Merlin exhaust manifold.....or something else ??

[Steve T]

Hmmmm....not far off. This piece was picked up from close to RAF Ford (RN HMS Peregrine) so the Sea Hornet makes sense

[Steve T]

A suggestion from another forum that it is of a Halifax. Not sure if they are referring to the Merlin engined Halifax or the Bristol Hercules engined one though........they didn't link a picture !!!

[Thanatos]

Gday Steve,
If you look at the images notice how the front exhaust stub is a diffrent colour on these MKV Spits (heat may-be,may-be not),could the front stub be on a seperate manifold to the rear two stubs and hot air outlet? You may have a rear Merlin 45-50 manifold.


Will look into it a bit deeper over the week-end if no one else reply's.
Cheers mate.

[cornishboy]

Nice pics to prop up your theory,certainly look like a close match.Great find Steve!

[Thanatos]

Just read an interesting fact,The initial Seafire F.1B's were Merlin 45 or 47 powered converted MKVB's and new build aircraft (Seafire II's) were based on the Spitfire MKVC with Merlin 45's and 46's .The Seafire could be a connection to RN HMS Peregrine which I assume is an ex RN airbase.

[Steve T]

Oh my goodness !!! I think I've just found the little sod !!!!!

Merlin 21 or 23 from a Mosquito.......what do you think?





Getting excited now !!!!



Steve T

PS Thanatos. Thanks for the pictures but I know that those exhaust ports matched to two of the manifold outlets each, not three like mine.

[Steve T]

And more photos, now narrowed down to the Mosquito NF 2. Reason we didn't spot it straight away is because, with it being a night fighter, it usually has shrouds covering the exhaust !!!!





And now for the definitive proof......

This photo clearly shows the exhaust manifold AND, most importantly of all......

......the square welded patch with the hole in it !!!!

Now I really AM excited. Mosquito NF 2. AWESOME !



Cheers for all the help guys

Steve T

[Steve T]

And to cap it off, just found this on the net regarding the squadrons base at Ford....

'No. 23 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps was formed in 1915 and disbanded just after the war in 1919. It was re-formed on 1 July 1925 at RAF Henlow, and in 1938 it became a night-fighter squadron using the Bristol Blenheim. These were replaced by the Douglas Havoc and then the de Havilland Mosquito. Between 1942 and 1944.'

[ian_]

Good work, had me stumped! Very nice item Steve.

[davejb]

Ah yes, I thought it was a Mossie, but I didnt want to spoil it for everyone