Interesting that about the Merlins, as the BA and BSW/BSF thread systems differ in more than just diameter and pitch, having different thread angles (60 degrees and 55 degrees, from memory) and different spanner sizes.
If you work on the basis that if something can be installed wrongly, then it will be, and also that there is no underestimating human stupidity, then Merlin mechanics must have had an, er, interesting time. 1/4 BSF and 0BA aren’t that far apart.
Just to confuse matters, 0BA has a 1mm pitch and a 0BA nut fits a 6mm metric coarse thread – rather loosely and with much recuced strength. Therein lies a particularly nasty pitfall. Don’t ask me how I know this…

William

Not sure if this rule of thumb carries through to other types but on the Rolls Royce Avon particularly you go down to 3/16 in BSF sizes and then step down to 2BA and then 4BA etc for the smaller stuff. I’ve never encountered 0 BA yet to be honest? As long as you follow that rule then the pitfalls can be avoided.

i really do think a Canberra should stay airworthy… these amazing birds have done 50 years service… the goverment and RAF should create a Canberra historic flight… that is the least they can do…they have no excuse at the momment as there is still a few in flyable condition…..

All I can say is…keep your eyes on the skies, we are doing everything possible to return WK163 to the air for some shows this year and will try our best to keep her flying for as many years as we can…..having said that, if the Government want to give us a bung that would be most welcome 😀

Chris

Could the RAF not rename the BBMF to RAF Memorial Flight and have a Canberra in its flight.Or does it cost too much too fly it if not we have to stick with AA Canberra.

James

Hi James…

Regrettably, money always seems to be the top issue with keeping these old machines in the sky. The whole country seems to be profit driven these days and unfortunately, the historically important suffers as a result.
I’m sure the RAF will continue to uphold the BBMF as a matter of national significance but I’m afraid I can’t see them adding extras like the Canberra and incurring the extra cost. They would probably end up being maintained by a civil approved company anyway?

It’s also very difficult to get sponsorship as you need to provide some return for the sponsors, the Sea Vixen being a prime example.
I’m not knocking the Sea Vixen in the slightest and i’m sure that 90% of people would rather see it fly in it’s Red Bull paint scheme than sit and rot, but you can’t fill the skys with ex-military aircraft plastered in Formula One style advertising and expect everyone to go home happy? (can you?)

It’s astounding how big OEM’s will turn their backs on their own heritage when their very small input, could make such a huge difference to what you see at the airshows.
Again it’s down to the few people who give their time freely, to support these wonderful and historically significant machines to keep them aloft, and just as importantly to keep them in pristine static condition, for generations to enjoy.

I urge anyone who has, even for just a minute, thought about volunteering…don’t think about it…go and do it! The future of Britain’s Heritage, be it aviation or otherwise, is in your hands!

(109ster steps off his soapbox and quietly goes off to polish a No10 Mk2 Canberra Starter Cartridge case 😀 )

Love how they’ve strapped them on the truck with ropes btw….Right across the blades!
Good effort!

Wind Farm? 😀

Jimbo the Jetplane? 😀

It’s some kind of camouflaged Head Gear used for hiding in a vat of Stilton Cheese?

It’s the periscope Shroud from the “Beatles” Yellow Submarine!!
(upside down)
🙂