Whispering Giant Bristol Britannia Aeroplane
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LIVERPOOL’S ‘Whispering Giant’ – a huge Bristol Britannia aeroplane – has returned home after being rescued from a fire dump by a group of enthusiasts.
Former owner of the Bristol Britannia G-ANCF (Charlie Fox) Roger Hargreaves said his rare and beautiful aircraft was in serious danger of being scrapped after the owners of Kemble airfield in Gloucestershire gave him just one month to find it a new home.
Fortunately Merseyside’s Jetstream Club heard about the former British Eagle aircraft’s plight and offered to transport Charlie Fox bit-by-bit to their site at the old airport terminal buildings at Speke.
Several wagons containing support gear and control surfaces made the trip over the last month in preparation for her arrival and yesterday the aircraft – one of only four remaining in the UK – arrived at Speke on a series of low loaders where she will now be restored to its former glory.
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Progress visit 28 April 2007.
Paid a visit to the Old airport today to see how things are pregressing and came away with some nice pics :-
As you may notice the wings have been added too and the cockpit is at a nice point in renovation but a bit of a jigsaw I am told.
I will keep up the visting in the weeks ahead.
One more pic to come but I will keep that for later :)
Phredd
British Eagle Airlines’ Bristol Britannia
The former British Eagle Airlines’ Bristol Britannia, nicknamed Charlie Fox, is being restored at the old Speke Airport Aerodrome, now the Marriott Hotel, Liverpool South.
Charlie Fox is being recon-structed outside the hangar (now David Lloyd Speke sports centre), which was its base during the mid-1960s.
The 1958-built plane is one of only five survivors from the 85 Bristol Britannias built, which were the last great propeller-driven airliners dubbed “the whispering giants”.
It was built under licence by Short Bros in Belfast.
“As Charlie Fox was based at Speke while owned by British Eagle, it is also an important part of our local aviation heritage,” says Roy Coates, chairman of The Jetstream Club which is undertaking the restoration.
Charlie Fox will be on display outside the hotel restaurant. ADMISSION free (donations appreciated); open tomorrow 10am - 4pm. Entry via Marriott Hotel Liverpool South. Further details at website: jetstream-club.org