DH88 Comet Racer (Black Magic) Open House

ACSS suffered an undercarriage collapse last year…I am not sure how far advanced the repair is or indeed if it has been completed. As far as I am aware ACSS is or will still be airworthy but I think they are not flying it at present because of shortage of willing pilot(s) and I am not sure if they have completed the runway extension that is required for the safe operation of ACSS (assuming that the repairs have been completed).

nice restoration! Why is G-ACSS only taxiable? Would be nice to see both in formation.

Indeed,

Our example is made of steel tube, fibreglass, and some very unairworthy wood. The guy who is doing it is doing a creditable job of making a silk purse from a sows ear, but it was only ever representative of the type, specifically for the making of a film.

Bruce

the CAA have deemed that G-ACSP is original and can retain its original registration…as far as they are concerned it is not a replica it is an original.

Ollie – I was there today and had a brief look. She is a recreation of the original – certainly being restored to fly .

It is very easy to be scathing about what is original or not on G-ACSS. It has a largely original wing, fuselage and tail feathers. Many of the systems were new, as they were removed when the aircraft was displayed at the Festival of Britain. Many of the parts that were replaced were kept and are stored at Shuttleworth as well.

G-ACSP is an excellent project, and I look forward to seeing it in the flesh in the fullness of time.

Bruce

Will your replica be flyable?

It is very easy to be scathing about what is original or not on G-ACSS. It has a largely original wing, fuselage and tail feathers. Many of the systems were new, as they were removed when the aircraft was displayed at the Festival of Britain. Many of the parts that were replaced were kept and are stored at Shuttleworth as well.

G-ACSP is an excellent project, and I look forward to seeing it in the flesh in the fullness of time.

Bruce

Ollie – I think they will worry about that a little nearer the time! I remember reading the first reports of what returned from Portugal when I was nine . I am nearly thirty six now – patience is needed in all things D.H 88 in the U.K.

we have been in contact with the guys at shuttleworth during the restoration so far…we are very keen to reunite the 2 aircraft and hope that when Black Magic is flying we can take her to old warden!!! What a sight that would be 🙂

Could something not be worked out with the de Haviland museum to have their replica there as well.

Well, I’m not going to make Legends (http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=59841) but if I can get transport sorted tommorow I’ll pop along, you’re only down the road and I’ve been meaning to come and have a look for some time.

Bruce

we have been in contact with the guys at shuttleworth during the restoration so far…we are very keen to reunite the 2 aircraft and hope that when Black Magic is flying we can take her to old warden!!! What a sight that would be 🙂

enough of her is original for the CAA to deem her authentic and allow G-ACSP registration to be retained. Parts of the fuselage structure and wing ribs are original, however….how safe would you feel flying with 73 year old spruce that spent 40 years stored outside in Portugal?

Im happy that we have 2 origonal examples left. They have not done to badly considering they where only designed to fly one way.
I hope sometime we may see them parked up at Old Warden together.

enough of her is original for the CAA to deem her authentic and allow G-ACSP registration to be retained. Parts of the fuselage structure and wing ribs are original, however….how safe would you feel flying with 73 year old spruce that spent 40 years stored outside in Portugal?

Just another question. How much of her is origional? Is she going to turn out like G-ACSS with not a great deal origional left in her?

the long term plan has always been to get her ready in 5 years. The spruce for the new main spar is on order and we are hoping to be able to get this sometime this year (spruce is harder to get hold of in the lengths required than you would think).

Thanks for the comments texan…sorry ollie the timing was not deliberate. The dates were decided before I realised the significance. If you look on the site there are other dates…about every other month.

Dave

I will do my best to get to the next open day. Do you have an estimate of how much work is left in her before she will be ready to fly?

Thanks for the comments texan…sorry ollie the timing was not deliberate. The dates were decided before I realised the significance. If you look on the site there are other dates…about every other month.

Dave

It is a shame about the timing, clashing with Flying Legends. I would love to come up and see her but i will be at Duxford.

Dave R not seen the website before and it is superb – its a great project and a credit to you – glad to see Ken is still part of it!

TT