Shrewsbury firm backs classic engine project
A mission to restore four classic World War Two-vintage Bristol Hercules engines to running order is being given strong support by Shrewsbury firm Morris Lubricants.
The firm is providing classic oil for the engines in return for having two stainless steel fuel tanks wrapped with the company’s famous blue and yellow brand.
Yorkshiremen Patrick Smart and Peter Irving are aiming to restore four of the engines, which powered a variety of British aircraft including the mighty Halifax bomber, to ground-running condition for displays around the country.
They have already fully restored one engine – one of only a handful of known working Bristol Hercules in the world. Another is nearing completion and the other two should be completed within two years, provided the required parts are located following a worldwide search of aircraft museums and private collections.
Patrick, whose father Alan flew Halifax bombers from Lissett, Driffield and Pocklington airfields during the Second World War, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross, found the first of the Hercules engines on loan at Elvington Air Museum.
It was on display and no longer in working order. They bought it, set about rebuilding and within a couple months it was running.
“We are a pair of petrolheads, really,” explained Patrick. “The reason I took the restoration on is my dad was a former pilot officer in the war flying with 158 and 640 Squadrons. He always praised the Bristol Hercules engines, as he said ‘they always got us home’.
“The aim is to get all four engines running together. What a sound that will be - we’ll almost have a full bomber.”
Peter began flying at the age of 16 and joined the RAF to fly fast jets, culminating in the Tornado F3 before becoming a Virgin Atlantic Airways captain flying the Airbus A340-600.
Morris Lubricants is supplying 205 litres of its Golden Film SAE 50 Classic Motor Oil, a specialist range of high quality, low detergent/dispersant monograde lubricants, for the engines. The oils are suitable for use in naturally aspirated four stroke petrol and diesel engines and classic gearbox designs.
“We needed a thicker oil more closely matched to what the engines used to run on and Morris Lubricants came up with Golden Film SAE 50,” said Patrick. “Morris Lubricants has a track record of supporting heritage projects.”
The restored Bristol Hercules engine will be running at a series of events this year including Bicester Flywheel Festival on June 24 and 25, Blackbushe Airfield 75th anniversary weekend on July 1 and 2, Breighton Airfield Buckfest weekend from July 14 to 16, Croft Nostalgia Weekend on August 5 and 6 and Eshott Airfield, Northumberland, from August 18 to 20.