ex Saudi Lightning @ MAM

Jagx204 covered the problem of Saudi A.F. markings in respect of the MAM Lightning here:

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30676&highlight=Saudi+Lightning+MAM

Roger Smith.

Bristol Orion radials

In Bill Gunston’s “By Jupiter – the life of Sir Roy Fedden” TWO Bristol Orion radial engines are described. The following is extracted from the book.

The first was a development of the Jupiter VI incorporating an RAE turbocharger and ran in 1928. Although getting a Gamecock to 20,000 ft in 12 3/4 mins there were cooling problems plus distortion on the turbocharger impeller casing and the programme was abandoned.

The second Orion was an 18 cyl radial with a bore of 6 1/4 ins and capacity of 4,140 cu ins. Detail drawing was done in 1941 and it promised to be a superb engine with an initial rating of 4,000 hp and, like the smaller Centaurus (at that time the most powerful radial in the world) was sleeve-valve. Despite the internal political battles at Bristol (which came to a head when Fedden received his Knighthood) an Orion single cylinder rig was run in 1942 but it seems the design died with the departure of Fedden from Bristol Engines in October, 1942.

A good source for further information might be the Bristol Branch of the Roll Royce Heritage Trust at Filton.

Roger Smith.

Canberra WF922

For Les 🙂
In the process of re-assembly at MAM after arrival from Cambridge.
Although one of ‘my’ photos I don’t think I took it (perhaps one of my sons did) as I think thats me in the light shorts (t’was a hot day).

Roger Smith.

Les, I reckon it was silver when first delivered all those years ago – but I may be wrong – will try and look out photos.
It’s first MAM repaint (this one must be the 3rd or 4th?) was done by Mick Abbey. I’m pretty sure it was Dulux and he rollered it in a single weekend.

Roger Smith.

Hopefully attached is photo of XA508 post delivery/prior to first MAM repaint.
Have to admit I can’t tell from this pic whether it is silver or grey!

Roger Smith.

PS the delivery, by MARTSU, was by way of a deal in exchange for the loan of the Bleriot/Humber monoplane replica to the FAAM.

I read somewhere that Newark Air Museum used the BAPC [British Aviation Preservation Council] produced National Aviation Heritage Register when deciding that the Varsity would go inside their new building; rather than the Vulcan, Hastings and Shackleton. As these types were already displayed under cover in other collections.

This register categorises aircraft as National Benchmark, Significant and Noteworthy.

What is the status of the BA Collection aircraft on the Register?

I have a First Edition of the NAHR (1998)

B.707 unclassified
BAC 1-11 Significant
Brittania Significant
Comet Significant
Viscount Benchmark
VC.10 Significant

Roger Smith.

Albert, as I understand it, as an interested bystander, the scheme replicates as far as possible that which the Navy left it in.

Les, I reckon it was silver when first delivered all those years ago – but I may be wrong – will try and look out photos.
It’s first MAM repaint (this one must be the 3rd or 4th?) was done by Mick Abbey. I’m pretty sure it was Dulux and he rollered it in a single weekend.

Roger Smith.

Whistling wheelbarrow = Argosy

Also known, I believe, as the “Whistling Tit”

Roger Smith.

The MAM’s first use of WD40 as a preservative/water dispersant met with limited success.

Not knowing any better at the time (25+ years ago) WD40 was sprayed around the inside of several airframes. Shortly after, with gravity playing it’s part, the oil – very much dirtier now than when applied – began to seep/dribble out of panel joints. On such as the Mystere and F-100 in their unpainted state they looked very messy. At that time there was no water supply (on the original site) so washing was not an option.

Hope this might be of interest to anyone considering it’s use.

Roger Smith.