Whirlwind Fighter Project March newsletter

Thanks to all those who didn’t lose faith while Mike sorted out the new workshop – or rather fought for and won it’s very existence! Onwards and… etc.

Great to see an update on this project.

Surely there’s no-one like that out there, is there??:eek:

But yes, Mods, can you do this, or should one of us start a new thread and copy-and-paste?

Matt

PS the other interesting co-incidence is that the WW in the picture, HE-W, carrying Beaumont’s nose-art, is the leading contender for our replica. On the balance of probabilities this is P7056, which was named ‘Pride of Yeovil’ on leaving the factory. The ‘Bellows’ under the cockpit was added (possibly in chalk) as part of a PR offensive aimed at South America (including a newsreel), much later on.

Thought this might interest Whirlwind fans especially – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-31904946

Might I suggest this is given a thread of it’s own to make available to a wider audience (yes, those naughty people that didn’t want to read the Whirlwind Project newsletter 😀 )

Roger Smith.

Just remembered that Jeff is also on this forum, as ‘Reckless Rat’. If anyone is in touch with him at the mo, please give him the heads up – no reply to my messages as yet.

Collis, thanks for that well-placed post – the funny thing is Jeff is very interested in his grandfather, and the history of 263 generally. He is the chap behind this site, and all the research behind it: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/laurieburley/jeff/

It always amazes me how easily such connections are missed, with the Dorset researcher thinking Beaumont’s relatives were untraceable, and his family tree a mystery.

They should’ve started their seach with The Whirlwind Project.

Well, the search ends here. Sgt. Beaumont’s grandson is on the Whirlwind project. I have emailed him to let him know.

It is a Gremlin, and I believe his name is Gruffie..

That is fantastic thanks for the info. I did see that the report states its a Gremlin, looks more like a Sgt Pilot Rooster.
Sgt Beaumont coverted to Typhoons and was killed in a crash at Encomb Wood near Piddletrentide Dorset on the 18th August 1944 whilst flying Typhoon JP664 aged 22 and is buried in Wellingborough Doddington Road Cemetery Northants
Ian

Thought this might interest Whirlwind fans especially – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-31904946

It might be tedious to describe in the newsletter the mundane details of labourious and painstaking progress. We have completed a new set of manufacturing drawings for the rear fuselage. The materials are all purchased and ready. Mike is putting together templates for cutting but as you would expect there is a back and forth dialogue about areas that need further information before too much metal is cut. We want to get this right. Currently the focus is on an area around the radio hatch where the frame 10 strengthener extends around the aperture.

I am sure there’ll be lots of images of progress when it is more material than design work. But please be assured, it is happening!

Any news on construction of the replica? Seems to have been no mention for a while now.

Some fascinating lesser known stories in your newsletters thanks.

Thanks for the message, glad you like it.

Chris.

Some fascinating lesser known stories in your newsletters thanks.