CWH Bolingbroke Update

[kalamazookid]

From Facebook:

BOLINGBROKE RESTORATION UPDATE - The Bolingbroke restoration has been one the longest and more complicated aircraft restoration projects undertaken by the museum. For over 30 years, a dedicated and talented team has been working with several discarded and scattered Bolingbroke aircraft and parts in the hope of restoring one airworthy aircraft.

At a recent team meeting with senior museum staff and this very dedicated and industrious volunteer restoration team, the status and scope of the project were reviewed at length. After a very thoughtful and open group discussion and in consideration of the real world challenges involved in restoring and then safely operating an airworthy Bolingbroke, it was decided by the team to continue to restore this aircraft for ground operations.

As such, the project team now has a new and achievable mandate and a plan to dedicate this completed Bolingbroke in honour of 119 “Tiger” Squadron during the museum’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2022.

We are excited about this new and achievable vision for the project and know that a complete Bolingbroke aircraft will be a fitting tribute to all those staff and volunteers who have worked so hard over the last 30 years to complete this important restoration.

Last edited by kalamazookid on Wed Nov 28, 2018 6:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Marauderman26]

Disappointing, I do understand the magnitude and challenges the team is facing especially considering the needs of the other aircraft in the collection but I was hoping for a flyer in North America.

[Michel Lemieux]

Sad...after all the work accomplished so far....but I do understand.

I would rather they keep the Lanc up in the air when it comes to ressources spent.

I wonder if the Lysander incident had any play into this?

[Warbird Kid]

Highly disappointing. Especially considering the extent of the fleet they fly and the abilities their team can accomplish. So it seems the only flyable example will remain in UK. One thought that I imagine is a huge concern for CWH is the cost of operating two Bristol Mercury engines. And to that, I would suggest replacing them with Wright or P&W radials.

This goes in the same disappointing category as the MARC A-20 and MAPS B-26. Both were started as flyable restoration projects. Both have fallen short of that goal. Shame.

[Tiger Tim]

At this point on the CWH Bolingbroke, what would the difference even be between restored to flying versus running/taxiing only? I admit I haven’t seen it in years but I thought structurally it should be to airworthy standard, I assume at this time they’ve just decided to spare the expense of bringing the engines and props up to 100%. To me it seems they’ve done so much that finishing the job to fly can still be an option.

I hate to say it, but I think we’ll see more of this sort of thing in the coming years at publicly funded museums since the folks with direct connections to these warbirds in wartime are all but gone.

[DH82EH]

Sadly Tim, that is all too valid a point.

As to Warbird kid suggesting different engines, that was a plan many years ago. the alternative to the Bristol Mercury for this type, is the super rare P&W 1535 Twin Wasp junior.
There were a number of Bolingbrokes operated with these.
The last 1535 to operate was in Jim Wrights magnificent Hughes Racer.
Even though a decision like this is disappointing, it does nothing to prevent the option from resurfacing in the future.
It is also very understandable. Apart from us aeroplane s, nobody knows what a Bolingbroke is. It will never be able to support itself financially.
It will be good to see this project get assembled and to hear a bit of life from the ol' girl.

Andy

[rcaf_100]

If it is indeed the cost of getting serviceable Mercury engines and props that is keeping her from flying, I would hope that the rest of the airframe could still be completed to airworthy standards.

That way if down the road a sponsorship or grant or major donation or whatever comes along, they won't have to re-do anything major other than firewall forward components. Just my $0.02

[k5083]

The CWH made this same announcement on Instagram yesterday and added the following in response to a question about whether the restoration will be structurally airworthy:

The fuselage has been restored to airworthiness following regulations. The wings and engines will be restored to static condition meaning that we don't follow regulations to fly. The engines will run and it can taxi but will not be flown.

I assume that the engines will be neither Bristols nor R-1535s, since the rarity and maintenance issues would still plague a ground-running restoration. So, perhaps P&W R-1340s will be adapted?

August

[Chris Brame]

So, are there any other current Bolingbroke projects out there that are intended to fly (with whatever engines)?

[DH82EH]

I don't think so Chris.
There are two Beaufighter projects with the potential for airworthiness as well as a Beaufort.
That is the only Bristol twins I am aware of.

http://www.beaufortrestoration.com.au/

Andy

[Tiger Tim]

So, are there any other current Bolingbroke projects out there that are intended to fly (with whatever engines)?

I know of two private, probably non-airworthy projects that are moving along at a very casual pace. No idea if there are any flyers in the works.

[Zac Yates]

Twelve or so years ago there was a project to acquire a Boly - 10040 maybe? - and bring it to NZ to be restored to fly, unfortunately nothing has been heard for a while. Maybe one day.

[CWH Museum]

From Facebook:

BOLINGBROKE RESTORATION UPDATE - After a very thoughtful and open group discussion and in consideration of the real world challenges involved in restoring and then safely operating an airworthy Bolingbroke, it was decided by the team to continue to restore this aircraft for ground operations.

To say this has been a challenging restoration to flying condition would be an understatement. We have certainly investigated alternative engines to the Mercury and these were deemed as not feasible. In addition to the challenges of restoring and maintaining two Mercury engines, a much more critical challenge was the rebuilding of our Bolingbroke wings. The unique process to build the spars is no longer achievable to us.

[DH82EH]

Information direct from the source is always appreciated.
Thanks

Andy

[bdk]

Can you explain the spar design & construction? The engineer in me wants to understand what is unique about the spar.