I might be wrong, but seem to recall it was for safety over concerns for integrity of the props.

One of a number of reasons. The management at the time decided against doing any more engine runs on any aircraft so that was a big blow. The port prop is shot, very pitted near the hub, and there was talk for years that the engine had also seized. Whilst stiff, we have found that this is not the case 🙂 The starboard side is fine.
The main reason in the end was that in order to preserve the aircraft better it had a hangar built around it. Of course trying to run the aircraft inside would blow everything else around it through the hangar walls.. but we are going to have a crack at changing that in 2015.

I will be doing the Christmas thing over the next day or so but then back into it, the hydraulic tank is leaking so want to get that fixed. Some interesting photos coming up again too. We would love to cycle both the props at the same time but the drain on the batteries is too great 🙁 Still, we know the aircraft is live. I will aim to get some internal shots with the lights on too.

Thanks all, did some more work today, this time focusing on the cockpit. The fact that I (at 6ft 6) managed to get into the cockpit seat for the first time was a feat in itself, and I was pleased as punch!

So, my view down the entry hatch
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Before
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After
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Coming back to life but requiring a toothbrush or two to get into the fiddly areas
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Before
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After
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Hopefully there are some who can use these as reference shots too, always happy to help where we can

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More to follow

Thanks Tony, Phil / Daniel / Liberator whatever his ID is here is based in Sydney but given space and the like it is probably a no go anyway. Nice idea though, hopefully the weather is kind to us 🙂

Quick update with just a few weeks to go :

A special display – the partial remains of a floor area / front section of a Fairey Battle is now confirmed.

Raffle is getting bigger by the week – around 30 prizes up for grabs.

Very few tickets left for access inside the Beaufighter.

Will have the Southern Area Concert Band performing a set of military works as well (90% confirmed)

So many things on the day – but vital to get your tickets beforehand ! See above for details

Cheers

TICKETS NOW ON SALE !! http://www.trybooking.com/96914

Anyone in the local area – that’s Moorabbin, Victoria, Australia 🙂 should make the trip to this day – we will open up our mighty Beaufighter for an additional fee on the day – there will only be 35 tickets for this aircraft due to logistical matters (read that as it’s mighty hard to get in and out of up thru the belly !)

So confirmed on the day :
Beaufighter (35 people only)
EE Canberra
Hawker Hunter
MiG
C-47
Firefly
DH Sea Venom
DH Dove
Vickers Viscount (walk thru)
Bristol Freighter (walk thru)
F-111
More to follow

Cheers

Todays poster – you will be able to walk through this aircraft – the Vickers Viscount that was once at Wobbies World Amusement Park nearby.

Please share with any friends who may want to come along to this fantastic event

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Quick update pic as promised. The painting part is very challenging in such small spaces, but we got an excellent colour match, and have left the lower skins off so the internals can be painted properly.

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