Most people believe that preservation means that
an aeroplane has had a wonderful restoration or a new paint job were as if the aeroplane is with a museum/collection in what ever condition, the fact that it’s means in fact it’s being preserved.
Take for example the HP Halifax at Hendon, the fact that is not now in a lake and has been rescued means that it is in fact being preserved, it’s time for restoration is for future generations to debate.
the fact that there are aeroplanes with museums/collection and private owners means that they are in most cases being preserved, how many will last for ever who’s to say.
By: tonydyer - 16th August 2002 at 21:29
RE: What is preservation?
Good thread Naylan
As you know, I have ‘preserved’ the Pucara nose! It will soon be the only lump showing the original finish applied.
There are many standards for preservation….let us hope that concours restorations do not become the norm!!!
Contact me off board regarding Tyffie stuff when you have some time old bean
regards
Tony
By: Naylan Moore - 16th August 2002 at 19:56
RE: Reposted from the Halifax thread
Your explination that time causes corrosion is only partly correct, corrosion is caused by the following factors;
Water, Air, Electrolysis and Time
Time is only a factor in the case of water/air when the aircraft is exposed to either water/air over a period of time).
electrolysis is the biggest enemy the battle against corrosion, electrolysis is cause by an electrochemical reaction.
In aircraft there is an elecrochemical reaction between steel and aluminium as most aircraft are constructed of these metals the battle against this form of corrosion is almost impossible, this form of corrosion is also not helped by the passage of time.
By: Moggy C - 16th August 2002 at 11:27
Reposted from the Halifax thread
Should really have been here in the first place…
The aircraft we are discussing are all made largely of metal.
Metal decays over time, returning gradually to the ground from which the ore was originally extracted. There is nothing available in current technology that will prevent these airframe corroding away as each year passes. This is universally acknowledged by the preservation movement. We can delay it by keeping the airframes indoors, controlling their environment etc. But we cannot stop it.
It will take a long time, and so will be no concern of you or I. 🙁 Also, who knows what developments will occur in the future? But as of now, each airframe’s clock is ticking away. All we can do is replace bits until we are left with 100% replicas
Moggy
By: MarkG - 16th August 2002 at 09:36
RE: What is preservation?
Hmm, interesting point Naylan.
It all depends how the term “preservation” is defined I suppose. If you take it literally, then the preservation of an airframe could mean simply preventing it from deteriorating any further thereby ‘preserving’ it in it’s current condition.
This, of course, is a vital part of the restoration process. You need to stabilise the condition of the airframe before any corrective action or restoration to original condition can begin.
Taking the Hendon Halifax as an example again, although it’s a sad sight to see at least the airframe has been ‘preserved’ in that it’s been removed from the harsh environment in which it’s lain for decades and is now in a situation where further decay should not occur.
Mark Gauntlett
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August 15, 2002 at 8:51 pm