Aerospace Bristol reflects on Bolingbroke restoration milestones

This year has been a significant one for the Bolingbroke 9048, which resides in the Conservation Workshop at Aerospace Bristol. The museum, renowned for housing the last Concorde ever to fly, continues its mission to preserve Bristol’s rich aerospace heritage through restoration projects like the Bolingbroke.

Transported from an airfield in California, the aircraft arrived in Bristol in pieces around 2006. Since then, it has undergone extensive repairs to reach its current state, and the work will continue for the foreseeable future. However, Aerospace Bristol is now taking the opportunity to reflect on the progress made this year by the Conservation volunteers, who have shown outstanding commitment and dedication.

Paul Jones, Head of Facilities, said: “The volunteers’ passion for preserving our aerospace heritage and their commitment to each stage of the restoration process have driven the project forward in remarkable ways. From mastering new skills to crafting components from scratch, we owe our volunteers a huge thank you for their extraordinary contributions.”

In July, the team successfully attached the fin. This component required extensive effort, with Conservation Volunteer Tim Nutt crafting the rudder support structure entirely from scratch.

Following the attachment of the tailplane, the previously missing sternpost—also made from scratch by Tim Nutt—was bolted to the tailcone. Once secured, the fin and rudder, both supported by the sternpost, will be added consecutively, marking another key milestone in the restoration process.

In October, Conservation volunteers Tim Nutt, Brian Metters, Keith Griffiths, and Brian Serjent spent time in Maidenhead, where they received training on covering the Bolingbroke’s rudder. With this new skill, the team is now equipped to cover the flying controls of the Bolingbroke, further advancing the restoration efforts.

In addition, work on the Bolingbroke cockpit is underway, with the glazing process completed using Perspex. The next stages of the restoration will involve the creation of new propellers.

Amy Seadon, Head of Collections, Learning & Interpretation, said: “Each volunteer brings unique skills and a passion for detail, ensuring that these pieces of history are carefully and accurately restored. Thanks to their efforts, future generations will have the opportunity to experience and learn from these remarkable aircraft, keeping Bristol’s aerospace heritage alive for years to come.”