Janie

I’ve been to many lectures given by veterans, but I get as much, or more enjoyment/education out of listening to them talk to each other about war times. They go back to being young 20-somethings at the meeting. It can be very amusing.

I could’nt agree more, they tell stories and I sit there thinking ‘amazing, brave’ and they think it was ‘normal, nothing special, anyone could have done it!’ We owe these guys a great deal. Keeping our aviation heritage is one way of keeping these memories alive and showing our gratitude. And lets face it we love to see thses warbirds flying.

ps Spoke to Graham Warner last night, at this stage he thinks the Blenheim will take 2 years to repair.

The lataest news from The Blenheim Society.

At approximately 18:30 hours on Monday 18th August, the Bristol Blenheim suffered a landing accident at Duxford. Thankfully all on board were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained quite severe damage. Her undercarraige is severely damaged, together with irreparable damage to her nose. Both engines have been stressed, their propellers bent and the starboard engine has beendislodged from its mountings. Repairs will be costly both in terms of time and money. Some of the funding will come from her insurance – the rest must be raised. At this time, supporting the Grand Flying Draw is an ideal way to lend your support, but any donation would be most welcome and earmarked for any repair costs the aircraft may require. Of course this is very early days as the Blenheim will be subject to close inspection in the coming weeks before the full extent of damage can be established. Only then can costs in time and money be weighed up before further decisions can be made.

I agree Seafuryfan, if every pilot knew the historic aircraft they fly is a privelage and responsibility the first Blenheim would not have been written off. Not the only aircraft that particular pilot wrecked.
But I am sure the majority understand their resposibility.

Throw three darts at your map, and then visit the nearest airfields, who cares where they are its the flight that counts, not the destination.

Fluffy

Sorry my wording made it look like the Blenheim is not insured, it is but I believe for half its open market value. The aircraft damage is bad but not terminal, work will take nearly two years to repair. It is possible the insurance will not pay for the total repair bill and The Blenheim Society will need to raise money by donations, raffles etc..

But the case of aircraft flying without hull insurance is true, I know of a Sea Fury written off and no insurance payout. It was eventually sold to a buyer with the intention of rebuilding the aircraft.

With regard to the Blenheim, as Graham Warner said “even though it is hard to establish the true worth of such a historic aircraft, due to high premiums the Blenheim had been unable to be insured for its actual worth”. Hence the problem after the first aircraft was written off.

But the good news is it will fly again.

Manonthefence ( and any others) you can make a donation to
‘The Blenhheim Society’ and post it to
Ron Scott
25 Herongate Road
Cheshunt
Herts
EN8 0TU

As for the insurance I think you will find the insurance on historic aircraft only covers third party damage. To insure extremely valuable aircraft against damage would be so expensive, no-one could afford to fly them. The insurance basically does NOT cover them while they are flying, and as this is deemed ‘brakes off’ to ‘brakes on’ the Blenheim was still flying!

Please make your donations, and even better join the society!

Blue Robin

Why is BWOD infamous, have I missed something?

Moggy C,

The colour scheme is almost as it was when brought into the UK,
a previous owner improved on it ! Yes a complete respray would
be good but very expensive. New engine, parachutes, seat belts,
avionics fit have been a higher priority.

Yes from inside the silver wings look good, even if a blur during some manoeuvres!