Blenheim gets nose job(merged)

Thanks for the update!

Blenheim Progress

The MKI nose is back in the `Palace` as its more easily worked on in there.
A large number of items are ready to be fitted this includes the throttle box and the rudder assembly and tube work to mount the instrument panel.
We have had to use the seat frame from the MKIV as the original MKI was corroded beyond use. The frame had to be modified slightly to take the British style hydraulic systems, the seat frame is an integral part of the nose as it takes all of the flying control systems to the airframe and has to be fitted prior to mounting the nose to the airframe. The original MKI control column and seat are also ready to be fitted.
Work on the engines will soon start and we should soon have an engine frame and fire wall fitted to allow work to start on the nacelles.
We are concentrating on the nose glazing at the moment as its quite a big task even though most of its flat panels.
Progress is good especially as its all voluntary by five engineers. Many thanks to all those who make donations when visiting DX and dare I say `Oh` for only a small portion of £6 million.

From that view, it looks like the nose is off once again? I remember reading somewhere that the nose was only temporaryily fitted??

Belnheim nose-job

Love it!

Always liked the Blenheim chisel nose and there it is. Congrats to all involved – superb work.

It won’t be so ugly when the glazing’s in and she’s painted up.
Will it go faster, and, what are the implications for the aircraft’s C of G?

Anon.

It was still there last week…

any further update on the blenheim?

A thing of beauty in my eyes! A truely wonderful sight.

Good grief! That must have been an interesting driving experience 😮
Chris

Once the Mk1 is flying the team can turn their attention to the real project…
Turning the MkIV nose into an electric estate car 😀

Indeed!-just idle musings-not gonna happen tho, according to a PM i got from someone over there, unfortunately!

Am I right in thinking that the Watts prop being referred to is a two-blader as opposed to a three-blade? If so, then the Kiwi Hurricane doesn’t have one…

I think what Oxcart was referring to is that the Fighter Collection own a two-bladed prop for a Hurricane (see thread for mention of the prop http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=81002 ) and that they could put it on the Kiwi Hurricane if they bought it.

Absolutely superb – guys you should be very proud of yourselves for getting her this far in the face of adversity twice- especially as this work is, I believe done off the clock in your spare time.

The decision to graft on the MK1 nose was inspired – doubtless it would have been ‘easier’ to have remained with the long nose following repairs, at the very least guess the control runs etc would have been in the same place, but NOT ONLY to restore the machine to flight BUT ALSO to change the configuration takes big committment and even bigger cojones!

A credit to all of you and an inspiration to all of us.

Good work fellas.

TT

Below are a couple of shots of the Mk.1 nose prior to restoration….

….as is obvious a lot of hard work just in the restoration of the nose , well done.

Good grief! That must have been an interesting driving experience 😮

Much better where it is now and nice to see it on Sunday. Very well done to all concerned!

Chris

Am I right in thinking that the Watts prop being referred to is a two-blader as opposed to a three-blade? If so, then the Kiwi Hurricane doesn’t have one…

Good point!-i had an inkling that TFC had plans to acquire the Hurricane 1 (P3351) from New Zealand -it would look good with their Watts!

Below are a couple of shots of the Mk.1 nose prior to restoration….

….as is obvious a lot of hard work just in the restoration of the nose , well done.

with the early nose she looks fantastic

well done guys

Here, here – I agree the early nosed Blenheim is my favourite mark. Looking forward to seeing it flying.

Roger Smith.

I had a good look at the airframe yesterday after the airshow. It will represent a unique shape at future airshows. WW1 and interwar bi-planes are becoming better represented, and WW2 types are very well represented too.

The pre-WW2 RAF had Watts propeller driven hurricane and spitfires, short nosed Blenhiems, Gladiators and Battles. With the Blenhiem being converted, and a Battle project now in the UK, I wonder if anyone will restore a Hurricane or Spitfire to its early configuration? This would make an excellent pre-WW2 formation.

with the early nose she looks fantastic

well done guys

Maybe John Romain shouldn’t let anyone else fly it when its finished!

I think there’s some confusion!

Have a look at ARCo’s website regarding this project and the PREVIOUS flying Blenheim….

Blenheim page