Progress has been a bit slow but we are busy fitting the fuel tank stress
panels.
In the past the gang has removed and re fitted stress panels for the
purpose of moving the aircraft and old hands at the job. As this part of
the process has to be certified for airworthiness we must ensure that the
job is done right, first time. We are all waiting for the day (soon) when
we take her off jacks and into the sunshine. The refitting of the stress
panels entails the repair of the odd anchor nut and getting the correct
screws, and shims together.
After carefully considering the repair job to the roundel on the port
fuselage I decided to scrap it and do the job over again from scratch.
It will look so much better. Dave Jag applied the outer blue ring after
allowing the paint to start drying the masking was carefully removed and
the circle turned out just fine. Dave Jag will give the fuselage a once
over with another coat of clear coat before we take her outside.
The starboard wing has been completed and was given a coat of clear
coat last week. This week Dave also painted the blue ring on the
upper surface roundel. Once we have finished the roundel the wing must
be lifted onto some trestles so that the sheeties can continue with the
repair job inside the wing.
We were honored with a visit from Maj Gen Ralston and his wife. The
General was happy with the progress since he last saw the aircraft at AAD
in 2006.
There is still lots of sheetmetal work to be done on both wing attachments
before the wings can be re-installed. The day the wings go back on will
be cause for a big party!!
Bill is busy with the starboard engine. It will soon be ready for swinging
into position. Another reason for a party. The port engine will not require
so much work. Also once re-hung another milestone and yet more liver
damage.
This project is sponsored by the South African Aviation Foundation.
For any queries regarding this project, or the SA Aviation Foundation,
please
email us.
