WIX Archives

Re: Steve, The Beau-project

Posted by Steve Young on Fri Sep 06, 2002 08:40:40 AM

In reply top Steve, The Beau-project posted by Cees Broere on Fri Sep 06, 2002 08:24:49 AM

: I have seen photo's of the fuselage, but what about the wi
: ngs. Does Mr Moore have any wings to attach to the fuselag
: e? Am I correct that the project started with the ex-Halto
: n instructional airframe consisting of the nose-section an
: d wing centresection?
:
: And what about the engine problem. Seems like TFC's projec
: t has some difficulty with finding suitable engines as wel
: l as props. Do you have the same problem?
:
: Cheers
:
: Cees


I think everyone's coming up with the same difficulties regarding engines. The big problem is that there are very few correct early Hercs, and even fewer which are in a restorable condition. To be honest though, ours isn't advanced enough for us to be thinking about that in any depth.

You're correct in your assumption of the identity; she's X7688, and she saw initial wartime service with 153 Squadron from Jan 42 to Jan 43, and then with 29 Squadron until June 1943. She was then issued to 1 School of Technical training at RAF Halton, and her history for the next ten years is unclear. One of the things I'd like to find out is whether she was flown at any stage after her arrival at Halton.

To the best of my knowledge, the earliest photgraph of her was taken in 1953, showing her painted overall silver, minus outer wings and fuselage aft of the wing trailing edge, and attached to a hut as the Cockpit Classroom. (If anyone knows of any earlier photographs of her, especially in squadron servivce, I'd be very interested to know). She continued to be used as an engine procedures trainer for some years, eventually losing her original engines and props which were replaced by later Hercs and four blade units. There is evidence that the firewalls and cowlings have been chopped about a bit to accommodate these, but the rest of the centre section appears to be in pretty good shape. The nose has been mostly restored.

Regarding wings, the exact fate of her original wings and rear fuselage is unknown, although we're assuming that they were scrapped or smelted. While she isn't complete at this stage, slowly but surely parts are being acquired which could be used either to go again or as patterns.

Hope this info helps.

Steve

Follow Ups: