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Old Warden Feb 21st: Wildcat Update

A quick trip to Old Warden today, to check on progress with the Avro 504K.
The 110hp Le Rhone is now fitted, first engine run was yesterday:

006:G-ADEV / E3273

007:G-ADEV / E3273

Elsewhere in the workshop, a ‘new’ exhaust collector ring is being fitted to the Lysander, looks like an engineering nightmare to my untrained eye:

005:G-AZWT / V9367

The Comper Swift is undergoing its annual:

008:G-ACTF

The Sea Hurricane is still without the Merlin, hopefully she will be on line for the first 2012 display on May 6th:

009:G-BKTH / Z7015

The Hawker Demon is also receiving attention:

010:G-BTVE / K8203

Finally, a worldwide exclusive picture showing the newest arrival at Old Warden, Grumman FM-2 Wildcat N49JC. Some assembly required:

011:N49JC

Many thanks as usual to all at Old Warden.

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By: Rob.Brindley - 29th February 2012 at 20:27

Very much hoping that this one stays in a US scheme of some sort. We have the TFC’s example in FAA colours, a US Navy scheme would be nice 🙂

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By: funhouse - 29th February 2012 at 20:13

Any signt of the wildcat tailplanes or engine?

Engine, prop and tail feathers are all at OW.

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By: Oxcart - 29th February 2012 at 10:37

Is that a new scheme on the 504? I’ve not been to OW since 2006…

Yeah, its in the colours of a night fighter squadron. More details will no doubt follow!

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By: DavidS - 29th February 2012 at 10:23

Can I be the one GOM that doesn’t like the setting of Old Warden for ‘modern’ military aircraft. To me, Duxford is the place for this.
I’d rather see the early days of flight at OW, Civil or Military.

They do a bloody good job of restorations though.

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By: darrenharbar - 29th February 2012 at 08:06

I must have just missed you at Old Warden David. Whilst all this aviation activity is going on, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes with the Vehicle section too:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.258216770924231.64879.120068934739016&type=1

Thanks to Andy in Beds for helping me get some pictures of the vehicle workshops. 🙂

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By: CIRCUS 6 - 29th February 2012 at 04:32

Is that a new scheme on the 504? I’ve not been to OW since 2006…

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By: Rocketeer - 28th February 2012 at 22:09

lovely! love the 504 too

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By: Mike J - 28th February 2012 at 21:18

Any signt of the wildcat tailplanes or engine?

I believe the engine and prop are being overhauled in the US

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By: AdlerTag - 28th February 2012 at 19:14

Thanks for the latest update, that 504 scheme is the bees knees! It’s good to know the engine appears to be running so sweetly, it’s good news not just for the 504, but also for the Bristol M1C that the 504 has been playing musical engines with over the last couple of years. Hopefully if the engine behaves itself while attached to the 504 then it means the M1C is a step closer to flying again. Fingers crossed…

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By: DragonRapide - 28th February 2012 at 19:11

I am surprisingly excited about the prospect of seeing the Wildcat clattering around OW – should be a most impressive sight, and well worth waiting for!

The 504 looks fantastic – look forward to seeing that in the air as well!

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By: DCW - 28th February 2012 at 18:16

The rest of the Wildcat can be seen on the right side of the hangar in the first Avro picture, still wrapped. It will be assembled for static display, but will have to wait a while for the return to airworthiness.

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By: 8674planes - 28th February 2012 at 17:43

Any signt of the wildcat tailplanes or engine?

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By: Howard500 - 28th February 2012 at 17:40

When are they hoping to get it flying after maintance of corse ?

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By: DCW - 28th February 2012 at 17:37

Today I managed to get some photos to update last Tuesday’s thread. On arrival at Old Warden, I was met with the promising sight of open hangar doors:

012:G-ADEV / E3273

Sure enough, the Avro 504K was moved out for engine runs:

013:G-ADEV / E3273

Only the sunshine was missing from a glorious sight:

014:G-ADEV / E3273

The ‘new’ engine was eager to start:

015:G-ADEV / E3273

It sounded very happy at high power:

016:G-ADEV / E3273

The based Ryan PT-22 was also active today:

017:G-BYPY / 001

And finally, a better view of the Wildcat awaiting assembly:

018:N49JC

019:N49JC

With thanks once again to all at Old Warden

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By: David Burke - 24th February 2012 at 12:31

That sounds like the machine that belonged to Mr DuPont.

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By: Propstrike - 23rd February 2012 at 23:03

N49JC- Looks rather like the one which operated out of Old Rhinebeck some years ago.

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By: G-ASEA - 23rd February 2012 at 20:37

I see its out of its box. See Plane talk forum.

Dave

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By: Snoopy7422 - 23rd February 2012 at 01:18

Grumman Thingy…

Maybe they can trade it in for a Sea Fury……:diablo:

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By: funhouse - 22nd February 2012 at 17:47

When assembled, it will be on static display in one of the hangers quite soon.

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By: Howard500 - 21st February 2012 at 21:44

Will they roll it out static at any shows this year ?

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