Mosquito restoration

Hi Bruce

Sorry – thanks for the correction – I shall revert to type and NOT believe what I read in the Mags – I checked and that is what was said.

Regards
John P

That’s what I thought but I wasn’t sure. I was certain somebody that knew would turn up sooner or later. 🙂

To date, the only ultrasound inspection done on any Mosquito has been on TA634 at the Mosquito Museum. We are also preparing to do the same on the prototype in due course.

It is interesting to note that much of the ‘delamination’ found on TA634 was from original manufacture – i.e. voids where the glue had not stuck. There was a little found that was through age and neglect, but really comparatively little.

Bruce

Hi DHFAN

I have read that the Delamination ultra sounds were done and Delamination has occurred on both sides of the fuselage especially in the forward areas and that was part of the reason it had not progressed up till now.

Regards
John P

There is apparently an approved repair scheme for the wing. Don’t fancy it myself.
De-lamination is unlikely to be a problem, it’s spent virtually all it’s life indoors.
I think it’s probably the first Mossie I ever saw, 40-odd years ago at Lambeth.

well…

I don’t think the “a lot of money” part is going to be an issue with the new owner; in fact, he may use crisp new 100 dollar bills interleaved & compressed into a sturdy laminate to fix the damage…

cheers

greg v

Am I going mad or did was the Mossie in the RAF Museum rather than the IWM. I seem to remember it being where the RAF Recruiting display is today

Hi John

I think it will be a very long time before much happens to the Mossie – the work required is vast to get this thing fixed and the damage from the wing cut is no easy fix – most Mosquitos de laminate so that also will be an issue – in short chances are that to rebuild this thing to fly will probably require a full woodwork rebuild and that isn’t fun – it’s just plain hard work and a lot of money.

My opinion anyway
John P

Thanks for the information. I recall seeing the plane at the IMW back in 1975…I had always assumed it was still there.
Now that I live a few hours fromits new home, maybe I’ll see it again.

Yes, it’s almost certainley Mosquito T.3 TV959 that had a wing cut off before being hung in the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth for many years. The airframe was aquired by TFC and moved to Duxford, and sat in storage at the back of TFC’s hanger for nearly 10 years.
It’s believed that the Mossie going to FHC was part of the deal involving the FHC P-38 that TFC have now sold on.

Hi

Been posted before – apparently the former IWM/Duxford example now in storage “somewhere in England” Wing was severed and will make for a long restoration no doubt.

Regards
John P