One of the most experienced restorers and the location of the world’s largest collection of DAP/Bristol Beaufort and Beaufighter aircraft and components is located at Albion Park, NSW, Australia.
Recently an Ex RAAF 100 Squadron, Australian manufactured, DAP Beaufort Mk.VIII Bomber cockpit/forward fuselage has arrived at the Historical Aircraft Restorations Limited at Albion Park NSW for complete restoration including sheet metal and other repairs for a major museum. The exact identity of the aircraft is not yet known, but it is one of five Beauforts recovered from Tadji, Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1974 by the Tallichet organization. This famous recovery included many other aircraft including P40 and P39 fighters and is a legendary accomplishment in Warbird history.
Three Beauforts went to Chino, California with one being refurbished for the RAF Museum Hendon, UK. The second Chino Beaufort was acquired by Robert Greinert in the mid 1990’s and its components divided into 3 lots between Beaufort restorer Ralph Cusak, the Australian War Memorials Beaufort restoration and the leftovers for use in the Historic Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Beaufighter program.
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- DAP Bristol Beaufort recovery
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- Beaufort recovery at Tadji PNG 1974
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- 3 of 5 Beauforts recovered in Tadji
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- Beaufort cockpit detail
The third very incomplete machine languished till 2008 until rescued and was stored in the US until now. This aircraft is the one acquired for this cockpit restoration. Historical Aircraft Restorations Limited has acquired an enviable reputation for its cockpit restorations including several DAP/Bristol Beaufighter nose/cockpit restorations for various museums around the world. The quality and accuracy of their workmanship is exceptional and the newly arrived Beaufort section will no doubt be up to the same standard.
These days it is becoming more and more difficult to locate the detailed items associated with such a restoration and so Historical Aircraft Restorations Limited are seeking any and all parts to assist with this restoration venture.
A replacement navigators/bombardiers canopy is in particular keenly sought, as are all and any internal parts. Anyone with parts that would like to assist with this restoration can contact Project Coordinator – Rosemary Szabo at email: harwarbird@bigpond.com.
B&W Images courtesy Noel Spalding.
© John Parker 2016
Hi John,
My grandfather served for four years in PNG as pilot on a Beaufort.
He still speaks so fondly of those times and I had hoped to be able to bring back some of those memories.
Thanks to your site I can see my options are pretty limited (correct me if I’m wrong) to the awm and Ralph’s project in qld.
I was hoping to get him back in the cockpit to bring back all those fond memories.
He is now 95, but while in still relatively good health, obviously my time is short. Finally, he is in Perth, I’m in Sydney, but he is still pretty mobile, and gets out and about a lot.
Do you have any advice as to where I should direct my attention?
Very much appreciate any information you can provide.
Hi Mat
I sent you an email with some information that may help. Hope you received it.
Kind regards
John
Hi John.
My family are visitors from Western Australia and my grandfather was a RAAF Beaufort pilot. Is there any chance we could view the aircraft while we visit QLD?
We have a keen interest in the aircraft and would love to view it on our drive down to Brisbane Airport.
Applologies for late notice but tomorrow is the only time we will be able to come down. Just thought we will give it a shot to view the bird.
Thanks.
– Matt
Hi Matt
Hangar 104 at Caboolture Airport is manned most days and there is a good chance someone will show you through. Ask for Ralph Cusack or Noel Spalding and I am sure they will arrange to show you around.
Kind regards
Johnhttp://www.warbirdsonline.com.au/warbirds/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-form
It is mentioned that HARS has leftovers for use in the (HARS) Beaufighter program. Does that mean that HARS is eventually going to attempt to rebuild a complete example like Ralph Cusack’s or am I dreaming too much. I mean HARS is doing incredible stuff.
Hi Bradley
HARS has a stated intention to build an airworthy Beaufighter. Ralph Cusack and the AAHC Qld are rebuilding and airworthy Beaufort.
Kind regards
John