But how can this be so? I mean, we’ve been told time and time again that FAAM doesn’t have the skills to perform such work? Doesn’t it?? ??

I think it worth adding (as I don’t think it is mentioned above) that virtually all of the nuts, bolts and washers are the originals which have all been treated and re-used. And where the originals were too far gone, original spec replacements have been sourced. And all protected in accordance with the original drawings. Such is the attention to detail. No scrappy bits of tinwork, no commercial-type cheap alternatives, no filler.

Proper, meticulous, careful restoration such as this by people (one in particular) who could put a lot of so-called engineers to shame, will preserve this unique aircraft for generations to come. Work like this takes time, effort and money to do RIGHT.

BZ FAAM!

According to the Historic Flight , Skeeter XL812 (G-SARO) was grounded in 2007 by the CAA (along with all Skeeters) due to issues with main rotor blade spar corrosion and time expired components.

What the time expired components are I am unsure

The Skeeter’s Civilian Permit to Fly was withdrawn by the CAA during the first quarter of 2005 following the publication of the findings of an MoD report into Ageing Aircraft in which Significant Structural Integrity issues were identified regarding shortfalls in the original fatigue substantiation of Skeeter transmission and rotables during the platform’s development resulting in substantially lower calculated Safe Lives for such components than those originally predicted by Saunders-Roe. The final nail in the coffin came with the discovery of significant pitting corrosion within the tubular steel main spars of a large sample of main rotor blades as part of the Structural Sampling Programme instigated to try and regain confidence in the aircraft’s Structural Integrity. Support for the Skeeter and its all-important Safety Case was formally withdrawn by the MoD 14 January 2008.

Lee

Can anyone with an original scheme let me know the height and width of the registration on the rear fuse and the size of the VL code on the fin please.

VL = 12″

ROYAL NAVY = 8″

Serial = 4″

Rich (if, indeed, that is your name and not a pseudonym)

My position? What position is that, then??

You seem to know an awful lot about something you’ve had no involvement in. At all. A lot of supposition about quantities of original versus re manufactured. Based on what? How would you know what the final result will be? Are you any good with predicting next week’s Lottery results, too?

And you’re still ignoring the fact that FAAM property is missing. If you have the keys to your car to someone and then found the car went missing would you just accept that and go out and acquire yourself a new one? Or would you want what was rightfully yours back?

You seem to know of the whereabouts of a replacement tail wheel assembly and tyre, along with an elevator. Can you advise specifically where? And would you be willing to dip into your own pocket and fund their recovery from either a remote hillside somewhere (not necessarily in the UK either)?

Or would you accept the generous offer of having a replacement made at nil cost until such time as either the original one is returned to its rightful owners, or another is sourced?

And finally, do you actually want to see this project fail just so that you can stand back and say ‘I told you so’, or are are you genuinely an aviation enthusiast who wants to support a worthy cause by passing on, at the very least, your very best wishes?

They didn’t waste their time with CAD, I’m nothing to do with the museum & I did it free as it was something fun to do, so choose your words carefully, obtain facts before shouting.

And it looks very good! Nice to see some support for the project from a fellow forumite. :applause:

Missing the point again: why are bits missing? They shouldn’t be.

OOps. Historic Flight.

I’d love to visit, but after doing a few weekends at Coventry, family commitments mean I’m driving the other direction this coming weekend and have to behave myself. Seeing as the FAAM like posting press releases on here, why not get a progress shot up?

As for the missing bits – try the other wrecks.

Regards,

Rich

Really showing your ignorance there, Rich. Work isn’t being held up at all. And how do you know just how original the parts are that are being used? Answer is you don’t.

Makes me laugh: Swordfish is nothing to do with FAAM. And it has brand new spars, not original ones.

So, please be informed before passing judgement.

I get it, and I read the press release right the first time – it still reads like a thinly veiled accusation. Its easier to make a replica of something rather than go and find another. How many Barra wrecks are out there? There’s still a few high ground ones with wreckage left and a couple in Norway. Surely there’s an oleo kicking about, its not exactly a lightweight item.

You might want to find yourself a moderators account before making any more ‘suggestions’ about my opinions. You want yours respected, respect mine.

Regards,

Rich

Why would they go get another one when they had (past tense) a perfectly good one to start with, the exact current whereabouts of which has yet to be determined?

Surely, something as large as a Barracuda tail wheel and oleo can’t be that difficult to locate?