Dutch connie update (04/05/04)

As alawys translated from Dutch:
http://www.aviodrome.nl/actueel/projecten/connies-comeback/update-4mei2004.asp

The past two weeks we have had some delays while replacing the old propeller wiring. When we where bundling the wires, we found old wires that where no longer fit for use. We of course replaced these wires. A large problem was that these wires where under the cockpit floor in a inaccessible location. This meant that after the cockpit floor had been removed, we had to remove all wiring from between the control cables, and of course replace them with new wires. We are now bundling the last wires and continue testing the new propeller system.

Removed wires.

In the passenger cabin a lot of work is being done now. With the exception of a few details the interior has been finished. The last mayor job was placing the carpet. Not only does everything look splendid, the acoustics changed as well. We can only hope that the people inside can still hear the roarof the engines!

Putting the carpet in the cabin.

On the outside we are now working on details. There are for instance two lights in the nose. In the beginning Constellations had two lights, a white light for taxying and a red one as a “passinglight” [straight translation from Dutch as I do no know the techincal term]. Later a radar was hung in the nose with over it the distinctive long nose. When this project started our Connie had one of those long noses with a complete radar installation. Now our Connie has a short nose we can reinstall the lights.

The two nose lights.

After having painted the area of the nose gear earlier, we are now working hard on the main gear. Various signs are now being (re)painted and letters stenciled.

Restored signs at main gear.

From the get go various volunteers have been working on making the Constallation flyable. At Saturday the 17th of April all of them (bar 7) where present for a photo op. The result is here:

The volunteers in front of the Connie.

Then and now.

The cabin facing backwards.

The cabin facing forwards.

The nose.

See you at the next (translated :D) update!

N.B. If you are in the possesion of original Constellation material and are willing to donate this to the Aviodrome for the Connie restauration, please contact Connie’s Comeback at [email]connie@aviodrome.nl[/email].