I’ve had a chance to dig around my old files/emails etc. The first restoration project was centred on 10040 (or at least the rear fuselage of 10040), but this was damaged at some point (possibly the fire in 1993?). The project then switched to 10117 (or at least the rear fuselage of 10117), so it could be that the original forward fuselage was replaced in the switch too. This could explain why there are two restored noses. The back end of 10040 is now in France. Given the Blenheims design, its very easy for fuselage and wing sections to be swapped around, which is a nightmare for us researchers, especially as I never found a clear cross reference for forward fuselage serial numbers (usually 11-880-xxx) to RCAF serials. Anyone help here?

Regarding the hangar fire in 1993, the CWH website itself states that six aircraft (but not Bolingbrokes) were destroyed in the fire, and “the Bolingbroke restoration area and shelves were subjected to considerable water and smoke during the fire but they had apparently escaped any serious damage.”

The second restored Boly nose was seen around the Museum in 1995 and 1996 but not since. It was brown on top and black underneath.

Andy

Boxkites in TMMITFM

Picking up an earlier post, there were 3 Boxkites built for Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines – G-ASPP/BAPC.2 at Old Warden and BAPC.40 in the Bristol Industrial Museum have already been mentioned, but the third still exists and is in the Flypast Museum of Australian Army Flying at Army Airfield, Oakey, Queensland, Australia. I have some details and photos of all three on my website – at http://www.filton.flyer.co.uk. I have heard that there were two flyers, but perhaps only one was a flyer, the other taxiable. Maybe there is more in the book.
Andy A.

more details

I have a few more details on my website, at http://www.filton.flyer.co.uk, then click on Features. It includes an article from the IAF website, plus a few more details. I don’t think I have the IAF serial tie-ups correct, the general concensus seems to be as earlier in the thread. I can add a few more details on the UK side.
The 6 aircraft were registered to R.D1ckson and Partners in 1948, although the IAF article states the they were bought in the name of an RAF pilot called Dixon. The deal was made by an IAF acquisitions agent named Imanuel Tzur. They were registered G-AJMB to G-AJMG.
I had heard that the airfield used was at Thame, but hadn’t realised it was called Haddenham airfield.

Ted Jakobs of the Bristol Aero Collection had been trying to piece together the RAF histories for each of the aircraft, but he sadly died last year.
cheers,
Andy

p.s. Couldn’t get the skythe link to work….

RE: Beaufighter !!

If you are looking for photos of MoF’s Beaufighter, I have several on my website in the Bristol Aircraft Worldwide Survey section at http://www.filton.flyer.co.uk – The direct link to the Beau’s page is http://www.filton.flyer.co.uk/bristol/survb156rd220.htm .

As far as the Bolingbroke restoration goes, work as halted on that for the time being, as they have done most of what they can do at the moment. There are are several things required before work can proceed, including the acquisition of perspex windows and engine cowlings.

I was there end of August, and the Spitfire looked complete. Apparently it will be a while before it is transferred to the Glasgow Museum of Transport, as the building from which it will hang from the ceiling has not not been built yet. Shame all that detailed restoration work will be out of site high above peoples heads.

cheers,
Andy
Filton Airfield Enthusiasts Website
Bristol Aircraft Worldwide Survey
http://www.filton.flyer.co.uk