Great stuff Grant. Hope they get that port gear sorted - seems to have some history of kneeling down!
And talking of turrets, just look how basic the Anson's turret was (this one at the YAM, near York, UK) - the height of 1930's technology!
Yes, simple is as simple does; the Armstrong Whitworth turrets went to war in the Whitleys as well; quite incredible, but back in 1935 - 36, in Britain the pwered turret was fitted to the Boulton Paul Overstrand only; BP led the field for a number of years with its French licence built SAMM turret eventually fitted to the Defiant. Although Nash and Thompson (Frazer Nash) turrets were more widespread, the BP unit was more advanced, but it was heavier and more complex.
I don't know if its noticeable in my photos, but one thing that stood out on the Anson was red diagonal stripes on the inboard engine nacelles, which were the only guides the gunners had for not shooting off bits of the aeroplane - these were painted to cover the propeller arc. I asked the aircraft's owner about guards to avoid shooting at the tail; no such thing.
Yes, Evan, quite amazing to see skilled skin bashers at work. I used to work with this whizz bang skin basher from Romania and he was incredible to watch; he'd start with a flat piece of ali and before you know it; bish bash bosh - a perfectly formed compund curve!
Very cool Grant, thank you for sharing, I missed this thread for some reason. Great shots sir and it's great to see another old bird take to the air again.
I now Gavin took quite a few photos of the first flight, but is holding off putting them on the internet, as he always likes to let the owners view them first.
What a cracker! I don't know if an Anson can be described as 'beautiful', but there's a distinct elegance about her, I think maybe from the shape of the nose, running back to the curve of the fuselage. Always liked the old 'Annie'.