Blackburn Beverley Update

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » 22 Jun 2006, 14:53

Thanks Paul: that was one of the famous Gerry Hatt writings, wasn't it?

He was a Beverley Flight Engineer and I think everyone on the type had one or more of his wonderful essays on a 'Roneo' (pre-photocopy, for the younger members!).

The Blackburn & General Aircraft CTP was Harold 'Tim' Wood - his nickname originated from his amazing forced landing on a reef in the Timor Sea prewar in the Monospar airliner.

Just two of the many characters associated with this much-loved aeroplane.

Kevin

VC10 · Post by **VC10** » 01 Jul 2006, 17:06

Filonian wrote:I did actually see one win an air race at Dishforth in the late 50's.

Graham

What the hell was it racing against, a Wright Flyer?

Paul

Filonian · Post by **Filonian** » 01 Jul 2006, 18:09

No, it be one of them there 'andicap jobs 'n t'andicappers 'ad done reet gradely. (Though I heard tell they had a free ride in the Mess that night)

Graham

Lancman · Post by **Lancman** » 03 Jul 2006, 06:03

Ah! the Dragmaster. The only 'plane to be overtaken by a train going up the Rhone-Saone corridor!

Post by **Garry Russell** » 03 Jul 2006, 08:14

I thought the Dragmaster was the Short Belfast :think:

Garry

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » 03 Jul 2006, 10:54

Garry Russell wrote:I thought the Dragmaster was the Short Belfast :think:

Garry

It was - the Beverley never had a disparaging name like that, because it performed just as it was designed to - very big loads out of very short hot & high strips. The fact that it was later misused by being flown on the UK - Singapore routes wasn't the fault of anything in the aeroplane's design and the crews recognised it as such.

The Belfast, on the other hand, was an aircraft which failed to meet its design requirements. Shorts got their wind tunnel data wrong and had to modify the aircraft so it could get over the Alps with a full payload.

The only 'plane to be overtaken by a train going up the Rhone-Saone corridor!

This happened to my Dad - with the Mistral wind against them (and the "Mistral" express train below): it's absolutely true!

However, other aeroplanes could have problems, too. On another occasion, he was following an Argosy down the route over Southern France and kept it in sight all the way: the Argosy couldn't make more than about 8000 ft and was cruising only a little faster than the Bev.

Cheers,

Kevin

Lancman · Post by **Lancman** » 03 Jul 2006, 11:15

When I flew the Hastings the Beverley was known as the Dragmaster. And I wont have you knock the Belfast, it was a great aircraft!

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » 03 Jul 2006, 18:45

Lancman,

No intention to offend - I've removed a couple of the contentious words

Cheers,

Kevin

Lancman · Post by **Lancman** » 03 Jul 2006, 19:04

No offence taken, it's all in fun. Your Beverley's a beaut, which I'm thoroughly enjoying. many thanks.

VC10 · Post by **VC10** » 03 Jul 2006, 20:08

I see the is MEAF tectuere available

http://classicbritishfiles.com/index.ph ... nfo&id=352