For a little over six years MAM’S F.51 Danish Hunter has been on display in overall black. According to the blokes at the museum it hasn’t been the most viewed or even noticeable exhibit so, early this year, they decided on a repaint and refurbish.
After discussions with “Hunter Flying Ltd” of Exeter and receiving their permission and moral support it was decided to reproduce this exhibit as a tribute to ‘preserved and flying’ Hunters. With permission in hand, the work proceeded to reproduce the raspberry ripple scheme of Hunter Flying Ltd’s XE601. I don’t know off-hand but this may be the only static Hunter in the raspberry ripple scheme on display at a UK museum – apart from FAST’s Hunter T.7, “Hecate” of course.
The work took a few months and is now complete with the surprising result that visitors now take much more interest in the exhibit, wanting to know more about the history of the colour scheme, its background, etc. So, result there then.
The frame was in a bit of a state having been outside for around tweny years, but has now been refurbished inside and out. The cockpit had been gutted at some time in the past but now has fully configured set of panels and ‘clocks’. There was no Avon in the aircraft and the engine bay and jet pipe bay were in poor state of repair. This has been addressed and rectified. A new canopy has been fitted and several suspect areas of the airframe have been reworked, and generally sorted.
The biggest problem still extant is the nose leg. This has, over the years, become stuck in the ‘link collapsed’ position. This means that the oleo can not be persuaded to return from a stuck-up state to the normal extension. Damage is thought likely if forced.
The museum are in touch with Hunter Flying Ltd and are hoping to be able to arrange for a salutory fly-past by XE601 sometime.
By the way, MAM’s Website now has a regularly updated “News” section. This now includes news of, eg, the work being done on their Beaver DH-2 58-2062 and other recent projects.
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By: Lindy's Lad - 31st July 2007 at 21:05
we have alot to learn from you guys…… 😎
By: LesB - 31st July 2007 at 20:14
Les – There are Hunter noselegs in circulation so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem to get that fixed. They should be able to find a chute type tailcone which would bring her a little closer to ‘601’
Good suggestion Dave, been thought of. I think there may be a spare on site actually, one that was used to ‘fix’ the chute doors on XF382 last year. Not too sure about that though.
Peter
To the best of my knowledge this ‘frame will never hold an Avon again. No point really.
Lindy
What’s next? Well, the Canberra is due its annual makeover, that’s what’s happening now.
Perfect opportunity for a gratuitous photo of WF922 here. The care and attention given to this aircraft shows in the picture I think. Difficult to believe it has been stood outside for better than 20 years now. Who needs a hangar when there’s a dedicated band of maintainers around. The old adage “little and often” comes to mind . . . :rolleyes:
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By: Lindy's Lad - 31st July 2007 at 19:29
ok, you have my attention……
By: David Burke - 31st July 2007 at 19:27
Nope – not the one ! One far more interesting !
By: Lindy's Lad - 31st July 2007 at 19:23
Les – There are Hunter noselegs in circulation so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem to get that fixed. They should be able to find a chute type tailcone
which would bring her a little closer to ‘601’ .
Regards your point Lindy – possibly falling into the purist camp – every airframe can have a use – it’s just deciding what is worth preserving and what isn’t . I am still looking for a museum willing to sacrifice a Danish example to save a more historic Hunter!
we’ve just painted ours… so hands off! 😀 I’m guessing you are referring to the Humbrol Hunter……
By: David Burke - 31st July 2007 at 19:15
Les – There are Hunter noselegs in circulation so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem to get that fixed. They should be able to find a chute type tailcone
which would bring her a little closer to ‘601’ .
Regards your point Lindy – possibly falling into the purist camp – every airframe can have a use – it’s just deciding what is worth preserving and what isn’t . I am still looking for a museum willing to sacrifice a Danish example to save a more historic Hunter!
By: Arabella-Cox - 31st July 2007 at 18:35
That looks really good, i was there a while ago when they were stripping the old scheme off.
curlyboy
By: Lindy's Lad - 31st July 2007 at 16:38
Wonderful! I knew Danish hunters would have a purpose…. upsetting the purists seems like a worthy cause..:D
Hope the momentum keeps up! Well done and good luck for the future. Whats next?
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 31st July 2007 at 16:24
Said it before and will say it again – theres been a fresh breeze through MAM over the past couple of years which is quite superb to witness – well done to ALL!
TT
By: Peter - 31st July 2007 at 15:47
What a transformation!
Wow Les excellent job! She looks much better and will attract more visitors for sure! Will she gain an engine one day?
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July 31, 2007 at 2:46 pm