Warbird Information Exchange

So the little voices talk to you too? Tinfoil hat wearers of the world unite!







Just like me dear mother always used to say, "Junior, you like to think outside the box; you're just not very good at it."

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

First of all, Mark,
Thank you for that impressive and well researched reply. You are a huge part of the "I" in WIX! Much appreciated, I always enjoy your posts.

Dan, I'm not as well versed on Beaufighters as many here, but as your photo shows there were Merlin engined versions. A bit of quick research stated that the aircraft was designed to accept the outboard installation from the Lancaster. You're probably right though, firewall forward the CASA 111 is close enough. If one can fit a merlin from a York, into a Firefly, then the conversion you're proposing should just FALL into place!

Straightens tinfoil hat,

Andy Scott

Andy/Dan--

Yep, the CWH Boly was originally going to become a Mk.IVW (W for Wasp; there was also one Cyclone-engined IVC), but as you say the R1535 Twin Wasp Junior, though it might have been easier to maintain, was actually harder to find in restorable shape than the Mercury--of which the museum already had several. 119 (B) Sqn RCAF, the Hamilton Tigers, flew all of the small production run of IVWs alongside their standard IVs on coastal defence with Eastern Air Command, before shipping out to Britain as 424 Sqn on heavies...so 119 used both versions anyway and CWH's bird will still wear Hamilton Tigers livery. I clearly remember seeing a superb-looking R1535 in the engineering section of CWH's hangar several years ago. No idea what became of it but it was a gorgeous display piece...

And yep also, there was a Merlin-engined Beau, the Mk.II. For years I kept trying to put the bug in someone's ear about turning the TT.10 at Rockcliffe into an NF.II night fighter, using GRP cowls, et cetera, moulded from CAvM's own display Lancaster. Of course the decision to begin restoring the Beau as a stock TF.X has now, finally, been taken. I do think a Mk.II conversion is likely the best option for getting a Beau into the air, since as has been mentioned, the Merlin installation was a standard one used on the Lanc, the Beau II, and apparently later on the CASA 2-111. I have heard, by the by, that Paul Allen will be having a CASA restored as a Heinkel 111H with the German inverted-Vee engines; if his project includes the Merlins et cetera, there are your two potential Beau "power eggs". Hm. Does Mr Allen have a Beau as well...??

S.

Thanks for the details Steve
The only R1535 that has run in recent years was the one in Jim Wrights gorgeous Hughes racer, tragically lost, taking Jims life with it. I'm reluctant to call it a replica because it was so faithful to the original. So beautiful, so tragic.

As far as Merlin engined beaufighters, I don't think we enthusiasts should hold our breath. The fighter collection machine, although a composite, is essentially an Australian built version. These never had Merlins. I've just dug through some dusty boxes to find Warbirds Worldwide issue 42. It's a great article on just how much was involved up to the state she is currently in. Even that article mentions, almost off the cuff,"How can you help this fantastic project? We have a few small problems! Like no engines, propellers, tyres. If our friends around the world can keep an eye out for any Beau parts we would be much obliged."

Even when, and if, a suitable engineering solution can be found. There is still the small matter of millions of dollars, for what is in all reality, a pretty obscure type that is only known to enthusiasts. If, as you mentioned, Paul allen were to acquire it. He insists on originality that would make modellers blush! With the number of projects in his pipeline, a human lifetime isn't long enough.
Sorry, I guess my tinfoil hat is just not tight enough.

Andy Scott

Yup, truly a a sad time and your reluctance is well founded. She was so accurate Mr. Wright was awarded serial #2 in the type.

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