i am trying to think of a precedent, where a non-professional body of volunteers has undertaken the restoration or build of a historic airframe, and the best I can come up with is the now-disbanded Northern Aeroplane Wokshops, who built a Sopwith Triplane, a Bristol MI and a Camel, all flyers
They did outstanding work on aeroplanes that were everything that a Wellington is not, ie wood construction, single engined and simple design.
Everything about the Wellington idea is ludicrous. Even if it were built ( by some miracle) how would it pay its way as an airworthy asset ? Unlike the B.17, it can’t even live outside, and Sally B, a machine with a far higher public profile, struggles to remain airworthy. Airshow bookings alone will barely dent the costs involved.
The best way forward is to channel this enthusiasm into a project which offers the prospect of success and satisfaction, rather than failure and disappointment.
I like the idea of bringing together all of the large parts of a Wellington that are above water, and assembling a 3rd complete airframe, I doubt the money is available.
As for raising this wreck from the sea bed, I hope someone does, and it stays locally. It did after all, come to grief trying to liberate that area.
To pick up on your point about precedent setting…surely the Canadian Halifax proves what is possible? They are actively seeking a second airframe to build into a taxiable one now.
Sign In
