Latest update courtesy of John –

Ray Molyneux observed last week “two or three lines in the Maintenance Manual” -can translate into hours if not sometimes days of work!

He is finding the work he is involved in with the many pipes and lines to be extremely time demanding. Often time consuming modifications have to be made to get them to fit.

However: Elevators-fabric repair has been done.

Fuel lines: Port and Starboard sides done.

Oil lines: similar also work in progress.

Engine lines: Removing and replacing

Lifting Jacks: redesign and reengineering, necessary to ensure they fit exactly into position and are also strong enough-Terry Woolard is handling.

Donations and sponsors are still welcomed to the project if anyone wishes to help get VH-CAT back flying as a memorial to the WW2 RAAF Catalina operations.

We have more news from John on VH-CAT progress – items worked on in last 2 weeks include –

*Finished fabrication of parts for drain cowl. Primed cowl & parts ready to rivet together

* Continuing to remove hoses port engine

*Refurbished fuel drain hoses refitted in pylon

*New adaptor for feather pump made

* Installed fire sleeved hoses on port engine

* Port propeller removed –ready for testing when that workshop can accept the job
Photos here
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=586471781371009&set=o.38244348751&type=1&relevant_count=2&ref=nf
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=586471584704362&set=o.38244348751&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf

*Fuel filters replaced on bulkhead

*Two fuel filters removed for refurbishment, now installed

* More hoses taken out of starboard engine. (Note. More hoses yet to be removed for refurbishment) they will be done as one “job lot” for efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Many other jobs are in course of completion.

If interested to become members and support VH-CAT to fly again maybe help by donating or consider becoming a member of the project or helping out anyway you can offer – visit the webpage at http://catalinaflying.org.au/ for more information or download a membership form from http://catalinaflying.org.au/Volunteer%20Form%20Jan%202012.pdf.

A newspaper story done today – http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1478956/gallery-thrilling-display-at-wings-over-illawarra/?cs=12

More news to share – the commencement of work to strip out interior, (first of 12 sequences), has been authorised. The dismantling of various sections in preparation for shipment will follow.
The team expect to return to San Juan in 3-4 weeks to over see final preparations in readiness for shipment.

Seems the press release has had a good result as the Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Trust has received much interest in last 24hrs coming from US, UK and Australia and media it seems…..

Today after the Easter break volunteer work has continued on CAT and John fills us in with tasks such as –

*Unloader valve reinstalled and pumped to 300 PSI, no leakage yet evident.

*Walkways measured for relining with marine ply.

*Oil priming system being readied for installation.

*We have found that as we need to attend to the Feather Pump, we will have to drain the engines oil. Maybe see how it is and filter it , if OK. Alternatively replace with new oil.

* Landing lights , being tested and Perspex covers cleaned.

*Electricals have been worked on during the week.

Anyone interested to donate, help or assist in anyway should get in touch with CFML,so the big Cat can return to the air sooner.

EMC, aka Ewan from Melbourne.

What i do sharing interesting link is not a paid service, i hope your aware. It is a hobbie / passion to share information. If i dont give a precise title the world will not end tomorrow.

I gave a tube link to Battle of Britain about foreigners involved – how hard is that to worm out? I clearly stated the tile and what it was about.
I dont think i need to be any more clearer.

It has nothing to do with Channel 4!!!!
Channel 4 is a national TV station is it not, not a you tube program.

If you really dont like what i provide/find… i suggest stop complaining all the time and i suggest go find it yourself……….

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