In the utopian world, correct era engines would certainly be desireable. And with the timescale required to restore the aircraft to airworthy status – please tell me the intention is to make her airworthy – it would be feasable to obtain a couple. But, of course, if the original mark of engines are not forthcomeing, then later, further developed marks would be hard to spot under the cowling rings. And it would sound right. And it would be flying. Ah, yes, it would be flying….

I can remember looking at TFC’s Beau a number of years back, cockpit almost done and two postwar engines earmarked and thought ‘who cares, at least it will be flying’.

Still waiting patiently to see and hear one flying.

Well, what I do know for certain is that I get RIPPED OFF if I refuel ANYWHERE in the UK.

Oh, its OK, dont worry. I am getting therapy to help me control the urge to strangle the greedy future leader of the Rip Off party and his future sidekick, the deputy head of rip-off Britain.

Not really relevant to the general line of inquiry, but this thread is about the Defiant, so… Met a wonderfull gentleman a number of years ago at a USAF hosted bash for Battle of Britain veterans. Interesting thing was, this one chap was a Defiant gunner. Didn’t realise they were involved in the B o B. With great modesty, he told us that in his opinion, he had the safest seat in the house. His reason for this was that Boulton and Paul had built the best turret in the world, and because of this he was able to sit amongst us and tell us why. It turns out that he was shot down twice in a Defiant. He held on tight and waited for the world to stop, climbed out of his turret and carried on with the war. What a guy. What a turret.

Steve, you will probably find that everywhere you visit, the locals will tell you about all sorts of treasures. I have been to France a number of times over the years, the most recent trip bringing an Italian registered aircraft back to the UK via the Nice entry point. During all my visits, I have always found the French aviation community to be the most welcoming, helpful and enthuastic. It doesn’t seem to matter where you stop. The beaurocratic aspects can be tiresome, but are more than balanced by the hospitality. Enjoy.

Quite a selection. Bloodnok, could you post the yards name. Some of the tools and test equipment could interest me.

Hi Trinny. Know what you mean. I have offered ‘reggies’ a local ride on a number of occasions. There seems to be a standard response of figgiting followed by a polite refusal. I think as long as we continue to make the offer, at least word will get around that not all aviators are not aloof and detached. Who knows, maybe even the NIMBY’s will get to hear that we are really nice people and we arn’t just there to ruin their idea of tranquility. Then again, maybe I will wake up.

Andy in Beds and DJJ. Thanks for enlightening me. Just goes to show, either I don’t recollect as well as I used to (advancing years?), or I was told an untruth, or maybe something inbetween. Who knows.