A Beaufighters Tail .....

[Steve T]

Not for this project--which is being restored as an RAAF example--but another way of returning a Beau to the air authentically sans "unobtainium" early Hercules...convert to Merlins and craft an NF.II. Installation is similar (deliberately) to that on a Lanc--with the cowl being almost identical. For a static display airframe, even GRP cowls molded from a nearby Lanc would suffice in the short term. (No prizes for guessing to whom I keep suggesting such an idea...)

S.

[Mark_Pilkington]

Not for this project--which is being restored as an RAAF example--but another way of returning a Beau to the air authentically sans "unobtainium" early Hercules...convert to Merlins and craft an NF.II. Installation is similar (deliberately) to that on a Lanc--with the cowl being almost identical. For a static display airframe, even GRP cowls molded from a nearby Lanc would suffice in the short term. (No prizes for guessing to whom I keep suggesting such an idea...)

.
Although the first two Mark II Merlin powered Beaufighters were converted from mark I's, I do wonder if the Merlin installation didnt' also modify the engine narcelle over the top of the wing, to a lower profile, in reverse of the impact of the Cyclone on the modified example in Australia?

I cant vouch for the accuracy of these drawings but they seem to show the effect I refer to?



[img]http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/photos/profile_beaufighter_04.gif
[/img]



[img]http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/photos/profile_beaufighter_07.gif
[/img]





I cant find definitive real photos to show the issue I am talking about, but interestingly Beaufighter II model conversion kits incorporate a very flush top narcelle which I assume has been referenced to drawings or photos?

http://www.hrmtech.com/SIG/articles/Magna_BeauII_72_build.asp

For a static display Beaufighter, it might be better to use the late model hercules, remove the rear accessory casing to shorten in length ,and create custom engine mount/firewalls to mount it to the existing airframe with the prop hub positioned correctly, there may be a slightly larger diameter engine ring and cowl to build, but if these have to be scratch built in any case the finished product may well be difficult to distinguish from the wartime Hercules?, and probably more structurally accurate than a fibreglass Mark II mockup installation?

Interestingly, I had understood the Camden DAP Beaufighter A8-186 was fitted with late model hercules? and/ or props? and/or cowls from a Mk 21 Bristol Freighter? (I'm not sure of the specific details) and I am unable to confirm that? but if so they are not looking out of place or over size?












Here are the Engine / cowl from A8-328 at Moorabbin? not sure if anyone can identify the Camden Hercules models by photo or comparison?





regards

Mark Pilkington

[bomberflight]

As promised ~ here's a photo update from today at Duxford.

Skippy now has a Union flag !



I could have swore there was a firewall here ......





The fire wall / engine mount is now off on both sides this week !



And here's a very poor picture of "the big round engine"

Can anyone positively identify it ?

[peter]

Looks like a Bristol Hercules power egg to me!

[Keith Gaff]

The two major obstructions to flying a Beaufighter are, as previously stated, the engines and the propellers. The Camden Beaufighter Mk 21 has the correct engines and cowlings for a Beaufighter. The propellers, however, are a lash up using, if my memory serves me correctly, DC 3 hubs and cut down Lincoln blades. Hardly an option to fly on.

Moorabbin's Beaufighter has one engine built from the two originally on the aircraft when it was acquired plus an engine from a Mk 21 Bristol Freighter. Both are serviceable. The props are also authentic. A serviceable prop was built from the two that came with the aircraft and allowed one engine to be ground run in the past. The other prop was built from the remains and is not serviceable. During my time at Moorabbin we conducted an extensive search for Beaufighter props with no success. The only other common user of this prop was the Bristol Pegasus powered Short Sunderland.

You could use four bladed Mk31 Freighter props but that does change the character of the aircraft somewhat.

[Mark_Pilkington]

.

And here's a very poor picture of "the big round engine"

Can anyone positively identify it ?

I can positively identify it as a "big round engine" smiles


thanks for the pix, its a fantastic project

regards

Mark Pilkington

[Mark_Pilkington]

.

Interestingly, I had understood the Camden DAP Beaufighter A8-186 was fitted with late model hercules? and/ or props? and/or cowls from a Mk 21 Bristol Freighter? (I'm not sure of the specific details) and I am unable to confirm that? but if so they are not looking out of place or over size?

There is obviously different opinions on the engines installed in the Camden Beaufighter, and I am not in a position to prove the situation one way or another, but coincidently I picked up the latest "Classic Wings" last night, which is carrying a feature article of Beaufighter survivors and that article states " parts were recovered from across Australia to complete the restoration - the engines coming from a crashed Bristol Freighter"

With the museum re-opening, and volunteers assisting, I would assume someone could get access to the aircraft and determine the situation, if the defining features could be determined, and easily examined.

regards

Mark Pilkington

Now that the Canadian Beaufighter is under cover (thank God) does anyone know what other pieces are held for it in storage? (Engines/cowls/props)?

That Beaufighter project in the UK is a h-ll of an accomplishment. I'll be there to see that fly! Hats off to everyone!

[lestweforget]

Now that the Canadian Beaufighter is under cover (thank God) does anyone know what other pieces are held for it in storage?

There is a story behind that!! Details here http://www.baseportal.com/cgi-bin/baseportal.pl?htx=/bristolaircraft/survey&localparams=1&db=aircraft&cmd=list&range=100,20&cmd=all&Id=102

Glad to here it is now under cover.

[Steve Nelson]

Here are a couple of snapshots of the Ottawa Beau I took one year ago yesterday. She's definately a bit the worse for wear, but could certainly form the basis of a full restoration.

SN

[bomberflight]

Just one picture to add to this thread ~ taken at Duxford today .....

[Rossco]

We have Monty Armstrongs Beaufort out at the museum but I,m not sure if it has Heculese engines or not.It is all in storage but never know what might eventuate.

[Mark_Pilkington]

We have Monty Armstrongs Beaufort out at the museum but I,m not sure if it has Heculese engines or not.It is all in storage but never know what might eventuate.

Hi Ross,

It had been reported elsewhere that Monty's Beaufort had left Oakey? can you confirm?

Seperately, Monty's Beaufort, despite being the last "Bristol" Built surviving, was assembled in Australia with Pratt & Whitney 1830's, ( while UK built Beauforts had the Taurus, a slip sleeve younger brother to the Hercules,)
so I dont think there will be Hercules parts etc with Monty's aircraft.

regards

Mark Pilkington

[herkman]

Harold thomas and I had a long discusion about his airplane.

He hit lots of problems with the engine mounts, because when he hung the later engines, the collector ring would not fit.

I do not know what thw wash up was, as Harold passed away.

The props came off the Lincoln on the fire dump at Mascot.

Harold did tell me that whoever was going to restor a Bau, was going to have serious problems in this area.

He had been offered two engines from the French air force, but the French built engines had exactly the same problems.

Regards

Col

[Rossco]

Hi Mark.Monty,s Beaufort is still there but it is close to being picked up from what I,ve heard through the grape vine....cheers for the info.
Ross