Halifax Restoration in Trenton, Ontario

Bruce Parker (RIP) · #1 24-07-07, 03:58

I took a few pictures of the incredible Halifax restoration in Trenton last week. It's now assembled inside the new museum extension and nearing completion. What a magnificent job. It's been great watching the progress from year to year and fantastic seeing it at this stage.

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #2 24-07-07, 04:23

MY GAWD THAT'S PRETTY!

Bruce Parker (RIP) · #3 24-07-07, 04:41

...is that every instrument panel, switch, hydraulic component, gun sight, bomb sight, engine accessory, etc. etc. etc. is 100% complete and just as it was in 1944. I'm not sure if they actually did it, but they were discussing leaving the hole through the nose section that was responsible for shooting it down. There is even a story about reuniting the tail gunner (now in his 80's) with the thermos of coffee he left behind on ditching in the Norwegian lake.

Stuart Kirkham · #4 24-07-07, 14:42

And to think that it started off looking like this. Well done Canada.

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #5 24-07-07, 15:14

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Parker
...is that every instrument panel, switch, hydraulic component, gun sight, bomb sight, engine accessory, etc. etc. etc. is 100% complete and just as it was in 1944. I'm not sure if they actually did it, but they were discussing leaving the hole through the nose section that was responsible for shooting it down. There is even a story about reuniting the tail gunner (now in his 80's) with the thermos of coffee he left behind on ditching in the Norwegian lake.

Hey Bruce, just answer me these questions three: Ultimately, will the engines start? If so, will the bird be able to be taxied? If that, what would it take to get certification for even limited flight?

Enquiring minds would like to know...

cletrac (RIP) · #6 24-07-07, 16:30

There's an effort underway to retrieve a Halifax off Ireland and eventually put it on display at the Lancaster museum in Nanton, Alberta. Here's a picture before she sank.
Halifax link

Grant Bowker · #7 24-07-07, 16:34

Quote:

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
If that, what would it take to get certification for even limited flight?

Short answer, an absolutely unbelievable amount of effort and an almost equal amount of cash.

Bruce Parker (RIP) · #8 24-07-07, 18:17

1. The engines have been overhauled and turn over, but were never intended to run.

2 & 3. Taxiing is out of the question (as above) but also because they built it into the bulding. No ever outside for this bird. Never a chance of it on the tarmack beside the Hamilton Lancaster.

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #9 24-07-07, 19:59

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Parker
1. The engines have been overhauled and turn over, but were never intended to run.

Doesn't mean they can't...

Quote:

Never a chance of it on the tarmac beside the Hamilton Lancaster.

But, but, but... it'll get LONELY!! Imagine that poor Lanc parked just outside, scratching at the door to get in, and the Halibag just inside, mewling to get out!! They'll be so UNHAPPY!!

Wayne McGee · #10 06-08-07, 12:41

As good looking as that aircraft is, for my money,nothing will ever compare to Avros' Lancaster. For that matter, if only from purely asthetic good looks, the Lanc is the epitomy of good looks in the "heavies" department. Not to belittle this aircraft, for I know the aircraft was dependable and much loved by those that flew in her but, the Halifax "looks" clunky and a little bit like a knuckle-dragger beside a svelte Lanc. And nothing will compare to the sound of those Merlin's spooling up. Jeeeez, I think I'm gettin' turned on here. Anyways, this Halifax is a priceless piece of history and everybody involved in this rescue deserves an "Atta-boy"

Alex Blair (RIP) · #11 06-08-07, 15:01

Quote:

Originally posted by Wayne McGee
As good looking as that aircraft is, for my money,nothing will ever compare to Avros' Lancaster. For that matter, if only from purely asthetic good looks, the Lanc is the epitomy of good looks in the "heavies" department. Not to belittle this aircraft, for I know the aircraft was dependable and much loved by those that flew in her but, the Halifax "looks" clunky and a little bit like a knuckle-dragger beside a svelte Lanc. And nothing will compare to the sound of those Merlin's spooling up. Jeeeez, I think I'm gettin' turned on here. Anyways, this Halifax is a priceless piece of history and everybody involved in this rescue deserves an "Atta-boy"

When I was stationed in Edmonton in the mid 70's I worked with a civilian who was a Halifax pilot who told me the Halifax was the worst thing to fly...It was really heavy on the stick and underpowered..and the Lanc's dropped bombs on them and he was scared every minute he flew it...not only in combat but even taking off or landing...it was never predictible....
When the war ended he never piloted an aircraft again...The Halifax had ruined his flying nerves...yet in his office he had a big colour picture of guess what????You are right..His Halifax dropping bombs over Berlin..

Colin Macgregor Stevens · #12 18-08-07, 19:25

When I visited the Halifax restoration project at Trenton some years ago, she was still in sections, but she was partly restored.

I was told that she was a British RAF one and had been dropping supplies for SOE over Norway. I was told that she was hit by a 20mm shell just aft of the Port inboard engine as I recall. I asked to see the damage. In the restoration they had partly covered it up.
:-(

I HATE that when museums and collectors repair battle damage! I am sure that every model maker also does. Looking at a solid tank or aircraft on display is one thing, looking at one that has been shot up is quite another thing.

Naturally I took photos.

Lovely to see her taking shape and I am glad that she will be protected from the elements. I shall have to drop in and see her again next time I am out that way.