Blenheim/Bollingbroke

[sgt hawk]

Checked the registry and there is only one airworthy example (info somewhat seasoned) out of Duxford, but the majority of the airframes are up in Maple Leaf land. How about an update from you Molsen guys? Any future flyer's?

[m charters]

There are actually no flying examples currently. The UK aircraft is being rebuilt following an accident and is being redone as an early mark Blenheim. The Canadian Warplane Heritage has the only other close to being a flyer under restoration with hopes of it being completed in 2015.
It was recently rolled out on its own landing gear for the first time in likely over 60 years for the Hamilton Airshow. This photo was a few weeks before the show and forgive the quality as it was taken on my blackberry. And if anyone can get to this facebook link, there is a shot of it being rolled out of the hangar for the first time in 60+ years. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

[sgt hawk]

Thanks Mike for the photo. They have four air frames to work from and the facebook photo was sweet. They are not that far away from a flyer.

[michaelharadon]

Weren't there several derelict ones in outdoor storage at Chino in the late '80's?

[spartakle]

Link to a photo of me in the top turret of a Bollingbroke that was derelict on a Carman, Manitoba farm back in the 70s:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023
Warbird rebuilder/collector Bob Diemert examining Bollingbroke on nearby farm. 1970s:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023
Another picture of Bob Diemert looking over Bollingbroke 9947 that was purchased by farmer and sat derelict:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023
Bob Diemert looking over Bollingbroke engine on local farm where plane sat since purchased surpluse by local farmer after WWII:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023
Picture of how Carman, Manitoba farmer used Bollingbroke wings as a wind/snow fence:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023

[Mgawa]

Nice info To regret I can not open FB page

[Jeff Hunt]

Here is the CWH machine on display two weeks ago at the Hamilton Air Show.








Cheers,

Jeff

[peter]

Nice pictures Jeff! Great to see her somewhat complete and one her gear, but she is still a long ways away from flight!

[m charters]

Indeed she is, we are trying to raise money currently to complete 2 engines and the finances needed to complete the wing rebuilds.
The target date is 2015 to fly and we can always use any financial and or maintenance support that can be offered.
Bringing her out into the sun for all to see was a huge boost for the crew. She is back in her spot in the hangar to continue the progress that has excelled in the last several months! Come to Hamilton and see what it is all about.

[Andy in West Oz]

Very exciting project to follow. All the best with it, guys.

I seem to remember there were derelict Beauforts at Chino.

[Dan K]

Whatever happened to the Bristol Heritage Collection in Tennessee (and more specifically the Chino Beaufort bits they were restoring)? Any relevant and current links or pics?

http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... 67&start=0

[RMAllnutt]

Link to a photo of me in the top turret of a Bollingbroke that was derelict on a Carman, Manitoba farm back in the 70s:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023
Warbird rebuilder/collector Bob Diemert examining Bollingbroke on nearby farm. 1970s:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023
Another picture of Bob Diemert looking over Bollingbroke 9947 that was purchased by farmer and sat derelict:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023
Bob Diemert looking over Bollingbroke engine on local farm where plane sat since purchased surpluse by local farmer after WWII:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023
Picture of how Carman, Manitoba farmer used Bollingbroke wings as a wind/snow fence:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23057174@N ... 4789690023

I've been thoroughly enjoying looking through your photograph collection... you have some splendid and unique images. Your experiences seem to have been equally unique as well. Thanks so much for posting the links!

All the best,
Richard

[spartakle]

Thanks Richard for your kind words about my Flickr pics. About half of the aviation stuff was taken by my dad so the span of years goes back to the 1950s and because my dad was keep on all-things aviation I was lucky to be exposed to some interesting planes & pilots.
Blake

[dogsbodymk1]

The Bomber Command Museum of Canada has this non-flying example, plus a seperate nose section.







http://www.ruudleeuw.com/canada07-museum-nanton.htm




Chris

[bomberflight]

I thought you might like to see a recent pic of the restoration at Duxford.

The rebuild includes a Mark 1 nose section ~ with the later nose sitting nearby



In terms of the timetable ~ I think it's of case of it will fly when finances allow them to finish it