Warbird Information Exchange

Hey August,

don't be so hard on the guys at Rockcliffe, there must be some acceptable reason for them not pulling her out.

When I was there years ago I spoke with a volunteer who mentioned the Lysander they've got was airworthy and flown into the museum. So, without "too much" effort, she could fly too. But, that being said, their collection is not a flying one.

Hmmm....

David M

They had hoped to pull her out but the logistics were just too complicated. it would mean having to move the Lancaster and dismantling a display. Also the tires are foam filled for preservation and have permanent flat spots from sitting. Bernie Lapoint was the last pilot to fly her and you're right she went into the Museum in flying condition. We were standing looking at her with Bernie, who worked with us on the VWoC Lysander, when one of the guys mentioned that even after over forty years she is still leaking oil!
Bernie aso pointed out that his name is on the inside of the slats one side when extended says HELLO and the other has his name BERNIE written so it can only be seen from the cockpit. Bernie got a chuckle that its still there.

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“Try to fly in the middle of the air. The edges are filled with mountains and oceans and rocks and it’s much harder to fly there.”

I believe it was at Flying Legends at Duxford in 1998, the examples were the Shuttleworths G-AZWT, Sabena Old Timers OO-SOT, and the example now owned by Kermit Weeks G-BCWL. Im not sure but I think they flew together with the Blenheim and Gladiator. There was also a static example owned by the Imperial War museum, but I don't know if that was brought out onto the lineup.

YOu guys are going to kill me for asking, but, will a Wright R-1300 AN1 of 800 hp. fit on the front of a Lysander?

That is just sick man!

A Wright exhaust wouldn't work without modifying the mount and nose significantly. The nose would have to be lengthened to accomodate the rear exhaust,the exhaust rerouted to appear original, the cowls would have to be modified, a fake nose ring exhaust would need to be made to make it authentic in appearance, a different prop would likely be needed, a british pilot would get all confused with the prop turning the wrong way, and the aircraft itself would need therapy!

Let's stick with that amazing sound of the Bristol Mercury!
And for those that haven't heard it, it is a must!

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Mike

Ah yes, There we were, left engine on fire, right engine feathered...ahh yes,...there we were, ..Screwed! No Kissing!