Yorkshire Air Museum's Halifax

Is the cockpit complete?

There is a “virtual tour” of the cockpit on the museum’s website

My ex-wifes uncle, Ralph Tailford was a flight engineer on Halifaxes during the war, is a member of the YAM and was very involved in this Halifax project, so presumably, knowing his precise memory, he knew which bits went where-ever. At the time of the restoration/reconstruction someone gave me a box full aircraft parts which included what was supposed to have been a bomber turret gunsight. I gave this to Ralph for the aircraft and as far as I know it was used for the project.
I don’t know how many bits were aquired in this way and whether their use was strictly accurate.
Unfortunately divorces mean that, with the best will in the world, you lose touch with people and I never made it to Elvington to have my guided tour of the a/c, however as far as I know Ralph is still going strong.

As far as I can tell, the only major sections of this aircraft that are not genuine Halifax or equivalent (Hastings etc) or new built to original spec largely by the original manufacturers (well, sort of – BAE) are the cockpit and the undercarriage. I’m sure the cockpit incorporates thousands of real bits and bobs but if they were to find an original cockpit or get BAE to build one (like the tail section), then all the arguments about this aircraft being a real Halifax or a replica would cease.

I went to the YAM two years ago – it is an awesome site.
Stuart

Cees.
You are correct in that it is turning from a replica into a real aircraft albeit slowly. I remember a news item a few years ago in that she was getting a brand new built tailplane to replace the replica one.

Thanks Cees,

A great link. It looks good.

Personally I have no problem with YAM wanting to do their best to recreate the bomber. It is great to think veterans can take their children and grandchildren there and give them some idea of the type of plane they once flew. In the same way of the various recreated Lancaster and Stirling cockpits that have been seen on this forum, and the Defiant replica, Vimy replica, many of Shuttleworth’s and Omaka’s types, etc.

Hi Dave,

Pity, as they are great discussion topics 😀

Cheers

Cees

Thanks Cees,

A great link. It looks good.

Personally I have no problem with YAM wanting to do their best to recreate the bomber. It is great to think veterans can take their children and grandchildren there and give them some idea of the type of plane they once flew. In the same way of the various recreated Lancaster and Stirling cockpits that have been seen on this forum, and the Defiant replica, Vimy replica, many of Shuttleworth’s and Omaka’s types, etc.

Hi Dave,

Well, the Halifax isn’t a bare shell as she has been fully fitted out to resemble an operational Halifax. Here are some pics on this site

http://www.tarrant-rushton.ndirect.co.uk/Explore%20a%20Halifax%20interior.htm

The bombbay isn’t up to par as this is just a blanked off area without any bombdoors. There are complete sets of bomb doors available through 57rescue but the relationship between this organisation and YAM isn’t as it should be and that is a pity. Before the whole debate if this is a Halifax or not here are the details:

The main fuselage from behind the cockpit section till the tail section is original and comprises an original section as well as an original “covered waggon” that was found at RAF Linton-On-Ouse. The tail section including fins were made by BAe at Brough. The wings are from Hastings TG536 and are Halifax wings adapted for the Hastings (just like the York used Lancaste wings). The intermediate sections between the inner and outer engines are of larger span than the Halifax which explains the greater span of YAM’s Hally. The engines are from France and used to be fitted to Noratlases and the engines were also made in France under License from Bristol. They are from a later version so not compatible to the Mk XVI or 100 as used on the Hercules powered Halifaxes but at least came from the same lineage. The props are wrong as we all know. The cockpit section is made from wooden frames but uses aluminium stringers and skin to represent an authentic Halifax pattern. The tailplane has recentely be remade as the earlier one sagged because it was largely made from wood with steel tubing but also incorporation some original tailstructure from Halifax LL505 which crashed in the lake district.

I consider this to be a worthwhile addition to the Halifax heritage but under some reservations. But these can be solved in time (I hope).
Hope this helps

Cheers

Cees