircraft.
Merlin
By: Arabella-Cox - 21st October 2002 at 11:37
RE: Beaufighter !!
Hi,
Our Beau is progressing slowly, I’m concentrating on the cooling gills at the moment and hoping to get full sets together for both engines. Not much else has happened recently as she’s only a voluntary project and Skysport have had quite a bit on of late. This also means that she’s had to be moved out of the way of the day to day jobs so photography isn’t easy. I do have a few shots of the cockpit and various other sections, but I’d prefer to check with Tim before posting them up on the forum.
As for the MoF Beau, my understanding was that they are currently assessing the amount of work required to restore her. I did have a chat with the Spitfire boys late last year and they were saying nothing had been decided at that point, although they all seemed very eager. Judging by how good the Spitfire looks, I think they’d do a cracking job of the Beau.
By: Der - 18th October 2002 at 20:23
RE: Beaufighter !!
Last time I saw it, in the summer, it was pretty much as it arrived. Perhaps they’re waiting for the Spitfire to complete before they start it. Things don’t seem to move too fast in the restoration hangar. Quite understandable considering the number of airframes in it- not least of which is the Blenheim.
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October 18, 2002 at 6:30 pm