Bolingbroke 9048 arrives at Filton

When G-BPIV, takes off as a Blenheim Mk.I, they could in theory restore the other to flying condition. A Blenheim Mk.I and a Mk.IV flying together, now wouldn’t that be a sight!

If enough people donate money to their cause maybe they will. Now that would be a site for sore eyes.

From what i gleaned speeking to one of the engineers is the long term plan is a static example. This is if you mean the Blenhim that ended up on the golf course.
I have some recant photos of obth the Blenhims if people are interested i will post them.

When G-BPIV, takes off as a Blenheim Mk.I, they could in theory restore the other to flying condition. A Blenheim Mk.I and a Mk.IV flying together, now wouldn’t that be a sight!

Very exciting news.

I can understand why a restoration to flying condition is ruled out. But how about to groundrunning standard? That would at least give some life instead of gathering dust as a static exhibit.

Cees

Cees, a restoration to ground-running hasn’t been ruled out, but there are lots of considerations. In favour, it will be on an active airfield, either at the BAC’s hangar at Kemble, or in the future aviation museum at Filton, which could in theory have some airworthy exhibits. The team members would love to rebuild it to ‘live’ condition. Against are the obvious ones, like cost, manpower, and timing. We will see what the full inspection turns up. A lot would depend on what state the two Bristol Mercury engines are in.

Andy

Anyone know what the plans are for the IWM’s Bolly? Be good to see complete examples of both a Mk I and and a Mk IV in one place

From what i gleaned speeking to one of the engineers is the long term plan is a static example. This is if you mean the Blenhim that ended up on the golf course.
I have some recant photos of obth the Blenhims if people are interested i will post them.

This is what I was told by someone at the Museum of Flight back in March

The restoration of this aircraft is a long-term project being carried our by volunteers one day per week under the supervision of our two conservation staff appointed last year. I have not heard an estimated completion date for this aircraft, but it will be several years before the work is completed finished. Although the aircraft has wing, engines and undercarriage fitted, and therefore looks externally like an aircraft, it requires a lot of work to the interior.

As a Canadian-built aircraft, which only ever saw service in Canada with the RCAF, it is most likely that the Bolingbroke will appear in the colours it would have worn as a Canadian training aircraft.

As regards displaying the aircraft once completed, this is still being decided as part of a long-term development plan for the Museum of Flight. This has not been fully agreed yet and therefore I cannot give a definite answer to this question.

Anyone know what the plans are for the IWM’s Bolly? Be good to see complete examples of both a Mk I and and a Mk IV in one place

4) Bolly at East Fortune under restoration, externally she looks pretty complete now, she’s going into CATP colours of either all over yellow or yellow with black stripes

Is work being done on this one? Last time I was at East Fortune, work had ground to a halt. 🙁

Best wishes
Steve P

You sounded so authoritative Ollie I nearly didnt post 🙂

Museum of Flight, East Fortune.

(oh and an ex-RCAF Bolly nose at MAPS on the Isle of Man…)

TT

edit – Rob beat me to it and mentioned DX

1) Bolly under restoration to fly at Duxford by Blenheim (Duxford) Ltd

2) Bolly owned by the IWM under restoration in Building 63/66, was originally going to be in Airspace but not anymore, not sure what the plans for this one are, presumably she’s still going into CATP yellow

3) Bolly at Filton

4) Bolly at East Fortune under restoration, externally she looks pretty complete now, she’s going into CATP colours of either all over yellow or yellow with black stripes

Blenheim Society don’t own any Bolingbrokes but instead raise money for the Mk I under restoration to fly

Four actually…

TT

Where is the 4th? Blenhim society has 2, Filton now has one where is the other?

Four actually…

TT

I now make that 3 Bolingbrokes under restoration in the Uk alone.

Very exciting news.

I can understand why a restoration to flying condition is ruled out. But how about to groundrunning standard? That would at least give some life instead of gathering dust as a static exhibit.

Cees

Hi FF–

Very pleased to hear about this; all the best with the restoration. As a Canuck I’m especially pleased with the decision to restore this Boly in RCAF finish–the temptation must have been considerable to complete her as a Blenheim given the fact that the two types are virtually identical and the Blenheim is such a significant type in the histories of both the RAF and the British industry. Noticed the “low” RCAF serial in the post header, then could see faint code letters under the BCATP yellow in the pix…unlike most survivors which were solely trainers this one was genuinely a patrol bomber. Great to hear of the plans for her. Maybe will see her “in the metal” sometime.

Cheers

Steve T (hopeful of seeing another Boly come together fairly soon nearby!)

a Bristol Bolingbroke… WOW, that is amazing.. please keep us posted on her return to life.. 🙂

I can think of no better place for her to be restored Best of luck!

Congratulations on receiving the Bolingbroke safely! This aircraft saw service on the west coast of canada correct?

Peter,
Unlike most Bolingbrokes, 9048 did see Squadron service in defending Canada. When it was delivered to 8 (BR) Squadron, they were based at Sydney, Nova Scotia, on the east coast of Canada. After Pearl Harbor, 8BR relocated to Sea Island, BC on the west coast, so its unusual in that it has performed operations against both German and Japanese forces. In mid 1942 it moved to Alaska as part of a joint U.S.-Canadian defence force. When 8BR re-equipped with Venturas in 1943, it went to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and was based at Brandon, Manitoba.

Andy

forgive the ignorance, restoration to flying condition?

‘fraid not, just to static. The intention is for it to be restored and painted in 8 (BR) Squadron RCAF colours, and go on display either at the Bristol Aero Collections current home at Kemble, or the future museum planned for Filton, which would incorporate the BAC when it opens.

Andy

Great stuff! 🙂

Great news, FiltonFlyer! Another substantial addition to the UK preservation scene. We eagerly look forward to hearing restoration progress.

Congratulations on receiving the Bolingbroke safely! This aircraft saw service on the west coast of canada correct?