Pre-WW2 dH Rapides in the UK

Thanks Willip – that brings back some happy memories.:)
Tim

G-AJGS

I also remember her in blue before she went off to the States and here’s a photo taken of her when she was based at Booker.

Wicked Willip :diablo:

Hi Tim

Thanks for that, I wasn’t aware ACZE possibly wasn’t, or isn’t..!!

Tom.

The present G-ACZE started life as G-AJGS which was constructed by DH in c 1946 and given c/n W1001, being registered in 1947. It was reputedly based on a collection of spares plus remains of G-ACZE (c/n 6264) which had been salvaged after a crash. I well remember ‘JGS sporting a blue scheme and passing through Baginton shortly before it went to the US where it was stored until repatriated.

On return to the UK it was re-registered as G-ACZE and I see that G-INFO shows its c/n now as 6264 (that of the original G-ACZE). The historic registration data on that site provides the data for both G-AJGS and G-ACZE. So on paper at least there is recognition of a link with the original ‘CZE which was first registered in 1934.

So “G-ACZE”/G-AJGS is a “bitsa” put together at Witney post war with some older bits supposedly incorporated. Someone with experience from those days might be able to verify what proportion is from the original ‘CZE – but I haven’t a clue! So was the present G-ACZE built pre-war – well some of it may have been.:confused:

Tim

G-ACZE was built in 1946 and is currently in airworthy condition at Bembridge.

Tom.

I think G-ACZE c/n 6264 is the oldest Rapide being registered in 1934 and now stored at Haverfordwest.

G-AEML was the oldest pre-war Rapide still extant in the UK until it moved to Spain. G-ADAH at the Manchester Science Museum is now takes that title having being built in 1938 with the oldest flying example being the Millers 1941 built G-AGJG

Hope this helps.

Tom.

P.S, Watch the forum for more Rapide news…….