As usual, the Shuttleworth engineers have been hard at work over the winter. The 110hp Le Rhone from the Avro 504K was successfully run recently mounted on the Bristol M1c. Hopefully we’ll see the Avro airborne again this year:
The Spitfire workshop has seen some changes. The port wing has left the jigs, and assembly has started on the starboard wing. Still some problems to overcome, but what’s life without a challenge?
The Sea Hurricane is awaiting return of her prop, should be flying this season:
Routine Winter maintenance is currently underway on Rapide, Lysander, Magister and Tiger Moth. The longer term rebuild of the Tomtit continues:
The Comet is ready for engine runs, and is only waiting for drier airfield conditions. Parked in Hangar 8, and looking good:
There is sadly some concern about airfield conditions at the moment. It is by no means certain that runways and carparks will be useable by the first show in April. Fingers crossed….
Some creative thinking saw a local supporter doing his best to dry out the airfield today. There must be a cheaper way:
Many thanks to the Old Warden crew for their help
By: Roborough - 5th March 2013 at 01:01
Lovely pics. Always a pleasure seeing something from Old Warden. Is the Chilton a new build aircraft? I don’t recognize the registration.
Thanks
Bill
By: cometguymk1 - 4th March 2013 at 20:52
Thanks for the update 🙂 try to spend as much free time there as possible
By: Napper Bantock - 4th March 2013 at 19:32
Thanks for the update! – I always failed to go to OW in favour of twenty years+ of Duxford. Then moving to Oundle from God’s own county in 2010, (Shropshire) I took young Nipper Bantock last year as a treat on my birthday (yes Daddy’s treat to Jr!). I have to say I really enjoyed it – even if Mrs Bantock was snoring in the back of the Volvo!….but she was on picnic duty!
These shots only give me more reasons to get in the car for the 25min drive this weekend – so thank you Sir!!!!
By: Duxman - 4th March 2013 at 19:21
Old Warden update Monday 4th March. Noted outside in the sun this morning were the undernoted.
Whilst just about to receive its engine was the Avro 504
By: AMB - 21st February 2013 at 10:16
Yes.
The reason being as simple as the finish on the 504 being new, the engineers didn’t want it splattered with castor oil after loads of ground runs.
The rotary engine for the 504 is now running well and the second rotary for the M1.C is coming together nicely.
The airframe of the M1.C needs an inspection and will then be ready.
Word on the streets is that you ‘should’ see both the AVRO 504K and the Bristol M1.C in the coming season.
Weather, and all else permitting.
Andy
Thanks for that Andy, that sounds great news! Will watch the website listings for when both types are down to fly.
By: scion - 21st February 2013 at 01:58
after it’s return from Oshkosh the 40ft container was found to have been droped from a height so the small battery, which we should have removed, punched out the bottom past the cables . To inspect it all we decided to rebag the fus and we are just about to do this after the niggling little repairs which needed to be done were completed.
So this calander year it will fly again. we hope. On the next years agenda is UVC a Pobjoy brother so before I reach 99 we may see both in the air.
We may repaint ACG as was owned by Wally Hope but are finding a really suitable colour scheme hard to come by.
By: Mike J - 20th February 2013 at 22:59
How is the Comper Swift going?
How is yours Roy? I really enjoyed seeing it at Oshkosh. Is it active at the moment?
By: Robbo - 20th February 2013 at 22:55
How’s the Grumman Wildcat/Martlet gathering pace?
It’s been assembled and is on display pending completion of the Spitfire whereupon work will start on its restoration.
WildcatOW_6064 by shuttleworthpix, on Flickr
By: Andy in Beds - 20th February 2013 at 19:49
Alright.
It’s sitting in H5 looking OK.
By: scion - 20th February 2013 at 19:34
How is the Comper Swift going?
By: Hnx - 20th February 2013 at 18:50
Looks really nice, try to come over the channel to the airshow
By: Flying_Pencil - 20th February 2013 at 16:34
Super update report!
Love those Comet pics!
By: Andy in Beds - 20th February 2013 at 15:36
Thanks for the update DCW. Can someone explain why the Avro 504k’s Le Rhone engine had to be mounted on the Bristol M1c to test it? What of the airworthiness of the Bristol M.1c?
Yes.
The reason being as simple as the finish on the 504 being new, the engineers didn’t want it splattered with castor oil after loads of ground runs.
The rotary engine for the 504 is now running well and the second rotary for the M1.C is coming together nicely.
The airframe of the M1.C needs an inspection and will then be ready.
Word on the streets is that you ‘should’ see both the AVRO 504K and the Bristol M1.C in the coming season.
Weather, and all else permitting.
Andy
By: AMB - 19th February 2013 at 16:20
Thanks for the update DCW. Can someone explain why the Avro 504k’s Le Rhone engine had to be mounted on the Bristol M1c to test it? What of the airworthiness of the Bristol M.1c?
By: Phantom Phil - 19th February 2013 at 15:15
Martlet
How’s the Grumman Wildcat/Martlet gathering pace?
Grumman FM-2 Wildcat N49JC by MUSTANG_P51, on Flickr
By: Snoopy7422 - 19th February 2013 at 13:36
Lovely.
The Comet looks Top Hole – great photos too. I can’t wait to see – and hear – it fly. Great to see they have refitted the skid – that should save a few bent u/c’s….:) Roll-on Summer…..!
By: Spitzfeuer - 19th February 2013 at 09:05
This is my favourite aerodrome and museum. Love those summer picknicks and evening flight displays.
By: Andy in Beds - 19th February 2013 at 08:12
Lovely stuff.
By: Moggy C - 19th February 2013 at 07:55
David, fabulous shots as ever and exciting to see the Comet looking so close to flight.
I have taken the liberty of posting one shot, with all due acknowledgements, over on the FLYER forum. If that’s in any way an issue let me know and I’ll pull it. Too good not to share.
Moggy
By: RPSmith - 19th February 2013 at 07:52
For “good” read “gorgeous” (Comet)
Nice pics, thanks.
Roger Smith.
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February 18, 2013 at 8:28 pm