By: charliehunt - 24th June 2013 at 16:00
This is the May update I read a coupe of weeks ago and no doubt the next will follow whenever they are ready:
Bristol Blenheim Update – May 2013
With the airframe in the ARC hanger work is progressing well.
The rudder, elevators and ailerons have been painted in their final colours and are fitted to the airframe, the control and trim cables have now been connected and tested.
The aerial mast and cable are now in place as is the majority of the instrumentation.
The top front hatch, lower rear hatch and the two starboard outer bomb doors and fittings are in place and the two port outer doors should be on the airframe soon, this will allow the gun pack to be bolted into place.
Work on the engine nacelles is nearing completion.
The hydraulic systems for the flaps, undercarriage and turret have been operated and checked.
We would like to thank everyone for the generous donations received and also praise the immense efforts involved by those who raise funds and for your continued support and encouragement.
The Blenheim will fly again.
By: DragonRapide - 24th June 2013 at 15:56
Why the secrecy? The previous two restorations were public domain. Is it to be a surprise 🙂
No secrets or surprises as far as I know! As others have said, we publish reports on the progress of the aircraft in the Blenheim Society Journal, and on the website; the story of the Mark I nose is also fairly well known. The team on the aircraft has always resisted giving a timescale for the return to flight, as that is dependant on so many factors outside their control.
My reticence in my earlier post was due to the fact that I am primarily an observer; I’m not a member of the team working on the aircraft and I think that any public comment on progress should come from them, as it currently does. As an enthusiast, I know how keenly the return to flight is anticipated; I’m sure everybody connected with the aircraft appreciates the enthusiasm shown for the Blenheim, and are grateful for the financial support given over the years through donations and our Grand Flying Draw. Thank you!
Roobarb’s comment above gives a clue as to how things are going, and if Kigas (Smudge) is still looking in from time to time, he may provide some more detail.
By: hampden98 - 24th June 2013 at 15:31
When the first Blenheim was restored it looked 100% authentic (to me at least).
Does anyone know if anything has been lost during the last two restorations?
Obviously one airframe was lost. I’m talking about un-replaceable fittings and features.
Or will the latest restoration be as authentic as the first?
By: charliehunt - 24th June 2013 at 14:45
I was puzzled too because there’s lots of info at airshows and on the website, but maybe I have misunderstood something.
By: hampden98 - 24th June 2013 at 14:27
Why the secrecy? The previous two restorations were public domain. Is it to be a surprise 🙂
By: CIRCUS 6 - 24th June 2013 at 12:41
In English?
By: Howard500 - 23rd June 2013 at 23:51
Not sure how much I can divulge, but the Committee of the Blenheim Society had the chance to view the aeroplane recently, and were very impressed! Several of our committee members are volunteers working on the aircraft, and the legendary “Smudge” Smith is on the Committee as well.
Sorry to be vague and cryptic; I don’t want to upset the team working on the aircraft or the organisation that is supporting the repairs.
Some info on the website:
http://www.blenheimsociety.org.uk/
It’s fine dragon rapids I had to be the same with the Beech! Can’t wait to see it when it’s brought out of Area 51!
By: Roobarb - 23rd June 2013 at 22:14
Very nicely and the paint scheme is coming along…
I would put a smiley face, but the new ones on the “new improved” forum website are just cr*p so I won’t bother
By: DragonRapide - 23rd June 2013 at 20:54
Not sure how much I can divulge, but the Committee of the Blenheim Society had the chance to view the aeroplane recently, and were very impressed! Several of our committee members are volunteers working on the aircraft, and the legendary “Smudge” Smith is on the Committee as well.
Sorry to be vague and cryptic; I don’t want to upset the team working on the aircraft or the organisation that is supporting the repairs.
Some info on the website:
http://www.blenheimsociety.org.uk/
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June 23, 2013 at 8:26 pm