The Howard 500 has always been an elusive aircraft and for many years lived at Exeter and never ventured out. Nice to see it at DX after all these years. Would make a cracking “Executive-Duo” with the tri-gear Beech 18 from North Weald:)
I think the Howard 500 is one of the best kept secrets on the UK aviation scene. Although based over here since around 1979, it had been rarely seen until its move to Coventry. It actually attended 2 Duxford airshows in 1982.
Any excuse for another picture:
The Howard 500 has always been an elusive aircraft and for many years lived at Exeter and never ventured out. Nice to see it at DX after all these years. Would make a cracking “Executive-Duo” with the tri-gear Beech 18 from North Weald:)
I think the Howard 500 is one of the best kept secrets on the UK aviation scene. Although based over here since around 1979, it had been rarely seen until its move to Coventry. It actually attended 2 Duxford airshows in 1982.
Any excuse for another picture:
Duxford Friday October 28th ( Fifth attempt to post ):
A very quiet morning at Duxford meant that I was struggling to find any updates to post. In Hangar 5, the B-17 trailing edge sections have been paint-stripped and are next in line for conservation:
The B-17 main gear is at the painting stage:
Vampire T.11 WZ590 is gaining stencil markings and code letters:
One of the Vampire tail booms, showing the original fin shape within the later structure:
I was about to depart when the second Lockheed twin to appear at Duxford this year joined the circuit. Howard 500 N500LN has been UK based for many years, but still turns heads wherever it goes. Although based on the Ventura, it is substantially a new-build aircraft from the 1960’s. This one is presently based at Coventry and features DC-6 engines, Constellation props, F4U Corsair prop hubs and DC-7 spinners:
Finally, with many warbirds about to hibernate, it was great to see a typically punchy display by JR in Buchon ‘Yellow 10’:
Duxford Friday October 28th ( Fifth attempt to post ):
A very quiet morning at Duxford meant that I was struggling to find any updates to post. In Hangar 5, the B-17 trailing edge sections have been paint-stripped and are next in line for conservation:
The B-17 main gear is at the painting stage:
Vampire T.11 WZ590 is gaining stencil markings and code letters:
One of the Vampire tail booms, showing the original fin shape within the later structure:
I was about to depart when the second Lockheed twin to appear at Duxford this year joined the circuit. Howard 500 N500LN has been UK based for many years, but still turns heads wherever it goes. Although based on the Ventura, it is substantially a new-build aircraft from the 1960’s. This one is presently based at Coventry and features DC-6 engines, Constellation props, F4U Corsair prop hubs and DC-7 spinners:
Finally, with many warbirds about to hibernate, it was great to see a typically punchy display by JR in Buchon ‘Yellow 10’:
Duxford Wednesday October 26th:
A quick look in at Duxford this morning found the TFC Corsair out for an engine run. A great sight to see another Duxford warbird one step closer to regaining flight status:
Also with TFC, cockpit work is continuing on the P-47, here is a shot of the seatback armour plate waiting to be fitted. It has been signed by three USAAF veterans, I hope to get some more information on the background:
Staying with cockpits, here is the latest stage in the Vampire project. The emphasis is on conservation rather than in-depth restoration, so the end result will reflect the in-service condition:
Duxford Wednesday October 26th:
A quick look in at Duxford this morning found the TFC Corsair out for an engine run. A great sight to see another Duxford warbird one step closer to regaining flight status:
Also with TFC, cockpit work is continuing on the P-47, here is a shot of the seatback armour plate waiting to be fitted. It has been signed by three USAAF veterans, I hope to get some more information on the background:
Staying with cockpits, here is the latest stage in the Vampire project. The emphasis is on conservation rather than in-depth restoration, so the end result will reflect the in-service condition:
Duxford Monday October 24th:
I took the opportunity this morning to get an up to date picture of the Ambassador G-ALZO. With B-17 Mary Alice taking up half of Hangar 5, ‘ZO has been out of sight for most of the year, but work has been continuing. The standard of restoration looks well up to the high standards of previous DAS projects.
At the other end of Hangar 5, some more Vampire parts have appeared. A table full of Goblin combustion chambers, the horizontal tailplane, rear fuselage and rudders are in view:
Duxford Friday October 21st:
With little warbird activity this morning, here’s a quick update on some Duxford projects.
The wing centre sections of B-17G F-BDRS have been moved to the East end of Hangar 5 to await painting:
Giving a better view of the fuselage:
Vampire T.11 WZ590 is progressing well:
Meanwhile, the clock appears to be ticking on the CASA / Heinkel:
TFC continue to concentrate on P-47 systems, but the tail section and cowlings have seen some activity:
The P-40F markings look complete, here’s a view of the port side for a change:
Earlier this month, a new look to the IWM logo was introduced. Work by design agency Hat Trick and brand strategists Jane Wentworth Associates, IWM now stands for Imperial War Museums…..
Duxford Tuesday October 18th:
Back to normal after Sunday’s airshow, and a quiet day with strong winds again. The Victor remains outside due to a conference in the Airspace Conservation area, where the DH.9 is providing an interesting backdrop (photo yesterday by Tony Clarke):
Sally B is resting after a short display season, and will no doubt be hibernating in Hangar 2 again soon:
Yet more tweaking with the P-40F colour scheme, this time the spinner is being repainted:
The deletion of the registration may mean a move to the UK register (or maybe it will just be a more accurate shade of black):
Otherwise nothing to report, so a few close-ups to end with:
P.S. As far as I know, the Hawker Fury I is still at Goodwood and may remain there awaiting permit to fly.
P.P.S. Any F-86 Sabre fans should look out for the new Haynes Manual which was unveiled on Sunday. Written by Mark Linney, it features the background of G-SABR in detail and is highly recommended.
Hi David
Any pictures of the Catalina or can you tell us what “little extra” was?
Thanks
Peter
The Catalina was marked up for a photo shoot on Friday, but Plane Sailing have asked that details remain exclusive to the sponsor for a while. All will be revealed….
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