Whitley update

Dear all

Here are some pictures of progress with our FN 16 turret – the turret ring shown is the lower part of the outer turret ring assembly – this was missing and has been refabricated.

The second picture shows the valve box for the hydraulics under construction – this was reverse engineered from surviving fragments and drawings.

The gun arm is from Z6933 and was recovered some years ago – it was found smashed into three pieces. Carefull cleaning and welding have resulted in a useable original component.

Picture four shows the turret in its wooden frame – the grey support arm (still in primer) is from Whitley EB384 and when recovered was twisted and buckled. After deriveting and straightening it is almost as good as new. Once the remaining castings are bolted onto the frame, the outer turret ring will be fitted.

Pulley assembly from frame 14 – before and after conservation work. We have found a source for the pulleys we require.

Pilots (acquired 2007) and navs (acquired 2005) seat and throttlebox (acquired 2006).

Work is scheduled to start on the centre section in 2008.