Our latest update on the Beaufort A9-141 is indeed very positive. The Beaufort is now back in its original hangar and restoration work continues. The current work includes the installation of the wireless rack and other internal equipment. The aircraft will be restored as closely as possible to its original condition and specification and this includes the wireless installation.
The Beaufort has been raised on a trestle at the rear so as to make it easier for the workers to move around inside the aircraft whilst continuing on the fit-out. Work also continues on other parts of the airframe including the last stages of the assembly of the port wing which has undergone the fitting of a replacement spar as reported last time. The wing leading edge ribs have now been fitted and the skins will be next prior to completion ready for fitting on the aircraft.
As reported elsewhere, the Beaufort team is also involved in the restoration of Jack McDonalds RAAF Hawker Demon to complete static condition. On the day of our visit Ross Ebzery had commenced on this project as well as participating in most of the other work on site – a very busy boy!
Additional work on other aircraft in the hangar has also been taking place as time permits which should hopefully see Ron Lee’s Mk3B DH Drover VH-FDU and Stuart Lee’s (Ron’s son) CAC Winjeel A85-402 CA25-02 back in the air within 12 months or so.
The Drover is having the flaps removed and recovered as well as a Prop overhaul/inspection and is in very good overall condition. The wings will require a repaint as the existing finish has suffered from a few years exposed to the Queensland sun. Other than that and routine maintenance the aircraft should be ready to fly again.
The Winjeel will require engine and prop work but again it is in quite good condition and no major problems are anticipated. There is no time scale for this aircraft.
Work also continues on the restoration of the two Beaufighter assemblies for a private owner and Ron Lee has re-covered the tail surfaces of Greg Batt’s CAC Boomerang restoration, A46-154.
It is expected that Beaufort A9-141 and other aircraft will remain in the current hangar for several years allowing for ongoing work to be performed on the Beaufort. As always with the Beaufort restoration project, financial assistance and any other help would be very much appreciated.
The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre can be contacted via the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre website.
© John Parker 2014
Hi. I have a past involvement in RAAF Radar and Radio.
Some time ago, at a Malvern meeting here in Melb, a gent asked me a question re this job I think.
If I can help in any way please feel free to contact me.
I went through A&GRS Ballarat ’52/’53, #7 Radar (Air), then to 10 Sqdn, Garbutt, Lincolns, for three years.
Best wishes.
Laurie.
Hi Laurie
We will pass on your details to Ralph Cusack. Thank you for your offer to assist. It is greatly appreciated.
kind regards
John
A later thought/memory. Before I went to Ballarat I was an Aircraft Electrician at 1AD. I remember piercing a screwdriver into my hand when holding the micro switch for the undercarriage warning system while replacing it on a Beaufort out on the apron there!! Ouch!
Laurie.
(It may have been a Beaufighter??)
Hi Laurie
I am sure the Beaufort restoration crew at Caboolture have many similar painful memories. Thanks for letting us know.
kind regards
John
Hi John,
As usual, another very informative report on the Caboolture restorations.
Your photos bear testimony to the very high level of detail that’s going into Ralph’s Beaufort.
I’m also keenly watching the progress of the Beaufighter work going on in the background.
Kindest regards,
Rob
Hi Rob
We really appreciate your comments. We hope to keep everyone up to date with the progress on the Beaufighter restoration as it progresses.
kind regards
John