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Re: BTW Since when has the TFC Beaufighter been JM135?

Posted by Steve Young on Wed Apr 03, 2002 08:14:10 AM

In reply top BTW Since when has the TFC Beaufighter been JM135? posted by Paul McMillan on Tue Apr 02, 2002 10:46:12 AM

: On another note.. Just having a browse on the TFC site....
: and found it!

As far as I know there's been a bit of confusion as to her true identity. She was thought (and still is) to be originally built as either JM135 or JL146, which were both built as Mk VI F's, at Bristol's shadow factory at Old Mixon in 1942.

Both these aircraft were shipped out to Australia before they could see service here in the UK, and entered Australian service as Mk 21's, with the RAAF serials A19-144 and A19-148 respectively.

At some point, both these aircraft came to grief at Drysdale strip in Northern Australia, and were left to rot until they were re-discovered, I think back in the 80's.

I think there's still a bit of doubt as to the TFC Beau's true identity, as she has substantial parts from both airframes - indeed the fuselages of both aircraft are in the UK.

Hope this helps.

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