RAFM FE-2b restoration/rebuild

Interesting happenings on this front, down under….

http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/projects/beardmore-engine/beardmore-engine-build

Thanks for the photo Robbo – it’ll be a good day when the Fe2b, Dolphin, LVG and Maurice Farman are complete and on public display though

Just for the sake of interest – this was never a complete aircraft, so it’s more a case of being finished off, rather than restored! It was built by traction engine builders Richard Garrett & Sons, of Leiston, Suffolk, and when their production of FE2b’s ended, they retained the nacelle frame of an unfinished aircraft. They donated the frame to the RAF Museum collection some time between the 60s and early 80s, I believe

Actually, my fear is they’ll put it in the Bomber Command hall, in the spot where the Be2 used to be (the Be2 is now in the Battle’s old spot) – there’s a large photo on the wall behind of an Fe2b, so maybe

FE

the Beardmore engine that was obtained for the rebuild and in the interim used to be on show at Cosford has now disappeared from the line up – so presumably they are now at a stage where that is required for the rebuild.

When it’s done and installed in the GW Hangar at Hendon will anybody be able to see it though?:diablo:

Last I heard, from someone at the RAFM itself, it was down south somewhere for completion, and may be on display later this year

edit – that is, a complete aircraft, not just the nacelle. I’m looking forward to seeing this more than any other project in aviation at the moment