Connie Edwards fighters – Now sold.

Ross Pay, has purchased one of the ex Henlow Buchon’s that came to the UK as a source of spares, these airframes did not fly in the film.

See here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/254190391438184/

Two seat Buchon now for the UK methinks! :eagerness:

Is that fact or wishful thinking? Hope it happens.:)

Thanks Scotavia, that’s great to read.

Two seat Buchon now for the UK methinks! :eagerness:

The Spitfire to Oz is accompanied by a Buchon for the same destination.Dismantled by the same team that readied the Spitfire for transport.

Hi team,
Platinum Fighter Sales’ Facebook page has been active of late with updates on the dispersal of the former Connie Edwards collection of Spitfire IX (to Australia) and HA.1112 Buchons.

This morning on a Buchon post they said: “The planes will be going to UK, Switzerland, Australia and USA”.

Let the speculation begin!

Perhaps not related, but after or before movie when the Spanish AF was selling the a/c off AKA Spanish 109’s with R-R Merlin engines, A friend had chance to purchase 5 a/c for approx. $2500.00 each were they complete flyable I have no idea, but I do have the original Spanish AF. Parts Manual for HA-1112Mil + the Hispano-Suiza engine manual for the earlier models!

I think I’ve read somewhere that the Allison engine has fewer parts than a Merlin, and spare parts would be easier to get hold of at least.

http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restorations/messerschmitt-bf-109-restoration-update.html

So, an Allison powered Buchon……in a 109 profile:very_drunk: cheers!

Nice idea, and if well engineered could bring life back to some of these aircraft. They appear to be trying to improve the handling of the Buchon, to try and restore it back to ‘109 standards.

Is this addressing a perception in the US, that the potentially flyable ones are tricky to operate?

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Also, What are the differences between a Merlin and the Allison that would make this possible with one, but not the other?

Is the Merlin V-angle wider?

Or does the Allison have more conveniently positioned engine mounts?

Are the engines different weights, or lengths?

Are there greater numbers of Allison spares around?

Just curious.

Do they even care about Airshow bookings?

Do Buchon owners flying in mock Luftwaffe markings struggle to get airshow bookings?

I thought it was quite an ingenious solution to the yaw issue I’ve read of, as well as making the nose more 109-like (read = marketable for airshows?) and having spares more readily available. I think it’s quite cool!

x2 on that one!

Indeed, Propstrike, direct fom the link. I’m full of admiration for the ingenuity, sad about the ‘loss’of a B of B film Buchon, glad the aircraft has an invested (reworkable, flyable) future, and plain scratching my head about the end result. Ah well, where’s that beer?

http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restorations/messerschmitt-bf-109-restoration-update.html

So, an Allison powered Buchon……in a 109 profile:very_drunk: cheers!

WarbirdsNews talked recently with Pacific Fighter’s John Muszalla II about these efforts, and he related the following…

“We have been working on the engine mount and are taking all the proper steps with the engineers and FAA to ensure a safe and proper engine mount installation. We have also made progress on the propeller and spinner, as well as tracking down cowling blue prints and what ever parts we can. The goal of a completely stock outside appearance is really coming together nicely. Exhaust, guns, spinner, carb induction, engine placement and thrust line are all where they should be.

We have also been working on the tail [ed. which is slightly different on the Buchon]. We have addressed the issues with the Spanish tail and from there have moved on to the taller G-10 vertical and rudder. The wings are also coming along nicely… We are using the proper RLM colors throughout the plane, and I can tell you that the cockpit will be as authentic as possible. The goal is to have something that can be taken out and flown on a regular basis without the worry of an entire crew or timing out your very rare DB 605 after 150 hours, but also have the look and feel of a Bf-109.”

Allison Conversion Underway

http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restorations/messerschmitt-bf-109-restoration-update.html

So, an Allison powered Buchon……in a 109 profile:very_drunk: cheers!

I was Connie Edwards personal mechanic on the B o B and was responsible for his Messer, we had some narrow scrapes but I do not recall any burning Spitfire.

Regards
John

The aircraft in question, further down this thread:

http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?116542-Advisory-Spitfire-MJ772-incident-no-injuries

Regarding the price – depends what spares were thrown in too doesn’t it? I imagine it would have been a deal for the airframes plus spares – including engines?? From the pics of the ranch the spares holding was pretty impressive – if 10 spare engines and props were thrown in…..

I was Connie Edwards personal mechanic on the B o B and was responsible for his Messer, we had some narrow scrapes but I do not recall any burning Spitfire.

Regards
John

Thanks for that. Next time I take my aircraft to Little Staughton for service I’ll have to look for the skid-marks (joke!)