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The Shuttleworth Collection has supported Northern Aeroplane Workshops since its formation in March 1973 by John Langham of Harrogate. Formed as an educational charity to perpetuate the skills of constructing wood, wire and linen aircraft, Langham believed that complete amateurs could, with skilled supervision, build airworthy examples of historic aircraft from original manufacturers' drawings.

From the Collection came a Clerget rotary engine and the promise to finance all materials and when Langham unearthed a full set of Sopwith Triplane factory drawings, his group of enthusiastic amateurs were in business.

Led by Eric Barraclough, who worked for the Comper, Heston and Auster aircraft companies in the 1930s and 40s, the voluntary members set about construction. Sir Thomas Sopwith, the founder of the original aircraft company, supported the unique project throughout his later life and honoured the Society when he decreed that Northern Aeroplane Workshops' triplane should be considered a 'late production' example. This is reflected in the manufacturer's plate in the cockpit being No 153

The triplane (G-BOCK but usually referred to as DIXIE as its colour scheme replicates aircraft N6290 which flew with No 8 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service) was delivered to the Collection in June 1990. An original 130hp Clerget engine was installed by Collection engineers and DIXIE has been a regular display aircraft since her maiden flight on 10 April 1992.

As the triplane came to completion and work began to run out for the volunteers, the Collection financed a second Northern Aeroplane Workshops project; a Bristol M.1C (G-BWJM). Originally started by NAW’s Jack Smallwood as a static example for BristolCityMuseum, the monoplane replicates aircraft C4918 of No 72 Squadron, RFC in 1917. Delivered to Old Warden in October 1997 and fitted with an original 110hp Le Rhône engine, the aircraft has displayed since her first flight on 25 September 2000.

1995 saw the start of the society's third project, a F.1 Sopwith Camel and once again financially supported by The Shuttleworth Collection.   Currently (October 2008) the fuselage primary structure is assembled, together with some detail such as rudder bar and fuel gauge.   Additionally, all wings, ailerons and centre section  are complete.  The undercarriage completes all the major assemblies, which has been trial fitted to the fuselage.   This winter, the society are to embark on the long painstaking process of final assembly.  

The Sopwith Camel can be presently seen on display at the SkoposClassicCarMuseum in Batley, West Yorkshire. The museum houses historic cars and motorcycles in an ever-changing display. Open seven days a week the museum and can be contacted on 01924 444423.

Several years ago a feasibility study, in conjunction with the Airco D.H.2 Research Group and the Collection, successfully determined that building a D.H.2 was practicable. This will include the production of all drawings – the originals are lost – and building an airworthy example for the Collection of this famous 'pusher' is now NAW’s fourth project.

Northern Aeroplane Workshops can be contacted on the following e-mail: r.hendrie4@ukonline.co.uk

(Please note that we are unable to supply aircraft drawings).

Pictures courtesy of Dave Proctor