In August 2013 I updated our Warbird enthusiasts on the progress being made on the restoration project currently underway on the Bristol Beaufort at Caboolture Qld, Australia. Further activity has now occurred on the Beaufort and it’s time to provide an update.
The full set of movable tail surfaces has now been fully rebuilt, covered, painted and refitted to the aircraft and they look great!
Ron Lee and the crew have also been slaving away on one of the most complex tasks of the rebuild panel work; the complex compound curve wing/ fuselage joint fillets. These panels are notoriously difficult to shape for any aircraft and are more so on the Beaufort given the size and unique shape of the aircraft.
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- Beaufort -A9- 141
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- Beaufort A9-141 tail restoration
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- Beaufort A9-141 wing restoration
Nonetheless the crew has done an excellent job of it and after many trial fits and expletives they are now fitted to the aircraft and also look magnificent and on the day of my visit were being painted as was the rest of the fuselage.
The wing spar issue, reported on last time has still to be resolved as testing continues on the new component sourced in the USA. As soon as it is approved or rectified reassembly and fitting of the wing will take place. The other wing is already complete and ready for fitting.
More updates will be provided as work progresses on this magnificent Australian Warbird.
© John Parker 2013
Great update John, that’s amazing progress they’re making. I saw her back in March and the difference is amazing. Looks like she has her own hangar now, too.
Thanks for the kind words – the website is going well.
The Beaufort is making excellent progress considering the problems Ralph has experienced over the last couple of years. We are still looking for a permanent home but the temporary arrangement is going OK.