The last Beverley
At the Solway Aviation Museum, near Carlisle (UK), there is something that looks like a life-size Airfix model kit. When all the parts there have been brought together again, the result will be the only remaining Blackburn Beverley in the world, XB259.
The last remaining example of the 49 Beverlies ever built, had been an exhibit at a museum at Fort Paull, Hull, for several years. But this museum closed its doors in 2020 and the Beverley had to go. It was initially offered for sale, but proved to be too expensive for the average aviation museum.
As there were no buyers, the plane was ultimately offered for free to anyone that would give the iconic British military transport a new home. Condition: collect as is, where is. Then the Solway Aviation Museum (again) expressed its interest in the Beverley.
And, thanks to very successful fund raising by the Cambrian museum Beverley XB259 was saved by the bell! Within seven weeks the museum managed to fundraise the GBP 60,000 that were needed for the dismantling and transportation to the new home.
Once assembled, the Beverley will join the museum’s vast collection of 23 historic aircraft – including Avro Vulcan XJ823 at Carlisle Airport.
On 7 October 2020, Scramble published news on the dispute over XB259, including the tale of its history.
Photos by Dave Verkaik