Ground dug exhaust manifold - Merlin engine ??

[Steve T]

Hi all

Another ground dug piece of aircraft I need some help with. I initially thought this was a Merlin engine exhaust manifold but I have been unable to confirm this. The portion that joins the engine certainly appears to be the right shape and size for a Merlin exhaust manifold gasket, (of which I have a number), as the gasket fits very well.

There are no visible markings on the piece and it came from an old airfield that was used for sometime after the war. It also housed RN aircraft as well as RAF. It has been quite badly damaged, probably by farm machinery.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Steve T

 

[A4K]

Does look like the fishtail exhausts fittted to Mk.V Spitfires and Mk.II Hurricanes, so could well be...

 

[buffnut453]

Or perhaps it's from a Merlin-engined Halifax which, IIRC, had 2 fishtails not unlike this piece.

 

[A4K]

Good point - you're right!

 

[destrozas]

I think they are from halifax mk I Series II Coastal Command with flame arresters, but the state is not to be the most optimal for my view to give something concrete, I have seen few

 

[Steve T]

Got the little bugger !!!!!!!!

De Havilland Mosquito NF 2. Perfect match, even down to a strange welded square patch with a hole through it just above the first port.

I am WELL chuffed

Many thanks for your help guys

Steve T

 

[A4K]

Got the little bugger ... I am WELL chuffed

And rightly so mate, what a great find!!! Do you plan to restore them?

 

[Steve T]

Certainly going to give it a go A4K.

 

[A4K]

Good on ya!

 

[woljags]

keep digging i'd love for you to be able to find the rest of it,nice find