Work is proceeding on the airworthy restoration of the DAP/Bristol Beaufort A9-141 and the excitement is building with the work being done to facilitate the mounting of the starboard wing. The mounting blocks are now ready to give the correct mounting angle and the wing has been moved out of its jig and situated under the aircraft ready for its lift onto the center section. The long epic restoration of the port wing is also coming to an end with the leading edge ribs all fitted and awaiting reskinning of this section very soon. Two wing mounted oil coolers, sourced from Mrs. Lyn Stephenson of Golden Beach in Victoria, who donated to AAHC Qld the two Engine Oil Coolers on behalf of her late husband.
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- Leading edge wing ribs – detail view
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- Leading edge wing ribs fitted
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- Leading edge wing ribs fitted
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- Donated DAP Beaufort Oil Cooler
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- Cooler trial mounted in Port wing
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- Donated Beaufort Oil Coolers
The coolers came from Beaufort A9-101 which crashed into Lake Reeve, Golden Beach some 70 years ago. Apparently, up until approximately 20 years ago, the tail of the aircraft was still visible when the salt lake was very dry. The lake has now silted up rather badly and the aircraft is no longer visible. Despite their age the coolers are in excellent condition and will be restored for A9-141 – a most unusual and difficult to find Warbird part.
Over the past few months the main activity of the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre – QLD (AAHC) has been the acquisition, dismantling and restoration of DHC4 Caribou A4-228. However, progress on the Beaufort is proceeding well and we will report soon on the mounting of the wing.
As always, anyone who can assist financially or as a volunteer is most welcome to contact AAHC Qld. They have a lot of work to do so any assistance is much appreciated.
© John Parker 2016