Summer is a busy time for families to reconnect, but our dedicated group of volunteers still manage to keep projects on the front burner at the Museum. Here’s a sample;
The Fleet Finch is readied for a flight. An excited passenger gives a ‘thumbs up’ before pilot, Bill and prop-swinger, Dave set the time machine in motion.
Maintaining our outdoor fleet takes a lot of work. After a major effort in scrubbing the Firecat, stage 2 is in progress. Fine grit is used, followed by machine polishing.
Oh, the aching muscles! Can you help with arm power? Call the Museum.
(Photo credit: Alan Palmer)
Sopwith Pup #1 – ‘Betty/Phyllis’ – has had its new engine fitted. Avionics technician, Bruce, makes all the right connections to get it ready for flight again.
Meanwhile, Pup #1 – ‘Happy’ – gets its rigging tweaked to correct a tendency to fly slightly one wing low. Rigging of biplanes is done ‘by the book’ but sometimes the books are sparse on details. Here, Bill straddles the plank, while Al fits locking wire.
The restoration of the DH.82C Tiger Moth is progressing steadily. The four wings have been trial-fitted to ensure the multitude of wires, fittings, nuts and bolts are all accounted for. Once this is done, the wings will be removed and painted. Experience has shown this is the only way to treat a restoration of this magnitude! Ray, Bill, Dave and Alf are shown as the work progresses.
A model of another de Havilland product, the Mosquito, supervises from on high.