BBMF engine issues

[Dr Jekyll]

BBMF are reported to have temporarily grounded all their Merlin engine aircraft due to 'an issue requiring technical advice'.

Just as well this didn't happen in 1940.

[ecsrobin]

Better to be safe than sorry.

[Dr Jekyll]

Certainly, but does anyone have more details?

[MartG]

Just this from BBC News website



Guess I was lucky to see them last weekend in Blackpool

[ChemicalChaos]

Weird. It's taken 80 years to discover whatever this fault is?

[ecsrobin]

Like anything aviation related they may have found a crack or something on the engine and now they need to check if it’s a one off or wether it’s a fault across the board.

That’s why you see a lot of precautionary groundings with the offshore fleet as it needs to be checked if it’s a fleet wide issue.

Also I guess BBMF’s fleet of marlins must have some big hours compared to wartime aircraft.

[Krikkit]

Could also be a relatively new modification/newly made parts which are failing in an unintended way, I bet there's plenty of bits in the Merlins which has had a tickle over the years.

[Simpo Two]

Merlins were also never designed to last for 80 years; many ended up in the ground rather quickly.

If I was ludicrously rich I'd sort out the rights/licences etc and remanufacture them.

[Riley Blue]

Are only BBMF aircrafts' Merlins affected by whatever it is?

[CanAm]

Riley Blue said:

Are only BBMF aircrafts' Merlins affected by whatever it is?

And do any of their Spitfires have Griffons? (as it says ALL current and serviceable display aircraft are affected)

Edited by CanAm on Thursday 17th August 06:36

[MikeT66]

Hope they can get this resolved safely. The first time I saw the BBMF was at the Goodwood Revival 10 or so years ago. The Spitfire and Hurricane took off from the Goodwood airfield and circulated the area for a while. I remember the commentator saying that they were awaiting the arrival of the Lancaster, which had taken off from a larger airfield nearby.

There was a low thundering rumble building up - I felt it as much through my feet as hearing it. Everyone around was stood still and quiet, watching and waiting in anticiaption. The noise got louder and louder, the rumble heavier - and then the Lancaster blasted overhead - only a few hundered feet from the ground. It joined the two fighters for their formation flight, which was one of the most awe-inspiring sights I've witnessed - and strangely emotional, which I wasn't expecting. Truly remarkable - and a great memorial to all those who flew these machines in terrible times.

[DuraAce]

If the problem is what I think it is then it's not insurmountable. Won't be impossible to solve.
I haven't seen the specifics mentioned openly so I'm reluctant to do so until the info is in the public domain.

[GadgeS3C]

DuraAce said:

If the problem is what I think it is then it's not insurmountable. Won't be impossible to solve.
I haven't seen the specifics mentioned openly so I'm reluctant to do so until the info is in the public domain.

Be great to get more info if/when you can share.

[Eric Mc]

CanAm said:

Riley Blue said:

Are only BBMF aircrafts' Merlins affected by whatever it is?

And do any of their Spitfires have Griffons? (as it says ALL current and serviceable display aircraft are affected)

Edited by CanAm on Thursday 17th August 06:36

Yes, they have a PRXIX which is Griffon engined. They also have a DC-3/C-47 which has Pratt and Whitney radial engines.

[Johnnybee]

"Should the BBMF be grounded" on the Jeremy Vine show today

[carreauchompeur]

Johnnybee said:

"Should the BBMF be grounded" on the Jeremy Vine show today

What with this and Big Ben, it's a bloody disgrace. Broken Britain elfnsafety muttermuttermutter

[MartG]

The Sun with it's usual level of reporting...

[Europa1]

Johnnybee said:

"Should the BBMF be grounded" on the Jeremy Vine show today

As they haven't announced what the problem is yet, that should be another classic, weighty Jeremy Vine Show discussion.

[Shakermaker]

Was hoping to see them at Dunsfold next weekend - fingers crossed they can get whatever the issue is sorted out and make the event, do love seeing that Lancaster

[SantaBarbara]

Johnnybee said:

"Should the BBMF be grounded" on the Jeremy Vine show today

They get some weird cranks expressing daft views on that prog, I think